These are 25 things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving that I had never thought to be truly thankful for prior to embarking on the world race. I pray that you have a fantastic Thanksgiving and are reminded of all of the blessings in your life.
1) Running water – who knew what a blessing it was to turn the tap on a faucet and have water come out
2) Hot water – I have had 3 moderately hot showers in the last 9 weeks and all were phenomenal
3) Washer and dryer – Clothes ready in less than 2 hours plus not having to hand wash is something I have never appreciated so much.
4) My own bed – after spending the months of India and Nepal sleeping on the floor (on sleeping pads of course) and then this month sharing a bunk bed I have never appreciated the beauty of a bed quite so much.
5) A room with a door – last month we slept on the stage of the church with a curtain separating us from the guys and the sanctuary. I miss being able to go to my room or my house and shut the world out. God is great and I love living in community, but it definitely stretches me especially living with 6 women in a room that is 10 x 12.
6) Air-condition/heating – We have had very little need for the heating aspect, but there were times in Nepal and this last week in Nairobi that a little heat would have been nice. As for AC, wow there is something amazing about walking out of stick hot weather and into the cold (even if they think air conditioning causes blood diseases in Nepal, I’ll risk it)
7) A car – I thought I walked a bunch living in Europe. I’m not sure where walking an hour one direction to the store, internet, etc. became normal
8) Grocery stores with fruits, vegetables, peanut butter, and dairy products – We are thankful to be in Africa where we regularly get fruits and vegetables. But, I miss milk and milk products. Milk has to be hot here in Africa from what we have gathered and I do not love a large glass of hot milk. I also saw a block of cheddar the other day and was tempted to spend the $6 for the small hunk of cheese just because I so miss cheese. At least it is available this month after 4 months of not seeing cheddar.
9) Clean drinking water – Even if it tastes bad, I can turn on the water and brush my teeth, take a drink, or wash my dishes. I miss not needing a water bottle to brush my teeth.
10) Dotted and solid lines on road as well as traffic laws and general driving rules – Africa thus far is better, but I felt like getting into a vehicle in India and Nepal was a bit like gambling with my life. That probably wasn’t far from the truth as 1/3 of x-squad was involved in auto accidents that totaled a vehicle while in Nepal. I thankfully was not.
11) Cell phones – I really do not like carrying a cell phone, but living without the ability to pick up the phone and call friends or family or ask directions has shown me how thankful I am for my phone
12) Clothing stores – I hate to shop. I really do. But, I miss being able to just run out and get some new socks because one of mine disappeared in the laundry. We are in month 5 and my pants are beginning to show some wear. I wonder what my wardrobe will look like by month 11. I guess there is a reason most people don’t bring their clothes home from the race. I’m also in need of some new running shoes and miss being able to just walk into a store and buy some.
13) A hoodie and sweats – Those did not make the packing list as they are large items. But, there are days I would love my comfort clothes.
14) Deodorant that works – Who knew how hard it was to find deodorant in 3rd world countries and when you do, it may or may not work. I’ve never been so thankful for deodorant that actually keeps me from smelling most of the time in the U.S.
15) Going anywhere by myself – We live in community and for safety reason travel in pairs. I miss the joy of just deciding to go somewhere and walking out of the door by myself.
16) Screens on windows – I do not really enjoy the need to put on Off prior to going to sleep so that I don’t wake up with a million mosquito bites
17) We don’t have to take malaria meds every day in order to stay healthy.
18) Constant electricity – it is a rare day in 3rd world countries where we don’t lose power for at least a few hours
19) Snow – other than seeing it on the peaks in the Himalayas, I’m pretty sure I will not be seeing snow this year. It will be my first Christmas where I most likely see snow anywhere close to Christmas time.
20) Sidewalks – everyone walks on the roads in the countries we are in. I am thankful for the small favor of even sidewalks where I am not concerned about being run over
21) Road construction – I usually hate road construction. But after Nepal where I am pretty sure road construction never happens, I appreciate the joy of not having the car swallowed up by a giant pothole.
22) Bath tubs – I have seen one in 4 months on the race and it was outside and used for cleaning. We may have also used it for baptisms after having local hotels turn us down when some people wanted to be baptized in their pool.
23) Meals that don’t rely upon starches – potatoes and rice are a staple because they are cheap and easy to find. I never thought I would have a meal that was rice covered by potatoes that you eat with chapatti (a form of bread).
24) Refrigerators, freezers, and ovens. We have none of these this month which is interesting when trying to prepare a Thanksgiving meal or anything else for that matter. It requires daily trips to the store and creativity in using a double boiler to make meals happen.
25) Normal pillows. I have a travel pillow which I use and works, but I miss having a normal size pillow to sleep on and another to hug.
I know there are many other things I miss : Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Mint chocolate chip ice cream, my family, but these are things I missed living overseas in the past. I guess this Thanksgiving I have a whole new appreciation for the things in my life.
