A year ago, I remember eating a Thanksgiving feast at my cousins house with my dad's side of the family. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberries and the whole nine yards. I recall telling myself to be grateful and enjoy every moment because I didn't know where I would be this Thanksgiving. Now look, I'm in Vietnam! As I look back on this past year a lot has changed. My wonderful grandfather has gone to live with Jesus just three months after accepting The Lord! My brother was the captain on the soccer team and is graduating high school in May. Mema, my dad's mom, the beautiful artist, has also gone to heaven. Kyra has been following in my footsteps and has been babysitting quite a bit! She also has been the queen of horseback riding, even giving lessons with our horses, Krystal and Kate! Little miss Kennedy Grace has taken up the love for soccer and had a great first season, scoring goals and all!!! I, as you know, have traded my day to day Michigan life (which I love!!;))for the adventures of the unknown while spreading the love of Christ throughout the nations.
WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?!?
This is a question that is asked often throughout my life but especially on Thanksgiving! My answer is roughly the same every year, family, friends, food, games, a roof over my head, candy and clothes etc. I'm always honest. But this year, not taking things for granted and being thankful makes a bigger impact and takes a different role in my life.
I am so blessed to have a wonderful, loving and supportive family! A set of parents that raised and instilled Christian values in me. They always wanted the best for us and to ensure we are safe, healthy and happy. The way they both put us first and surprised us in the day to day and special occasions!
Thing 2, 3 and 4……. It is pure joy and brings a smile to my face having three little siblings that look up to me and love me. Being close is a remarkable thing, all the times we blasted music while cleaning the house, stopped at Speedway for $.89 slurpies on a hot summer day or made Mac and cheese by the pot when mom and dad were out of town are all memories that I will never forget and look forward to having more like it!
I'm grateful for washers and dryers. I am glad that I am not allergic to peanut butter because it has been a staple in my diet ever since I left America! I love our roadway systems, traffic lights, blinkers and stop signs. I am grateful for planes, trains, cars and sleeper buses. I appreciate the given that there will always be toilet paper. A backpack, never did I think my life would be in it. Solid deodorant. Dill pickles. Hot showers are truly rejuvenating.
My family, immediate, extended, world race and beyond have all been there for me, loved me and made me who I am today. So to you all, I am forever grateful. Don't take anything or anyone, any moment, a smile or tear or laugh for granted. Love life and live it to the fullest! No regrets:)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Hugs from the Future,
Thing 1
P.S. for those that it may concern, I did eat PUMPKIN PIE on THANKSGIVING!!!:) Praise The Lord!! 🙂
The eight of us all served Thanksgiving dinner and bused tables at a restaurant called Bread of Life! It is project to benefit the deaf in Da Nang, Vietnam! 🙂
