the list

Thanksgiving, at least for us, is this Tuesday. 

We have classes and work on the true Thanksgiving Day, but Vertier Day, November 18th, the whole country is closed and celebrating.  So, our OMS Haiti team celebrates on that day instead, enjoying a day off to come together, to eat, and to pass the day in worship: prayer, thanksgiving, music, games, and good food.

As you know, turkey, pumpkin, cranberries and sweet potatoes are about impossible to come by.  This year Brett has been raising a turkey to be butchered this weekend.  Pumpkin and sweet potato have been shipped in, I found two precious cans of cranberry at a gas station, and it will be lovely.

We have the joy of hosting it again this year, which means I've had the gift of spending extra time dwelling on this idea of Thanksgiving...putting place settings together, collecting Bible verses on gratitude, thinking about ways to make the day a day of meaningful worship for His pleasure.

As I finish decorating today, it is with an every thankful heart.

I have always had a rather positive disposition, but since moving to Haiti, it is hard for me to remember a time NOT overwhelmed by thanks.  Even in dark nights and hard hours, the gravity of His death on that cross, His great love, His HOPE, His call---it all weighs heavy on me, and easily produces overarching gratitude.

The darkness and despair of so much life all around us (here in Haiti and in our home culture) has us constantly depending fully on Him, and every time I do, He replaces my discontent and concern with a grateful heart.

He is more than enough.  

I am thankful.

So, the thankful list begins....

His abundant grace

that even when we are faithless, He remains faithful (2Tim1:13)

that there is no dread of coming snow

for the loud beautiful neighbors and their servant hearts

for a family to celebrate with this Thanksgiving

for a healthy husband and daughters and self

for the great beauty of the earth

for snuggly kittens

for butter and sugar melting over popcorn

for art and paint and the escape of creativity

for friends in North America who do not forget us

for phone calls from Sabetha 

and a box from Ana

for the many bursts of laughter Sofie-isms bring

for a clean(ish) dry house

for Abel and his trips to town in our place

for the girls afternoon nap time

and time in the Word

for when they wake up ready to play

for the dearest sister who loves me

and dear friends who love me, too

for money sent to help with flood victims

for the hole-in-the-wall almost repaired

for His peace

...to be continued...