In light of it being Thanksgiving yesterday I wanted to write a blog post about the things in my life that I’ve especially been thankful for these past few months. Granted there’s no way I could actually fit everything in one post, but I’ll try to cover some of of the most important things.
First of all, I’m insanely thankful for all of you reading this. For all those who support me and follow me in my journey. For the prayers and love you all give. I literally couldn’t do what I’m doing without you, and in no way is that an exaggeration. The teens I’ve been able to teach Bible stories to, the house visits I’ve made, the Spanish worship I’ve had the chance to help lead, the kids I’ve been able to show love to through sports, the schools I’ve been able to help teach in, none of this would be possible without you. By supporting me you are truly partnering with me in mission. This ministry wouldn’t be possible without you, and I am so thankful for that, there really aren’t enough words. From the bottom of my heart: THANK YOU.
I’m also thankful for my family and friends back home. Thank you so much for being who you are. Mom and dad, thanks for trusting God enough to let me leave home for 9 months. I know it seemed crazy (probably still does) but you trusted that this is what God was calling me to. Thank you for showing me what it means to be loving parents, and thank you for showing me what it means to have Christ-centered lives. Thanks to my sister for always being there for the late-night talks or runs to the store for ice cream. Thank you for being the best role-model I could’ve had growing up. You showed me what it means to be a woman after God’s heart and go where He leads. Thank you to my brother for literally always making me laugh and for not being afraid to be who God made you to be. You show me what it means to have perseverance in life and to allow God to be your strength.
I’m thankful for my home away from home; my team of 5 goofballs who continually show me more of the Father’s heart in new ways everyday. Honestly, we couldn’t all be more different, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. We all carry such unique parts of the Fathers character and it allows us to love each other and love those we reach out to so much more fully. They fill my life with so much joy and I couldn’t imagine this journey without them.
I’m also so thankful for all the little things. Being able to sleep in a bunk bed in a church in Chile surrounded by mountains. Late night baking. Getting to finally make use of the shorts and sunscreen I’ve been lugging around for 2 months. The little furry dog with a very large underbite that lives with us; his name is chicken nugget and he is my favorite 🙂 Being able to play the guitar for a half hour straight with some kids campfire style. Getting to paint a mural at the school we’re working at. And finally Beni, our Chilean Abuela who makes sure we’re always taken care of at whatever cost to herself.
Honestly I could go on and on. The Lord is so good. We all have so many blessings in our lives, whether big or small, and we really should take more time out of our often worry and stress filled days to just sit and think about all that we already have sitting right in front of us.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
