It is amazing how quickly we can become thankful for something that only a week before would have warranted a wrinkled nose. For instance…coffee (I like coffee if you haven’t gathered). A month ago, I was thankful for the occasional latte to replace the coffee that I usually have in the morning. After I ran out of my good Costa Rican coffee, I was thankful for any coffee other than the Folgers at my work. During training camp, an instant coffee pack dissolved in a Nalgene bottle full of room temperature water was cause for rejoicing.
What about sleep? Squishing the entire squad (56 people) onto two tarps to sleep out in the open with scorpions crawling around sounds awful, right? It would have been awful if we hadn’t just spent a sleepless night crammed into a school bus. I was so thankful to spend the night lying down, that no threat of scorpions or somebody rolling over me in the middle of the night could steal the joy of that moment.
Crammed in the bus. Setting up a shelter.
And then there is the small matter of food. Fish head soup had almost everybody turning up their noses at the first meal. How quickly things change! I wish you could have shared the moment when I thought everyone around me was going to break down with tears of gratitude and sheer joy. No, it was not during a worship service. It happened in the middle of the week when we slowly counted a stack of tortillas to find out that there were two (TWO!) for each of us! We cheered.
Fish head soup anyone?? "Wait. Guys. Whose piece of chicken is that??"
There were some things that happened at training camp that I am grateful for. God worked on my heart. I met over 50 people who I now consider cherished family. I was placed on an amazing team. I received a fresh revelation of God’s love for me. I was encouraged and equipped.
Team Agape13:13 My amazing squad leaders
I am happy to say that those are not the only things I found myself thankful for. By the end of the week, it didn’t take much for me to be overcome with gratitude. A hot drink in my hands. Fifteen minutes alone in the woods. A smile from a teammate. The sunshine on my face. The sound of laughter.
It is amazing that throughout training camp I never once felt deprived��"just increasingly thankful. And what joy this spirit of thankfulness brings!
“Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:19-20
The song that my heart made when I finally had a real cup of coffee in my hands was something to behold! 🙂
Since we are on the subject, I would like to take a moment to express my thankfulness for you. I am completely overwhelmed and humbled by the encouragement and support I have been receiving for the World Race. My heart is so full of gratitude to the Lord for his goodness and provision and also to all the amazing people in my life who have given of time, money, encouraging words, prayers, and love. Thank you! I am over half way there!
If you would like to contribute to a part of the $7,500 still needed, please click the “Support Me” link on the left hand side of this page.
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership” Philippians 1:3-5
