Happy Thanksgiving! This marks the
first time I’ve ever been out of the country for Thanksgiving, but nevertheless
I still have so much to be thankful for. This amazing journey that I have been
on for the past 4 months has been life changing, and I wanted to use this blog
to thank some of the people and things that have made this time in the
Philippines so special.
First
of all, I want to thank Yahweh for without Him I am nothing. I have found so
much comfort in reading God’s word while I’ve been here. Having little to no TV
really gives you a lot of free time, and I’ve tried to fill that time with
reading the Bible. Since I’ve been here I’ve read the Bible twice, and I’m
almost done with my third time through. Time has been such a blessing to get to
better know God’s word, and I find myself very eager to get back into it
everyday. My time in the Philippines has also made me become more reliant on
God’s will in my life. I see his grace in all things. The good and the bad, God
uses it all for His glory.
I
am also thankful for the Sankey boys and girls. They have been such a blessing
to me, and have shown me what are really the important things in life. They are
joyful in hard times, and really know what it is to trust in the Lord. Their
ever-present willingness to have a good time is contagious, and I’ve re-learned
that the purpose of sports and games is to have fun. Not just for win at all
cost competition. For that re-education I am so grateful! In just 4 months I
feel like I have become a new person because of the kids here. They have taught
me what it means to be content in Christ. “My grace is sufficient for thee.” 2 Corinthians
12:9. I am so thankful for the boys, and the relationships we have developed.
The Bible studies are really starting to sink in and they seemed to actually be
enjoying them. Which is something I am also very thankful about.
I
am so thankful for the love from all the staff and workers here at Sankey.
Especially the Luchavez family who have made my stay here such a fun filled
adventure. They are always there whenever I need anything, and I can’t thank
them enough for there hospitality. They really are amazing!
I
am so thankful for Uncle Tom and Aunt Karen for giving me this opportunity to come
and share a year of my life with their kids. The amount of love and support by
these two warriors for Christ is astounding, and I am so thankful to be able to
call them my Uncle and Aunt! I really can’t wait till they get here so I can
see the joy that they bring. If you know them you know the energy and
enthusiasm that is ever present in their ministry. They are such a blessing,
and I’m so glad I could give this year to help them with their mission.
I
am really thankful for technology. A few years ago I never though I would say
that, but now knowing first hand what it means to communicate with people on
the other side of the world I have to say I now realize how good it can be.
Viber, Skype, Email, and even a little bookface they all have been such a
blessing in that I can use them to talk to all of you back home. It has been so
awesome to stay up to date with the sermons from my home church of Roswell
Community Church. The teaching in the sermons has been so refreshing, and every
Sunday I truly look forward to hearing what my pastors have to say.
Finally
I am so thankful for each and everyone of you! Thank you for your prayers and
support. It’s amazing how loved I feel when I hear from someone back home. My
family and friends, Thank you! Your kind words have picked me up when I needed
to be, and leveled my head to show me what truly matters in tough times. I
thank the Lord for each of you and the amazing blessing you are to me.
I
know this is a little different from my usual posts, but it was on my heart so
I decided to follow it. Know that, even though I’m in the Philippines, I still
am enjoying what Thanksgiving is really all about. Giving Thanks! God Bless you
all!
P.S. To Uncle E……….. Have some turkey and pumpkin pie for me!!!
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