“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” Psalm 107:1
“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Ephesians 5:20
This thanksgiving I’m reflecting on the month. It was a hard month for my whole team. We were helping teach at Santa Clara; a catholic bilingual school in Juticalpa Honduras. We were spread out in different classrooms, each one filled with a few problem children. We pushed through, conquered our tasks and made it to thanksgiving! It was a hard day for all. All of us were missing home and missing our families. While feeling sorry for myself I decided to make a list of what I could instead be praising God for. When I look I look at it, it is a pretty good list. This month has been one for the books!
I am thankful that we had to wear bright green uniforms to school. It kept me from having to do tons of laundry.
I am thankful Rachel taught me you can give up things and enjoy life without them.
I am thankful for bug spray.
I am thankful for nail polish and teenage girls who love braiding hair and chatting with us.
I am thankful for the constant heat, if it was cold, I would have no clothes to wear to keep me warm.
I am thankful God always checks our hearts and returns our focus to him when attitudes arise.
I am thankful Casie taught me it is okay to allow God to break you. And it is okay not to have a quick fix to what he is doing.
I am thankful for Walter and his smile.
I am thankful that we have ice cold water to drink this month.
I am thankful for a host that is willing to take us out, feed us boliatas, and take us dancing.
I am thankful for wifi at our house! It kept this months stress to a minimum.
I am thankful Brooke showed me that even with grace it requires commitment not to do the thing again.
I am thankful we have a balcony with a beautiful view and nice breeze.
I am thankful for the library at Santa Clara and the amount of books they have for the kids.
I am thankful for the tiny fan that keeps me cool at night.
I am thankful for SUPER FEEDBACK!
I am thankful Abi taught me you do not have to be the loudest to be a great leader.
I am thankful for the team of Bulldogs that showed up.
I am thankful Stephy taught me what stepping into a spirit of generosity looks like this month.
I am thankful my kindergarten class taught me a good hug can turn any day around.
I am thankful we have always had peanut butter this month.
I am thankful for soccer games with the orphanage kids next door: Gringas vs. Hondurians
I am thankful for FaceTime and the ability to stay connected back home.
I am thankful Jamie taught me the importance of keeping a good attitude even when it seems pointless.
I am thankful we have cold showers. Cold showers increase circulation and boost immunity.
I am thankful for email and the ability to stay in touch with student I have met at the school.
I am thankful for spontaneous hiking trips with my team.
I am thankful that on Saturday we were served a real thanksgiving dinner complete with pumpkin pie because Carlos knew it meant a lot to us.
I am thankful that God loves us. His plan is always for our good.
Happy Thanksgiving!
With Love from Honduras, Hannah
