Yesterday I went on a little trip the American Embassy here in Manila. Don’t worry, I’m not in any trouble and I didn’t lose my passport. But, I do need to get a form notarized so I can sell my car to someone in California.
The day started out pretty normal, at least for World Race standards. I didn’t know who was coming to get me and they didn’t know who they were picking up.
When my ride showed up, I got in the car not knowing I was about to experience a two and a half hour ride in Filipino traffic. Traffic here in the Philippines can be an adventure all on its own. (If you haven’t watched the transport video that Keet made you need to.)
When we arrived at the Embassy the security guard informed me that the notary is only available from 8am – 10am. It was 12:30pm. I was just a little late.
My new friends Chris, Carol and Emily that were so nice to give me a ride, were there so Emily could
apply for a visa to visit the United States for Carol and Chris’ wedding. Emily went inside for her visa interview and the rest of us stayed outside and waited. Three hours later Emily came out very excited to tell us that her visa application had been approved and she would be able to be one of Carol’s brides maids.
After stopping at the Mall of Asia for a quick celebration with ice cream we had another 2 and ½ hour ride in the lovely Filipino traffic to get home.
You are probably wondering why I’m telling you this long story about nothing much. I was super frustrated about the whole day. I didn’t get anything accomplished that I had set out to accomplish. And I couldn’t think of anything to be thankful for.
When I got back home I had a meeting with my team and my teammate Erin was praying for our group. While she was praying she thanked Jesus for three or four things about my day.
The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind that I should be thankful for anything. While Erin was praying I was reminded that there is always something to be thankful for. Even when I drive forever for no apparent reason and I can’t get things done Jesus has given me plenty of things to be thankful for.
pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
for He is good.
His love endures forever.
and hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
Isaiah 54:10
a royal priesthood,
a holy nation,
a people belonging to God,
that you may declare the praises of him who called you
out of darkness and into his wonderful light.
Once you were not a people,
but now you are the people of God;
Once you had not received mercy,
but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:9-10
