So there’s this thing we do here on the World Race called the thankful game. When you’re hiking up mountains or eating a questionable meal your contact has cooked for you or going on the 30thhour of your sketchy train ride or bouncing as if you were on a trampoline in your broken bus seat on a 24+ hour travel day, sometimes thoughts can get a bit negative. But when that starts to happen, in comes the thankful game to whisk away your bad attitude! All you have to do is start listing all the things you’re thankful for, and believe it or not, it truly does make things better. I suggest you try it next time you’re having a bad day. Because really, we have ridiculous amounts of things to be thankful for in our lives, so the things that are bothering us end up seeming quite petty in comparison. Life is a lot more joyful when you take the time to escape your negative thinking and refocus on the many blessings God has given you.
Now I must say that today has been a good day. The sun shined, I played with kids, there was an afternoon rain that poured down on a tin roof, and we had rice, beans, chapatti, bananas, and mangos for dinner. Now that’s a good day. BUT, what better day to play the thankful game than on Thanksgiving?! So here is my thankful list for your viewing pleasure:
I’m thankful for chapatti. I realize most of you have no idea what that is, but trust me, it’s goodness. Kind of like a tortilla, but better.
I’m thankful for the little mouse that lives in the living room – for some reason I find it fun every time I catch him scurrying from one hiding place to another in my peripheral vision. I still haven’t gotten a good look at him, but when I do, I’ll probably name him.
I’m thankful for African children that will repeat anything and everything you say. Yes, I have them singing “Baby” by JB (don’t worry, we sing Jesus songs, too).
I’m thankful for teammates/squadmates that are willing to do Beyonce’s “Move Your Body” with you in every country at random times and places. Wave that American flag, Blake.
I’m thankful for the Buzz Lightyear comforter on my bunk bed. Mainly because it means that I have a bed this month. But also because it makes my inner-kid happy.
I’m thankful for malaria meds, especially the once a week kind that has some weird side effects. Taking such a “risky” medicine makes me feel like I’m living life on the edge. Thus far, there has only been one incident of me sleep walking/talking/freaking out about losing my earrings.
I’m thankful for Harry Potter, Duke basketball, and Justin Bieber, and the fact that my obsessions have not dwindled despite my lack of access to them. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
- I’m thankful for getting to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II in a theater. That was something I thought I was giving up by coming on the race, but my awesome squad leader treated me to a date to the movies back in Romania. Thanks Lauren!
- I’m thankful for Coach K being legit and breaking records, even though I couldn’t be there to see it in person. NDotSmitty says: All he does is win win win no matter what, yesssssirrrr! And thankful for a best friend who keeps me updated on my boys from afar. Thanks Megan!
- I’m thankful for the fact that Justin Bieber has been a fairly consistent part of my time here on the race – I’ve even been jamming to his new Christmas album since last month in Nepal. Thanks Frank!
I’m thankful for the two precious two year old twins I live with this month, Glee and Gracious. Although they’re a handful, especially when Glee is grabbing my arm and making me hit myself (hard) in the face, they’re also really adorable when they insist on sitting in my lap.
I’m thankful for chai tea and hot chocolate.
I’m thankful for fresh mangos.
I’m thankful for zebras grazing on the side of the road.
I’m thankful for rainbows that whisper sweet reminders of His promises.
I’m thankful for sun that warms my skin.
I’m thankful for rain. The sound. The smell. The feel.
I’m thankful for music.
I’m thankful for laughter.
I’m thankful that I have a body that is capable of running, jumping, and dancing.
I’m thankful for mountains that I get to hike, especially once I get to the top and get to sit with the Lord and take in the view.
I’m thankful for every bit of food I’ve eaten on this race. Although sometimes it’s been hard to stomach down, I realize that having food on my plate three times a day is a luxury that most people in the world do not have.
I’m thankful for planes and trains and buses and all other forms of transportations that help us get from one place to another. No, they’re not always comfy, but HELLO I’m getting to travel the world, so I think I can deal with it. And really, at the end of the day all that matters is that we got from point A to point B safely.
I’m thankful for the warmth I felt when spending time with Pastor Yavor and his family and church in Bulgaria.
I’m thankful for the dependence on prayer that Pastor Zsombor displayed in Romania.
I’m thankful for the way believers go against the cultural norm and stand strong for the one true God in India.
I’m thankful for becoming a part of a family that lives simply, always serves, and loves the Lord in Nepal.
I’m thankful for the freedom and joy found in the faces of the people here in Kenya.
I’m thankful for the ways I’ll come to discover that God moves through Rwanda, Uganda, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
I’m thankful for friends that have been so diligent about staying in contact with me since I’ve been gone, flooding my inbox with their love and encouragement since month one. You all have brought so many smiles to my face.
I’m thankful for my community back home that has invested so much into me and this race. You’ve read (and commented) on my blogs, you’ve asked my parents about my latest adventures, you’ve made maps to pinpoint where all I’ve been, you’ve shared with others how God has been moving in my life, you’ve prayed for me at church and in prayer meetings, you’ve supported me financially, and you’ve given me a part of your heart to take along with me everywhere I go. This means more to me than you could ever imagine.
I’m thankful for my family – probably the biggest blessing in my life apart from the Lord. I’m thankful for aunts and uncles that have been so supportive of me. I’m thankful for grandparents that have always displayed nothing but love for me. I’m thankful for a sister that has shown me so much about strength and the importance of family. I’m thankful for a niece that has captured my heart. I’m thankful for parents that have always been my biggest fans, and have taught me so much about compassion and blessing others.
I’m thankful for the unending mercy and grace that God offers us.
I’m thankful for the unfailing love of my Father.
I’m thankful that He never gives up on me.
I’m thankful that the Creator of the universe is jealous for me.
I’m thankful that the King of kings calls me His daughter.
I’m thankful that God is using this trip in so many ways that I never even imagined to grow my faith and solidify who I am. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been blessed.
So tell me, what are YOU thankful for?
