The Gilead passage is so much the theme of the present moment and how you react to that moment. The passage helps Mary Anne to focus outside of herself, and direct her concerns toward others, such as how to comfort refugees, fellow patients, caregivers. It is a great generational message to step away from your personal cares and see how you can be of help to others.
There was another Gilead passage quoted of "I'll pray that you grow up a brave man in a brave country. I will pray you find a way to be useful" is very parent's prayer. -- That your child will have confidence, not be oppressed and be of service and value. I'm sure Mary Anne's experience in Afghanistan and other war-torn countries colored her desires for where and how her own children would live and become.