With Thanksgiving coming later this week, I thought I would blog about some of the things I am thankful for this year. From the large to small, God has really showed out this year. I don't even know why I act surprised when he provides, forgives, and blesses us beyond any measure that we deserve! So, here's a list of just a few things I'm thankful for.
* The opportunity to serve in a church. Although things didn't work out at the church the way that I hoped, the time we spent with the kids and youth at WBC will always be some of my favorite times. I loved being a part of their daily lives and I am forever thankful we were allowed to serve them, even if it was for a short time.
* A chance to "start over" in a new town. Although it was super hard for a little while, I can't imagine us not living in Cleveland. I love our little house (and it is for sure little), our friends, and our new church family. We have been treated so kindly, which definitely made the transition easier.
* I love staying at home. It has been strange to not get up and go to work everyday, but I'm getting used to it. I don't sleep till 11 (well sometimes I sleep till 10). I get up and get the house work done and then I'm here when Robert comes home for lunch. Lunch is my favorite time of day.
* Staying at home also gives me the opportunity to travel when I want to. I've spent lots of time in Kosciusko since we moved. I just can't seem to stay away. Being home gives me the opportunity to be available to help with whatever in Kosciusko and I'm so grateful for that.
* My vehicle has been the biggest blessing this year. I'm 27 with no kids just yet, and I proudly drive a mini van! While we were going through the adoption process, some dear friends of ours blessed us beyond all measure with it. I love it. I do look a little crazy wheeling it around by myself, but soon, we'll have a child to enjoy it with us!
* Maisie. Words will never be enough for me to adequately describe how thankful I am for the opportunity to parent this little girl. The more time we spend with her, the more I realize how much she has missed in her short little life. She's never had a permanent home. She's never had a sense of security, a bed to say its hers, a house to come to and feel safe, toys to play with that were just hers, and more than anything people who loved her and encouraged her to be anything she wanted to be. When I think about all that she's seen in 10 years, all that she's lost in her past, I hurt for her. But, I know I can't have her past. I can't fix the things that have hurt her. I can't pretend her past doesn't exist. But I can love her now. I can help her work through her past so she can flourish in her future. I can give her the promise that from now to forever, we will be hers.
