I absolutely cannot believe that it is already Thanksgiving Day. I’m sure that my Facebook and Instagram will be flooded with all the family pics by the time the evening comes around and while I wish I could be there to celebrate with them I thought the best I could do was celebrate from afar. Plus, I will be home in 10 days (insert screams!) and I will just have to double the celebrating with them then. Mamaw, save some turkey for me!
A fun way I thought I could celebrate was by listing a few things things that I’ve realized this year that we forget to be thankful for.
Freedom of Religion – This year I’ve been in places where people don’t have the same freedom that we do in America. We’ve shared the Gospel in closed countries where it’s illegal. We’ve been observed by the police. We’ve heard stories of persecution and hardship due to the name of Jesus. We’ve secretly shared the Gospel under bridges and in back alleys. In America, we have the freedom to openly live our Christian lives, but we have brothers and sisters all over the world that don’t have this same freedom.
Daily Freedom – One of the hardest things this year has been the inability to just get up and go somewhere. We cannot drive in all these countries, which means that you just can’t really escape whatever circumstances you find yourself in (not necessarily in a bad way, but in a “I just want to go to the store, but its 5 miles away and I have to convince someone to walk with me because the buddy rule” kind of way). At home, if we want to take a ride down a back road we can just hop in the car and do it. But most places around the world, it would be a waste of fuel to do so IF you even own a car to begin with. We take that for granted.
Running Water – You forget what a miracle it is to just walk to a faucet, turn a handle and magically water pours out. Even in all the places that we’ve had running water this year, it was not safe to drink. What a blessing to have water always at our disposal in America. Plus, when you find yourself in Zambia squatting over a bucket using a mug to bathe, you realize your occasional low water pressure at home is 10x better than bucket showers. Tip: start at the head and work your way down.
Electricity – When you are in Lesotho and there is one power strip that runs off solar power, for 40+ people to use, you realize you are thankful for power that doesn’t rely on the sun being out. Tip: wake up at 4:30am to beat everyone to the 5 outlets to charge your phone for music.
*I thought I was only going to list a few things but so many keep popping up
Medical Care – When in Lesotho and you are sick for weeks and there isn’t adequate medical care in country, you become thankful for hospitals a short drive away at home. Thankful for ministry hosts who take you across borders for a doctor.
Washing Machines & Dryers – After hand washing your clothes for a couple months after being in the African dust, you realize there is only so much that your hands can clean. A good washer does miracles for your clothes. Also, you don’t realize how a dryer will keep your clothes the same size (I think I’ve seen one this year, and we weren’t allowed to use it). Most of the necks of my shirts are stretched out and way bigger than they were when I got them.
Clothes – After wearing the same 5 outfits for 11 months, you realize how thankful you are that at home you can change it up, but you also realize that it’s not necessary to have a closet full of unworn clothes.
Last, but most definitely not least, I am thankful for YOU. For each of you who read my blogs. For each of you who given financially throughout this journey. And most importantly, for each of you who have covered me in prayer. This year hasn’t been easy that is for sure, but you have held me up in prayer throughout this adventure and I could not be more thankful. It feels like a simple thank you could never be enough. But know that my life has been changed by this year and that none of it would be possible without you!
A new adventure (to be announced soon) is quickly approaching and while I am super excited about it, it also means that I don’t have a ton of time at home. But I would love to see you and hug you in person. There are several dates in December that I will be out and about at different churches and I would love to see you there!
December 8th (4-7pm ) – Coming Home Gathering – Story Memorial Presbyterian Church – Marion, NC
December 9th (AM Service) – Speaking at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church – Old Fort, NC
December 16th (AM Service) – Speaking at Airport Baptist Church – Greer, SC
December 19th (PM) – Speaking at Ross Grove Baptist Church – Shelby, NC
December 30th (AM Service) – Speaking at Bat Cave Baptist Church – Bat Cave, NC
TBD – Redeemed Freewill Baptist Church – Marion, NC
Again, I would LOVE to see you at one of these churches to hug you and to share stories about this year and what the Lord has done.
I cannot wait to reunite with each of you!
Until then, know that I love you and am praying for you!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
-Shelby
