Hidden Behind the Mountains

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7 ESV).

As you might probably know, we are a homeschooling family, and we live near an “oil farm”. A few days ago, on 3rd March 2026, when my husband and I heard what sounded like thunder shortly after 10:00 in the morning. Later, we learned that it was the sound of a debris from an intercepted attack that had fallen on one of the oil tanks in our city. After the faint crashing sound, we witnessed billowing dark smoke rising and spreading across the sky. Soon after, we received a public safety alert from the government on our mobile phones that the road where our building is located had been closed in both directions, and travelers were advised to use an alternate route. Past 8:00 PM of the same day, we received another alert stating that the situation was under control and that the road in our area had been reopened for passage.

In the aftermath of the attack, a constant column of thick black smoke rising in the morning and the dancing edges of the glowing fire at night can be seen from our apartment’s bedroom window. Although the blaze was not in full view, it still triggered fear. Ironically, one night after praying for the peace of every country involved in the ongoing strife, wisdom for the leaders of the UAE, and for the safety and protection of our family, friends, civilians, responders, and the military, my heart felt heavy as fear began to creep in. As I looked toward the direction of the burning oil tank, I began to thank God that there were rocky mountain ranges that obstruct the full view of the devastation. I used to be unappreciative of these “bare” mountains, but that night I was thankful that the community have them as protective barriers.

In the days and nights that followed, and even as I write this article, we would still hear thunder-like sounds, invisible jets hovering around the sky, whistling sounds from interceptions, and safety alerts and notifications from the government. In the midst of all these events, I thank God that our family is still able to fully homeschool and do mundane tasks, such as buying groceries, washing dirty laundry, cleaning our aquarium, and watering our plants.

The United Arab Emirates is my family’s second home, and we have spent 10 years of our lives here. We feel safe and secure, upheld by the LORD, and his perfect peace fills our souls even in times of troubling and unsettling times. We know he is in full control of the situation. He is ruling and reigning in perfect wisdom, he is sovereign above all and there is nothing for us to fear. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together (Colossians 1:16-17, ESV).

To other homeschooling families in the UAE, or to anyone who may be struggling with anxiety or gripped with fear, please know that you are not alone. If you need someone to talk to or pray for you, feel free to reach out at hello@imsetapart.com

Maricon is one of our authors. She is serving with her husband who is the Assistant Pastor at Immanuel Church in the United Arab Emirates. She is homeschooling their children, Sophia and Joash.
Read more about Maricon HERE.

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