"When the pace of life changed for everyone in March 2020, it didn't affect our family the same way it did others. We had already been social distancing and practicing quarantining to some degree, but I would never refer to what we were doing by those terms. We adjusted the pace of our schedule when my uncle came to live with us back in November of 2017 because of his dementia. Slowly, as we learned to adjust our routine and our pace to meet his needs, we soon adopted a 'new normal,' another term that I wouldn't freely use. We experienced struggles as I know so many around us did. Unfortunately, I grumbled and complained when life got messy and didn't look the way I thought it would, but it's during these times that God calls me to be obedient and to trust Him and His timing.

In these past months of uncertainty, I have seen God's goodness over our family in consistently meeting our needs, from the really big ones that we didn't see coming until we were in the thick of it, down to the unexpected gift of toilet paper because someone thought we might need an extra pack! There are seven of us under our roof at this time and yes, the gift of toilet paper may have been odd at any other season, but God knew and used this small gesture of kindness to gently remind me that He knows what we need even before we need it. So many people during this season have been the hands and feet and Jesus to us and although I couldn't connect the dots to where we are now to where we were back in March, God has been faithful. He continues to teach me to trust Him with my marriage, with our children, with my uncle's changing needs, with our finances, and everything beyond that. 

I have definitely struggled this season, but I have also been blessed beyond measure. Everyone in our household has stayed healthy and well. We have been helped in so many tangible ways, as I've mentioned, but also through the many prayers that have been shared on our behalf. Why should I be surprised when trials come because they always do. Back in March 2020, a friend shared John 16:33 with me in a text. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world. Thankful for a timely verse that I go back to often and the reminder of God's love for me and for my family." - Anna H.