This November, I am thankful for...
- New friends who invite me to share in a Thanksgiving dinner celebration with them.
- A mom who reminds me regularly that there are many people are p—y—g for me.
- Emails written thousands of miles away from friends of my youth.
- A new desire to memorize The Word.
- A Chinese Brother who “opened a door” during English corner this week to share about the Good News he has received.
- The fact that I am living out my calling… to teach internationally.
- Students I adore and who tell me they are happy I am their teacher.
- Beautiful sunrises.
- All the stray dogs who let me love them when I am missing Benji.
- A ch—ch community that welcomes me warmly even though I cannot speak their language.
- My Chinese teacher.
- Two single-gals game nights (with both foreign and national ladies) full of laughter and fellowship.
- Imported goods like English teas, American cereal, and milk. (my personal staples that I realized I didn’t want to live without even though they’re way more expensive in China)
- An old friend who talked me off an emotional ledge by speaking TRUTH in wisdom, love, and understanding.
- A career that both frustrates, encourages, challenges, and blesses me.
- Administration who are invested in my success as a teacher, as well as, a Believer.
- A house that is warm and clean.
- The opportunity to live in a country that forces me to be brave and view failure as a healthy learning experience.
- Modern conveniences that make it possible for me to connect with friends and family all over the world regularly and easily.
- An assurance of Who I belong to and Who gives meaning and purpose to my life.
- The convenience of public transportation.
- The new ability I have to see successes, big and small, in my life.
- An amazing English department.
- The opportunity to teach photography and theatre and release my creative side.
- The amazing foods I get to eat in China.
- The hope that my Father instills in my heart for the future.
- The hardships, fears, and doubts that push me to turn to my Father in dependence and surrender.
- A culture that encourages people to recognize that the choices you make in life do not only affect you, but also those around you.
- Parents that instilled in me a love for many things. (A few include: lost people, cultures different from my own, all creatures great and small, good music, the stability of family, and most importantly, my Father)
- A holiday, even though it isn’t celebrated on this side of the world, that reminds me to be thankful.