Thankful

Today I am thankful.

Last night I decided to start using my crutches because now I'm on a time crunch.  I go to Michigan in 9 days, and Guatemala in less than 3 weeks (what!?), so I need to be better.  My leg isn't really hurting much, but I want to speed up the healing process however I can.  All that to say, today seems like a weird day to feel super thankful.  Crutches are not exactly fun--they are awkward and hard work.  Ironically, my arms, ribs, and right leg hurt more than my injured shin as I walked around. haha.  But as I walked to dinner, I found myself overcome with thankfulness.  Thankful that dinner was in the main dining room, which is a shorter walk than where we normally have staff dinner.  Thankful that I was getting exercise using the crutches, something I haven't been able to do in about six weeks because of my leg.  Thankful that my leg is feeling better after using the crutches all day!  Thankful for our awesome group of MidKids this week, including a real sweetheart from the beginning of the summer who unexpectedly showed up on the first night.  Thankful for my years of piano lessons and the ability to play.  Thankful for my incredible family.  Thankful for the amazing relationships I've developed here over the summer, and the encouragement I've received and hopefully given.  Thankful for the ways God has changed me and taught me.  Thankful for the opportunities God has given me and the doors He keeps opening in my life.

I have been so blessed here.  I am so glad that God brought me to Cannon Beach this summer.  I can't believe that I only have a few days left until I'm off to my next adventure.  There will be a lot of sad goodbyes on Friday when I go, but it is bittersweet.  Summer staff is not a huge group, and we have shared the past few months of life with each other, playing with and teaching kids, developing friendships, and growing closer to God.  I can't stay here forever, but I have made friends and built relationships that will last a long time.  I don't want to leave, but at the same time I am ready for Guatemala and the lessons and joys it will bring.  I can't wait to meet my host family, who I found out a few days ago is a young couple with three little kids!  I'm going to have little Guatemalan siblings!!

God is so good to me.  He is worthy of all my praise.

I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make Your faithfulness known through all generations.