¡Hola!
Here is another blog, coming weekly just as I promised 🙂 Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and this is the first one I am spending away from my family. Homesickness is constantly pounding my thoughts this week, attempting to drag me away from being present with my team here in Chile. To keep my spirits high and to bring my focus back to the center of this holiday, I am going to write a blog about some things I am thankful for in this season of my life!
- Team Phileo – these guys have become some of my best friends in a pretty short amount of time. I am so impressed with the growth the men and women I am living with have already gone through, and its only month three! They constantly love me and each other with such grace and sincerity that reflects the Father’s love. I have enjoyed spending every day with they’re contagious laughter… seriously, not a day goes by without something worthy of an outburst.
- Juan and Elvira – our ministry hosts here in Chile… WOW are we blessed!! This family has opened their home and cared for us so well these 9 days that we have been here so far. They tolerate our random loud dance parties, late night talks in their church’s sanctuary, and spontaneous jumps in their pool during dinner. Amo ellos ser muy habladores.
- Testimonies in Español – Elvira hosts women’s groups here at the church, and a few of us have had the opportunity to share testimonies with them. I was able to do mine in Spanish, which was as exhilarating as much as it was nerve wracking… but I was able to share with the women a part of my story that held so much weight. I loosened my grip on that part of my story, and I can hope that The Lord could use it to work in their hearts but I know that he used this time to shift so much in my own heart.
- Mountains – I am surrounded by the Andes mountains, which is as thrilling as it sounds. Every time I see them, I am overwhelmed by their size and beauty and am reminded of the magnificence and creativity of our Father.
- Melanie’s Poem – beautifully summarizes our time here so far… check it out on her blog (melanielender.theworldrace.org)
- Fruit – Thank you Jesus for delicious fruit from our backyard and the markets outside our front door!
These are just a few things on my mind tonight… I have literally an endless list of things to be thankful for, including my supporters!! Seriously, the Lord has blessed me so much with each and every one of you and I hope your Thanksgiving is full of good food and even better times.
Until next time!
Also mom and dad, I am going to try to call you guys at some point tomorrow so keep your ringers on 🙂
