Gratitude

So one of the weirdest feelings is attempting to celebrate an seemingly important holiday when no one around you really shares in your festivities or even understands the specialness of the day. On thanksgiving this year, I experienced this very strange occurrence.   As I was trying to explain the holiday, one of the questions someone asked was "Why do you wait until a specific day annually to express your gratitude? Why not daily?"

I really took this question to heart and am trying to be grateful daily for all of the extraordinary blessing that I have been given.  I would like to share some of those with you (and note that this is distinctly not in honor of Thanksgiving, but 10 days later, on a distinctly 'normal' day :)

Thanksgiving- American Style

1. Having clarified that this is not in honor of thanksgiving, I am grateful that we had the opportunity to bring an American custom to Belgium and share the old tradition with new friends.  


2. I am grateful for my team.  Through the thick and the thin, we are learning to work together, to trust one another, and to grow together in holiness.  Above and beyond this, they also bring a lot of life and laughter.

The Men's and Women's households-
encouraging each other with humor

 3. I am thankful for the men's and the women's households here in Leuven.   Though at times they may seem to be a meaningless flicker, it is becoming obvious that they are actually a powerful light to Leuven.  I am grateful for the ways that the households are able to support one another, praying for one another and sharing the role of witnessing to students here what it means to live a Christian life day in and day out.

Me with Elyssa from Lebanon
and Clare from Michigan

4. I am thankful for the opportunity to meet new friends.  I have been so blessed by the people that I have come into contact with here. 

Kate, Clare, and I

5. I am thankful for the two women that I live with.  I have learned and laughed so much with them.  They are beautiful women who challenge and love me each day.

The Leuven and London Gappers at Cambridge

6. I am grateful for the regional Kairos conference that we participated in this last weekend in London.  Not only was it great to explore London, but it was also great to focus on the dynamics within our team, as well as meeting the outreach workers from all around Europe and the Middle East, and being encouraged by the incredible stories that they have to share about what the Lord is doing in their ministries and through their efforts. 

7. Although sometimes I stop and cannot believe that I actually live in Europe, I am really grateful for this opportunity.  Being here has really given me the chance to experience a different way of living. The people on this side of the ocean are just as incredible as the people on the other side and they have shown me a slightly different perspective of life and the world in which we live.


8.  Of course, I am so thankful for the beauty that surrounds me daily.  The old architecture and well-worn city facades never ceases to draw my eyes and capture my attention.



Lastly, I am thankful for my family and friends who are supporting me and praying for me.  As I am away from home, I am realizing more and more their special role in my life and the significance of their support. 

Thank you, Lord, for your generosity in showering my life with blessings!