Happy Thanksgiving (11 reasons why I am giving Thanks)

In this moment, my family is coming together in community and fellowship.  In a few hours, they will be sitting down together, enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving day meal consisting of mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, peas/corn, gravy and, the best part in my mind, a table full of yummy homemade desserts!!

Are you drooling?

I know I am.

So family, as your enjoying one another (and food), know that although I am missing you all, my heart is at peace with where I am.  I am loving my world race family and am enjoying India.  Life is always an adventure.  (Hey, I mean after all, we DID crash an Indian wedding late at night this evening!!!)

In light of Canadian Thanksgiving that is happening at home, I have decided to post one of my journals (that I originally had no intention of posting) but that seemed fitting considering the holiday that is upon us!  It is a list of things that India has been reminding me daily, to be thankful for.  Some of them are serious (family, friends, chasing after Jesus, etc) while others are not as serious but are still things I take for granted at home.

1)      Chasing after Jesus/His relentless Pursuit of my heart

1. I am not running this race alone- I am running it with Jesus through the trials, hills, mountain tops and valleys.
2. He is teaching me things now in this moment, that I would not have been able to have learned had I stayed home.
3. In this life, Jesus is really, truly the only thing that matters
4. Always running to His arms, even when its tough and hard and life ‘sucks’
5. Learning to trust Him more with my plans right now and with my future
6. Letting Him love me and becoming even more confident in who I am in Christ

2)   Family and friends

1. I know I was blessed before I left for this race with the people God has placed in my life back at home, but since leaving—this has become even clearer to me
2. Dad and mom; for giving me a foundation for my faith and for introducing Jesus to me simply through your actions/love. Thank you so very much for everything. Words cannot express it
3. Corey and Carina- I am thank for the love you two have for each other and the wonderful example of marriage you too are to those around you. Thank you for introducing the world of traveling to me and for stretching me to go further and deeper with it
4. Darcy- kiddo, I am so proud of you. I am thankful that your my little brother and for the way you continually challenge and stretch me (even half way around the world!)
5. To my friends at home- Thank you for loving me the way you have and for enabling me TO be able to love. 

3)      Brand new family

1. Words cannot express how thankful I am to be with the people that I am with and its crazy to think that some of us didn’t even know each other a year a go
2. There are very few people in this world, who really ‘get me’ yet some of the friendships that I have made on this trip, not only will last for a life time, but they have blessed me, challenged me, encouraged me, supported me, and simply loved me when I needed them to do that the most. Some days it was through their actions, other days it was through their words…but most days-it is through their hugs, smiles and that unspoken love.
3. Team Warriors of Light/Refined- You ladies are gems.  So beautiful and precious in the eyes of God.  I am so thankful I am able to share this journey alongside you!! Thank you for accepting and loving me the way you do!
4. Ou (R) Squad- thank you for loving/caring for the solo Canadian in the group!!! Its an honour to be serving alongside my American brothers and sisters!!

5)      For seeing a new part of the world (India) that I have never seen

1. I will admit, when I first signed up for this race-India freaked me out (still does a bit) but the people here are amazing and the ministry is great
2. Having the opportunity to serve alongside the people who we are working with in India

6)      Having a thirst/hunger to get to know the Holy Spirit more and more

1. Seriously, He is alive and active and spending time getting to know the Holy Spirit more and more each morning- SO AWESOME!!
2. Home church…be prepared for a revival to happen…cause its coming!

7)      My international family of Believers

1. Being able to serve in the churches, alongside the local believers that I have been able to already- SUCH a blessing and encouragement.
2. They need to come to North America and minister to us
3. I love how they ‘eat, breathe, sleep’ Jesus
4. I love having people literally around the world praying for me-love love love love it!
5. To see a unified body of believers-working together for Jesus despite all reason to ‘give up’
6. Seeing the body of Christ, come through and love and support one another

8)  Youth

1. I am so thankful for the 3 years I was able to serve in the youth ministry in my home church
2. I am thankful for the lessons that my youth, have taught me
3. for the many conversations that have happened over ice cream and coffee
4. No matter where I literally am in this world, I love youth and I love serving them and spending time with them.

9)      Health/Safety 

1. I am very thankful for this. It is something I take way to forgranted. This trip has reminded me to give thanks always for it.

10)  My Government

1. I may complain and I may not like it/agree with it but I am so lucky and blessed to live where I live
2. To be challenged to pray for my government-power in prayer!
3. seriously People, we have it oh so good at home in North America

11) JESUS, ALWAY JESUS

      1. I am thankful for the love He has for me.  For the way that that never has changed and never will change
      2. I am thankful that I am fearfully and wonderfully made in my Creators Image