Giving Thanks

Another Thanksgiving in Sudan. This year, we celebrated in a more mellow fashion. I think we're all too tired for big celebrations. We were a lot more energetic this time last year, but it was a great day all the same. We've had a great week, and we have a few more busy and exciting weeks planned before another R&R in Kenya. But as I was sitting around the bonfire tonight (one of our Thanksgiving day traditions because we don't have American football games to sit and watch), I realized that I am thankful in particular for three things this year.
1. I am thankful that when I am sitting by the fire, I find myself enjoying the heat because without the fire, I feel cold. I think I am finally accustomed to the heat...to the point that I have frequently found myself wearing long pants and jackets and using TWO blankets at night. I am thankful that I don't notice the heat as much as I used to.
2. I am thankful for means of communication that allow me to speak with family and friends who are thousands of miles away. It makes the miles seem much shorter and reminds me that absence sometimes does indeed make the heart grow fonder.
3. In the same way that I realized this last year, I realized that I don't say often enough how thankful I am for my prayer supporters, friends, and family. I am incredibly thankful that God has blessed me with so many prayer warriors. I know you truly are warriors for us...standing in the gaps and working miracles for us that we may never even know. So thank you.
Happy Thanksgiving!