GIve Thanks

I've missed more than a couple days of Giving Thanks! Let's catch up:

* I'm thankful for my new little one, Geneva Claire!

* I'm thankful for my husband, who works so hard at work and then still comes home and gives, gives, gives. He even takes a turn at night holding Geneva, changing her, etc.

* I'm thankful for how well Isaac and Hope have adjusted to having a baby around! They love her and always want to hold her, kiss her, etc.

* I'm thankful for our family - both blood & church - getting meals delivered is AMAZING! While I feel pretty good and have gotten out of the house a few times, I'm not ready to go to the grocery store, let alone try to cook something when we're no where near on a schedule and I'm exhausted. It's truly a blessing. And man, people in our church can cook! I'm going to be requesting some recipes.

* I'm thankful that Marc has had some great conversations about our move to Tanzania with his principal and administrators. I'm thankful for all the support and encouragement we've received since we've told people about our plans. While some people might think we're crazy, not many people have told us that to our face.

* I'm thankful for my volunteer leaders at church. Maternity leave would not happen without ALL of them. Everyone has been so willing to step in so that I can have a few weeks at home with my family. I am so grateful for this time.

* I'm thankful for fall. I'm going to miss fall next year. I love fall in Michigan. The colors, the smells, the foods, the activities...it's beautiful.

* I'm thankful for coffee. Seriously. I'm going to get myself a cup right now.

* I'm thankful for Hope's speech therapist, Becky. She's been awesome and very encouraging. We're going to bump up the amount of therapy Hope receives as we look forward to moving. We are not so sure there will be many resources for speech therapy in Tanzania, so they therapists are going to try to teach me as much as possible so I can continue working with Hope while we're there. I'm so grateful for the resources available here, and that they're FREE! What a true blessing!

* I'm thankful for an amazing home that is spacious and allows us room to be hospitable. Growing up, we had several non-family members live with my family; a couple of college guys (family friends), and a few of my mom's small group students who had rough family lives. I got used to sharing my space and family with others. It has seemed natural that throughout our married life, Marc and I have had 2 of his sisters live with us at various times, and 5 international students. This would not have been possible without this home that we rent.

* I'm thankful for my church; for my co-workers, for my students, for my volunteers, for my friends, for community, for the fact that I live next door, for the freedom to worship!

* I'm thankful that right now, WE DON'T OWN QUIMBY! Whew. I HATE still having to make payments for it, but at least the actual physical burden of owning it is no longer on our shoulders.

* I'm thankful for the doors that have opened and the clear leading that the Lord has given us in our decisions regarding Tanzania. He has truly made his will known to us and we are humbled and excited to be on this journey.

* I'm thankful for technology that makes the world a bit smaller. I love that I can keep up with friends and family that are not in GR easily. I'm thankful that when we move, we have these tools to keep up with everyone here!

* I'm thankful that we could pay off a debt this month!

* I'm thankful for slippers.

* I'm thankful that I'm in my last class at CTS and that I will (pending internship & oral comps) graduate this spring with my Masters!

* I'm thankful for clean water, indoor plumbing, healthy food, a warm home, more clothes than I need.

* I'm thankful for coffee. Did I say that already? ;)

So many gifts to be thankful for. I am certainly blessed.