I am thankful for...

Everything is making me a little bit annoyed today. I don’t know if you’ve ever had those days, but when I have them, it is usually safest for everyone if I just don’t see people. Being in language school, not seeing people is not really an option, and the people here are so nice that I can’t help feeling happy around them. But when I get home I have to surround myself with comforts like Christmas-y essential oils in the diffuser, Christmas music, cinnamon rolls rising on the stove, and thoughts that remind me of the blessings in my life. This is mostly to convince me that the wet disgusting rain/snow outside is nice. I’m still not convinced, but at least I’m not complaining as much as I probably would be.

Since I can’t share the cinnamon rolls, essential oils, or Christmas music with you I thought I would at least share my thoughts so that maybe, if you are having a bad day too, you can be reminded of the things for which you are thankful. Yes, they will probably be different than mine!

I am thankful for…

God’s never-ending, never-stopping, never-giving up love.

Friends who are excited about meeting with us weekly to help us learn French.

Being surrounded during this time, by older-wiser missionaries who can give us sound advice.

Having the opportunity to formally study French instead of being thrown into a new country with no formal language training.

Candles.

Where we have come from, how Jesus has changed our path, how God has given us the free gift of salvation through His son, Jesus.

Family who helps us buy tickets to fly home for Christmas.

Time in the morning to spend with God, soaking up His goodness and crying out our sorrows.

Children who like to read books so we can have quiet time in the morning.

Birthday cards from the same person each year for as long as I can remember.

That God is constant in the good times and the bad.

The ability to understand more of the sermons each week so that we can be spiritually filled in another language.

The testimonies of missionaries who have gone before us, and the encouragement of those who have gone through this transition before us.

God’s provision in 95% of our monthly support and more being added to our launch costs each week.

Lazy Saturday mornings to spend as a family.

Kids who are healthy and happy and well fed and have adequate care.

So many people praying for us and encouraging us daily.

May we never forget to be thankful for all that we have!