This week I am re-posting what Emily wrote for our branch website, pbtpng.org. As I am responsible for administering the branch website, I ask every missionary to write a short article once every three or four months. This week it was our week to write an article. Here is what Emily wrote:
Seeing Through the Mist
During the two months we lived in Alaska, I experienced a few frustrations with the weather. If you have ever been to Alaska you know that many days there is a fog or mist present. On those days the mountains are covered and your line of sight isn’t very far. It’s frustrating to not be able to see the glory of the mountains or the big blue sky when the midst or fog is present. But of course this is written by as someone who grew up in the BIG SKY state and gets homesick when she can’t see the skies for miles.
On those frustrating misty days in Alaska, I was reminded of many frustrating, impatient days I have had in my past with God because He was only showing me so much of the path ahead of me. I like a plan. If I had it my way I would have a plan for the next five years at least. I don’t like not seeing what is on the path ahead and I want it clear. I laugh as I write this because I believe God chose the year 2012 to be a misty, foggy year for me and is breaking me of strong desire to always have my plan. As we approach the month of September, I reflect on the first eight months of this year and realize God has only shown me a little part of this year’s pathway at a time. But I couldn’t have planned the events of the past eight months better. I say this recognizing how much I felt like kicking and screaming and not surrendering myself to dependence on the Father. These instances are yet another reminder of how great it is to have God’s promises in my language, that I may find rest and confidence in Him.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11
As Emily and I mesh our two lives together into one, I will be asking her to write more frequently for our blog.
Tyler and Emily in PNG 
Your mist has been a blessing to us. We love you.
Well said and very thought provoking, Emily. If we knew all that was ahead we might not want to go that way, but as the scriptures say, He will never make plans that are not for our good.