Many of the bloggers I follow are doing posts this month about what they are thankful for as we head into November and the month where we celebrate Thanksgiving. It’s kind of strange to be in a country where that isn’t a holiday that is recognized or celebrated. Reading the posts of others makes me miss home and wish that I were going to be with family for Thanksgiving. It was my mother’s favorite holiday and I love the day of remembering her with the things we all fix for dinner. And yet, today I am reminded that I don’t have to be in the States to be thankful.
The good news is that I will be back to Colorado in December! I am really excited about it and looking forward to being with family for Christmas. I will be able to see my “kids,” hug my dog, be with family, and see my grandmother. What’s not to be thankful about that?
I also have the most wonderful husband in the world. He reminds me every day of how much I mean to him. I am so lucky to have found someone I truly love and who loves me. Only five months into our marriage and life is wonderful as we plan for a future. We don’t always know what that future will bring, but we do know it will be grand because we believe God has great plans for us. I am thankful that his Bajan ways of “what will be, will be” and “just relax” have worn off on me. I can’t say it always works, but life is sure better than it was before he came into my life.
I have a great family. My brother is a jewel, even when he’s the typical “little brother” who can frustrate his sister sometimes. He has been a godsend to do what he is doing in taking care of our grandmother and in giving my dog a home the last two years. I was reminded in my recent readings that our family is much like God’s family in the book “Angry Conversations with God.” We love them no matter what, with all of their imperfections, just like they do for us. My niece has three wonderful children and a good husband and we will all get to be together for the holidays.
I also have a good team of people here in Barbados and in Antigua. They work hard, they care about their students and the staff we have here, and they are pretty awesome. I am thankful for each and every one of them and they all bring something different to our project.
As I watched the news tonight, I saw the tragedy of Fort Hood. I am thankful that my family is all safe and not at that base. And I am heartbroken for the families of our military who have lost someone today. I am thankful for our military and all they do for our country. The sacrifices both the military person and their families make never cease to amaze me.
So, you see, even though I am not in a place where Thanksgiving is celebrated, my life still has a lot to be thankful for. How about you? What is it that you are thankful for? I look forward to your replies!
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