Throughout my life, God has blessed me so much. Sometimes I feel like King David, when he sat before the Lord, saying, “Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?” (2 Kings 7:18)

Here is just a sampling of the many things—both great and small and in no particular order—for which I am thankful:

• My new life with Wayne (I thought I would marry earlier in life, but you were truly worth the wait.)
• Work with meaning and purpose and with a great work family
• A good morning cup of Joe (Yes, I am still a coffee addict.)
• Family and friends on two different continents
• The basic necessities—food, clothing, and shelter. I live in a country where these aren’t a guarantee for many.
• The bear necessities (Can I get an amen from Baloo Bear)—the little things in life that make me happy: the rainbow over the mountain, fish and chips from my favourite fishery, running into one of my Alpha kids at our local mall
• My parents and siblings. Divorce and dysfunctionality are the order of the day for many American families, so I don’t take

  

  for granted the happiness, stability, and closeness of mine.

• My new family of in-laws. Along with my hubby came his awesome family, including his grandparents who are both in their 90’s. I now have grandparents again, and I love them dearly.
• My donors. Many missionaries struggle to raise support, but my donors have been so generous and faithful that I can focus all of my energy on my work instead of on support-raising. What a blessing!
• A wedding of my dreams (and within my budget!), being surrounded by people from various aspects of my life who love me
• Puppy kisses from the best fur-nephew in the world. (Joey, your auntie misses you!)
• Summertime
• Good health
• Technology that allows me to stay in touch with family and friends