oh so thankful

I love the hustle and bustle of this season. My day started early, sending Ashley and Sam off to school.  The others stayed home today as we all prepared a feast.  But this moment, in the quiet, with a cup of Dunkin Donuts from the French Press, I had some time to reflect

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I love being here with a house full of people (this year I have GIRLS to help!!)  In all the busy-ness, I love to take a minute to stop and really think about all I have to be thankful for.  This year, the first thing that comes to mind is God’s blessing and favor in the life of my friends Juanita and Rodrigo.

Hope and Juanita~ October 2008~ Gao, Mali

Two days ago we all got a very physical representation of God’s faithfulness in the form of new life.  Rodrigo and Juanita Rivas are celebrating the arrival of their first born, Nathan.  The Lord has truly turned our mourning into dancing.  I can’t wait to meet him.

I am so thankful for my missionary friends who have walked with us and helped us make sense of this life.  Juanita and Rodrigo hosted me in their home for more than a month the first time I visited Niger in 2005.  Those conversations and experiences had so much to do with my “yes” to this place.  I have watched this couple grow and adjust, suffer and mourn, and wait on the Lord trying to accept his plan.  I can’t quite put into words the gratitude I feel this week as I celebrate with them.

We had an awesome day today.  Sam and Ashley went to school.  Amber and Rachel stayed home to help in the kitchen.  They did so much.  I will miss them next year.  They even made place cards for the table.

Rachel made her grandma’s mac and cheese.  It was a big hit.  I’m sure she’ll be asked to do it again.

Amber is also known as Cherry Pie Expert.

We had an awesome feast with plenty of friends and amazing food- much of it sent with love from America (thank you!)

One thought on “oh so thankful

  1. Great to hear about the newest m.k. on the block. God has indeed been faithful.

    Also glad to hear about your day of feasting. I think you all love to have an excuse to get together and eat – and I love doing it too.

    As you in Africa and we in America think of God’s goodness to us, we have so very much to be thankful for. We praise Him continually.

    Hugs to those three precious grandsons of mine.

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