In late fall, the North Korean earth is still warm and moist, but the air bites sharply with the approach of winter. On still early mornings, dense fog forms, obscuring all but just the nearest few feet of road directly ahead. In years past, we have often traveled this very stretch of road completely surrounded by this impenetrable fog – so dense that we could only creep forward a few yards at a time. The headlights of our vehicle gave some illumination, but ultimately were no match for this fog – only the steady, intense persistence of the morning sun would eventually burn it away and gradually clear the path before us.

As we approach the end of another long year of unexpected challenges and trials of many kinds due to the DPRK's strict Covid-19 restrictions, we still find ourselves in the midst of a dense fog of uncertainty. Yet, we give thanks for God’s presence and faithfulness. Like the sun that we know is above and beyond the fog, but whose penetrating light we cannot yet see, we rest in the steadfast assurance of His abiding presence and everlasting love.