Being on The Race has made me realize how thankful I am to call the United States home. Don’t get me wrong, I would never change this year of travel while serving the Lord, but being in so many different places has helped me to see how blessed I am to have grown up where I did. So this Thanksgiving, I decided to write about 11 different things I am truly thankful for.
1. Deodorant
I’ve been chasing the hottest of all hot weather…and stick deodorant is weirdly hard to find.
2. Ice
It’s a rare thing to find and a cold drink feels like winning the lottery.
3. Toilet paper in bathrooms
You either have to carry it with ya or accept the consequences and drip dry.
4. Ground coffee
Not only it is expensive, but a lot of places only have instant coffee. Unfortunately, it’s disgusting. Fortunately, it’s kept the addiction at bay..
5. Air Conditioning
Not only have I gone 5 months without living somewhere with air conditioning (besides the occasional stay in a luxurious hostel), but it’s a real treat to find a store that has it, too.
6. Traffic laws
Since arriving in Asia, I have been amazing at how insane the traffic is. I thought Europe and Africa were bad, but I was so wrong. Not only have I already seen several wrecks, but the paint and signs were such a waste of money here.
7. Card readers
Almost everywhere takes Visa in the U.S. Almost nowhere takes Visa in the rest of the world.
8. Clean streets
So far, there has been trash everywhere. People throw their garbage on the ground without caring because public trash cans are so hard to find. Looking around has made me thankful that we care.
9. English
Most of the world has decided to learn English, and boy, am I glad I speak it. It has been easy to find people able to communicate with and has been so helpful for sharing the Gospel.
10. A bed
While living in the villages of Africa, it didn’t take long to realize that villagers don’t sleep on beds. Most people we ministered to slept on a mat laid on the concrete.
11. My family and friends
Being loved is one of the most treasured gifts anyone can receive. It’s been easier for me to understand love from God, because He has given me people in my life who have shown me love well. It’s not always easy for others to understand love because they have never felt genuine and unconditional love before. I am so thankful for the friends and family members that have loved me so well when I have deserved so little of it.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Eat lots of turkey and stuffing for me 🙂
