Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope this post finds you full and happy! In keeping with the theme of thanksgiving, I thought I would give you a couple of blessings that God has given to me this past year!

Work – This past year, God has opened the door for me to start training to become one of the church secretaries here in Eden, NY. I love the work, and it is a great situation for me to be in! Praise the Lord!

People – In the last couple of months, since my parents returned to the mission field, I have struggled with homesickness and missing my family. But God has given me so many people here and others who are close by to be my encouragers. Right when I miss my home and family the most, God gives me someone to encourage me.

The Garland Family are my main encouragers. Hehe we live with them. They are always so thoughtful, kind, and understanding of me being a missionary kid and all the differences in culture.

The Nichols Family - Bro. Nichols was a missionary kid in Brazil, and his wife is Brazilian. They were part of the missions conference here, and we went out for desert. They know all about how it is to adjust to America! It was great to talk to people who went through the same things we are going through.

Mrs. Kohl is our pastor’s wife here in Eden. I love her! She always has a smile and a hug to make me feel welcome!

The Inocando Family - I am sure you remember reading about them a couple weeks ago. They were members of our church in the Philippines when I was young. In fact, Ate Defcel taught me in Sunday School. The Inocando family migrated to Canada a couple years ago. A couple weeks ago, we got to visit them! It was such a blessing and encouragement to "go home" for a little while!

The Doney Family - Do you remember reading about them recently? This family has been such a blessing not only to me, but also to Gideon. They keep in contact with us, they have visited us, and we have visited them. They are very thoughtful and great people to count as friends!

MK Ministries - This is an amazing ministry from BIMI. They write us letters, send us packages, and email us missionary kids every week! It is amazing how they make us feel loved and encouraged by a simple email or a note in the mail! I love this ministry, and it sure encourages me!

The LeBeau Family – This family has three young children. Peter is 4, Jaina is 2, and Bethany is 1. I LOVE this family! I have gotten the awesome opportunity to babysit their kids for choir practice, and I have completely fallen in love with them! Hehe they are my “babies”! I had a couple of “babies” when I was in the Philippines, so having kids to love on here really helps it feel like home! Through babysitting, I have been able to get to know their mom as well! She is so sweet, and I love spending time with her!

Faith Garland – Some of you who know me well, knew this one was coming. I share a room with Faith at the Garland’s house! At first, I was very apprehensive about how rooming with someone would work out. But, much to my delight, everything has been going so great! We are now best of friends, and she is a great encouragement to me. She also has been instrumental in making me feel more at home in America!

These are only a few of my many blessings! When I think back on all the things that have happened this past year, I am overwhelmed by all the things that God has done for me and my family! And all I can think is “God is so good!”

I hope this post has been an encouragement to each one of you to think on your own blessings, and I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

#Holidays #CollegeLife