Thanksgiving

Though Thanksgiving is not a holiday here in Mali, I feel like I must at least comment on the fact that it did occur. The missionaries do actually get together for a meal, but it’s just not the same as being at home. Since I was in high school, I have had a tradition that my quiet time on Thanksgiving is only that of thanks and praise. It has become one of my favorite times (I also really enjoy the end of the year and I look back at all the Lord has done in the year). It starts out with the obvious: God, family, friends, home, etc and then always gets into even the smallest of things- the trees in our yard that provide shade, that I’m finally losing my baby fat, that I now have two potty trained kids, that 80 degrees in the house actually feels cool, etc. I am always left amazed at the kindness of the Lord and all that he has blessed us with. So here are a few things I am thankful for this year:

My God and Savior who loves me. He is faithful when I am faithless. He does not treat me as my sins deserve. He is patient and good. He is love, hope, joy. He is the giver of all good gifts.

My Brett, he stands beside me, pushes me to be better in whatever I do. He is my best friend.

My boys. They bring me so much joy. My heart melts each time they give me a hug, flash a smile or give me a kiss. I love that Silas can now lean in and give me a kiss! Love it!

My family. I love that we are close and support one another. I love that when my uncle died it was never a question of if, but when and how I would get to the US and I knew without even talking to my sister that she would be on a plane from Korea as well. I am so thankful for a loving and supporting family who are not just family but my friends.

Mali. I am thankful for being here, for the people, for our work, for this being home.

Help. I am thankful for our house help- Jeremie, Marthe, and Bocar. They are fantastic and they add to our family. Don’t know what I would do without them.