with a heart full of thanks

as another year has come and gone, i can't help but stop and reflect on all the things i am thankful for...being away from my family has been difficult to accept as the holiday approaches but the Lord has been so good. He has graciously shown me to embrace what is around me here in uganda. embrace the newness, the changes, the differences and look to make sweet memories where i am. life is always changing for me and what i love are the annual family traditions back in the states, but this year it's different...and so as i think about those back home, my heart is full of thanks for so many things...

- my entire family that i have been blessed to do life with for 26 years & all the support they have given me especially over this past year

- my dad and the additional days the Lord has given him since his first diagnoses in 2008. 

- the opportunity to live with my parents for a few months last year and then with my sisters (JJ) family for 9 months

- my best friends who have never wavered in believing in me, challenging me, loving me, and encouraging me through each season. for the ways they have pushed me to run after Jesus!

- for my supporters/prayer warriors who have shared their prayers, wisdom, tangible support, and uplifting words. God is using you to fulfill His promises in me!

- for all the letters, emails, skype conversations, facebook messages, or gmail chats since living in uganda. i cherish each one

- for the new friends God is introduced me to over this year!

- for the lessons of learning to love people, no matter what

- for all the relationships that were built over this year

- for God's provision in putting every piece of the puzzle of my life together

- for God's constant faithfulness and steadfast love

- for the roger's family and welcoming me into their lives in uganda

- for ROWAN and all the work God is doing through them in Mawanga

- for all the ways God continues to draw me to Him through everything. wouldn't want to be anywhere else because i would miss out on knowing Him more!

as i celebrate thanksgiving with a different family this year, my heart is with my mine back in the states. i am so incredibly thankful to be where i am; though separated, it challenges me to be even more fervent in prayer over them and all those i am not with. praying you each have a wonderful holiday. may you take time to embrace what's around you and enjoy your family and friends! 

happy thanksgiving!

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; 

give thanks to Him and praise His name. 

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;

His faithfulness continues through all generations."

Psalm 100:4-5