Thanksgiving

Eleven things I am thankful for….you know typical World Race style.

1. I am so thankful to be so loved and supported during this season of my life. I am absolutely blown away with the words of encouragement, the stories and updates of life at home, the financial support, and the people that I didn’t expect to reach out. 

2. I am beyond thankful and grateful that God has brought me along with him on this adventure. To have met all of these people, to be able to love and serve people. For all of the beautiful people who have touched my heart and changed my
life. The places that He takes me to, the people he has had me meet, the lessons he has taught me, and the life I get to live because of Him. I am in amazement that I am spending Thanksgiving in ETHIOPIA. Like what is this awesome life I am living. 

3. I am so thankful for my parents and everyone who has gotten a very early morning call…and are excited and willing to talk to me…no matter the odd times.

4. I am thankful for my team, being so wonderful, easy to live life with, loving, the support, encouragement, and the kick in the butt. I am so thankful for their laid back spirit and their willingness to go out and do the thing…every single day. I am thankful that they make me stay home and rest when I’m sick…so I will actually get better. I’m so thankful that they love my odd, silly, loving, dry humor self. 

5. I am so thankful for our wonderful ministries and
ministry hosts. For the wisdom that they passed onto us, the love they have instilled, and the laughter that they gave us…every single day. I am so thankful for delicious food, the freedom to serve how ever our talents are, and the push that they give us. You all have been so wonderful and exactly what we needed every month. 

6. I am so thankful for the vulnerability and willingness of people to share their stories. Hearing stories of joy, life, death, miracles, war, pain, God’s grace, and what He has brought them through. 

7. I am thankful for good books – the world’s they take you to, the comfort they give, making you think, helping you learn, drop baggage, grow, think, even wrestle with yourself. I am grateful for the conversations they bring, sharing. Never did I expect myself to become a reader. 

8. I am so thankful for safe travels, from the airports, to
bus terminals, to packed into a car/can/bus like sardines with gear. Drivers getting pulled over, and every time getting out of a speeding ticket (it’s happened every month so far). I am thankful for conversations, music, movies, knob  a pranks, bathroom stops, windows that open, seat partners that let you snuggle, medicine that prevents car sickness, laughter, beautiful views, everyone getting to greet their luggage (no ones luggage getting lost). Praise the Lord! Most importantly, the safety that we all have experienced in traveling. Double praise the Lord! 

9. I am thankful for internet connection, for the times that we have enough to send little messages….even more thankful when it is strong enough to have “face to face” conversations. I am also thankful for the lack of WiFi and the conversations, fun, games, and the connections that only come from being disconnected from the world through a
screen.

10. I am so far beyond thankful to have spent Thanksgiving this year at HopEthiopia. I am beyond thankful for our kitchen friends who let us invade their kitchen to cook the thanksgiving meal. I am so thankful for the giant group that I was able to share dinner with. I am thankful for our new American friend, Canadian friends, and Ethiopian friends who helped us celebrate. I am missing home today, but these people have made being away from home on the holidays enjoyable. 

11. I am thankful that I am so blessed to have be where I am. That I am debating on what the last number would be on my list. I am thankful for food, a roof over my head, the sun, the rain, water — running, rain, to drink. I am thankful for opportunities to heal, grow, change, adventure, share the love of God all over the world. I am thankful for clothes, shoes, team snuggles, funny pictures, staying up late talking of
life, feedback, toilet paper, soap, the moments of feeling like a girl,bonding, being swarmed by children, conversations about poop, Washington machines, notes from friends, movies, games, being taught how to do new things, and being out in the “bush”. I am so thankful for “holy crap, were on the world race” moments. 

I cannot believe that I am here, on the race….ok… last one… I promise….I am thankful for you, for taking time out of your life to read about mine <3