Thanksgiving

I wanted to take the time and share some things I am thankful for. Thanksgiving may be over, but, as my uncle said, we should be thankful every day.

1. School: I am thankful that I can go to school and learn to get a job. Even though I had to change my major at the beginning of the semester I am glad I can spend another year in school. I also came to realize that I enjoy my new major.
2. Family: My family may not be with me, but they support me in any way they can. I am always grateful when they visit and take the time to talk to me. This year, I was able to see my brother again. Ironically I have only talked to him once since he has been here. We are still close.
3. Friends: I may not have many friends in school but I am thankful for the friends (or brothers and sisters) I have at church. They encourage me in many ways and pray for me. 
4. Roommates and sisters: I refer to my roommates as sisters because we live together like sisters. The word 'roommates' sounds more distant and does not describe the relationship we have. I love living with these girls. They know my weaknesses and still love me, like family.
5. CBF/Sunday School: In the summer the children moved up a grade/class, so I now have the 2- and 3-year-olds, which was challenging at first. Some of them do not speak much English and many of them do not understand much of the sermon. I have learned a lot from them and with them. 
6. YDJ: We have had a great year in YDJ. We have grown a lot over the past year. I am thankful for the other leaders who are faithful in preparing events, meetings, and retreats, and support each other in many ways.
7. Fellowship: My Bible study group is simply awesome and faithful. They live up to their name 'absolute faith'. Each of them is special to me. We share our struggles, encourage each other, and pray for one another. We have had many victories this year, including M.Joy's Green card approval.
8. Driving: I am thankful that I am able to get my driver's licence. I would not have been able to do so in Germany. 
9. Internship: Just two weeks ago, I was able to get an internship for next spring. I needed one in order to graduate. The best thing is that it is in the field I want to work in, with families and children.
10. Work: I am thankful for the place I am working at because I can do what I love. I am also learning a lot about teaching and classroom management. 
11. Praise Team: We have done a lot this year from Sunday praise to worship nights. I love singing and praising with this group of people. (I will write more about praise in a later post.)
12. God: He is my light and my salvation. He gives me strength and wisdom to get through each day even when I am unfaithful to him or put him on the back burner. He knows me better than I do and teaches me through many situations.