With the Holiday season rapidly approaching part of me feels like I’m missing out. I mean I’m across the world and things just aren’t as familiar. As it gets closer to Christmas I’ll be in Thailand and that will look and be like nothing I know or understand. However by the end of the month and New Year’s it will probably feel like home. I’m sad to be missing Thanksgiving this week. However I have so many more things to be thankful for now. Last year I took so many things for granted that they were ‘normal’ and I had a right to them. This year I see how blessed I have always been. I realize that everything is something to be thankful for. I wanted to share with you the top eleven things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving that have to do with the World Race.
- My squad- I have the honor to be a part of a group of amazing and wonderful people. People that genuinely love each other and want the best for each other. People that work each day to bring glory to God. People that are real and honest. People that I am proud to call my brothers and sisters. G squad ROCKS!!!!
- My team- I have never before had a privilege to be in community with such a fabulous group of women. Women that are able to build each other up and support each other in all things. Women that have hearts that burn with passion for God and furthering his kingdom. Women that love no matter what. Women that I love with everything in me.
- My ‘bed’- I love my sleeping pad and sleeping bag. My sleeping pad is amazing and makes a great bed. My sleeping bag is cozy and keeps me warm or adds cushioning depending on climate. Sleep is a valuable thing on the race.
- Wi-fi- one of your best friends on the race. It’s a way to stay in touch with things back home and get encouraged while out on the field. Also updating Facebook from crazy exotic places is fun, you get cool statuses for sure.
- Running water- Water is such a luxury on the race and running water means showers. Showers are a great thing that I so often took for granted back home. Also it’s amazing how often even if you have running water it gets shut off.
- Letters/Notes- I have had many friends give me notes before coming on the race. The notes have been a great reminder and refreshment while on the field. Plus I have gotten many prophecies and encouragement notes from squadmates. I have read and reread every note and letter more times than I can count.
- Food- Often times we have gotten cooked for so there is no choice in what you eat. When I do get to cook I am in countries that do not sell ingredients that are readily available back home. There are so many foods that I just miss and how easy food choices are back home.
- My Camera- I have had so many amazing experiences and am so thankful for pictures to capture these moments and memories. I love my DSLR and how precious the photos are to have to remember the race.
- Movies/TV Shows- I am so happy to have movies and shows on my hard drive. After a long day of ministry or dealing with a sickness or having free time being able to watch something familiar reminds me of home and makes life seem normal. It’s also a great social activity with friends.
- Hoodie/pj pants- I live in hoodies back home and love my pj pants back home however I didn’t bring them on the race and I missed them so much. I was blessed to have acquired new ones and they make me happy when I wear them.
- Little things- I am so thankful for little things that back home I wouldn’t have thought twice about. I’m happy when we actually have toilet paper. When I can do my laundry and my clothes smell clean. That I can find lotion in the store. That my toothpaste tastes good.
