Mary Letter Day 31

 Lord, you have been our refuge *
from one generation to another.

 Before the mountains were brought forth,

or the land and the earth were born, *
from age to age you are God.
 You turn us back to the dust and say, *
"Go back, O child of earth."
 For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past *
and like a watch in the night.
You sweep us away like a dream; *
we fade away suddenly like the grass.
 In the morning it is green and flourishes; *
in the evening it is dried up and withered.
 For we consume away in your displeasure; *
we are afraid because of your wrathful indignation.
Our iniquities you have set before you, *
and our secret sins in the light of your countenance.
When you are angry, all our days are gone; *
we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
The span of our life is seventy years,
perhaps in strength even eighty; *
yet the sum of them is but labor and sorrow,
for they pass away quickly and we are gone.
 Who regards the power of your wrath? *
who rightly fears your indignation?
So teach us to number our days *
that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
Return, O Lord; how long will you tarry? *
be gracious to your servants.
Satisfy us by your loving-kindness in the morning; *
so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life.
 Make us glad by the measure of the days that you afflicted us *
and the years in which we suffered adversity.
 Show your servants your works *
and your splendor to their children.
 May the graciousness of the Lord our God be upon us; *
prosper the work of our hands;
prosper our handiwork. Psalm 90

Dear Momma and Papa,

The winter here in the city is nothing like at home. It is muddy and cold on the streets. We went out walking in the market yesterday, and were chilled to the bone and filthy. Fortunately, our little home in this barn, is warmed by animals and the heating for the inn attached. We are all three doing well, although this little boy is remarkable. Hungry and active and a good sleeper. Folks have heard about him and come by all the time, bringing us little gifts of food and baby clothes. We are aching to come home, but the wheels of government are grinding slowly. Actually, I think things have come to a halt, completely.

Joseph is a wonderful husband, so patient with both of us. He doesn't lose his temper, even though learning to be parents is confusing and infuriating at times. I lose it, but he keeps it together and find ways to change my sour moods. I  am so amazed by all the ways he can make me happy when I am trying so hard to be miserable. He has taken us both on with such great joy and he loves the baby, so willing to hold him and change him. The wise women told me their husbands would never change their little ones. They were somewhat shocked by our unusual lives together, I think. It works for us.

I hope you are praying for our swift return, as I know I am. This is a bearable situation, but it is not home. I have no desire to stay here any longer than we need to. As soon as the paperwork is finally filed, we will run all the way back. 

Love always,

Mary