November....Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I have decided to do monthly letters instead of newsletters. It is just too hard to format it correctly because so many different people have so many different programs. So I will be writing a lot and then hopefully attaching a couple of pictures. This way you all can see what is going on in my life.

First I want to start with saying how Thankful I am for each one of you and what an amazing part of my life you are. It is funny to think back to a year ago at this time. I really didn't know that I would be in Thailand. In fact it was one year ago that I went to ACSI and thought I would be going to Budapest this year. How the Lord changes thing. I am glad that I do not have to rely on having control of everything, you know?????

It is Thanksgiving...I had to work. We got a week of in October instead of Thanksgiving off. Which I guess I am pretty excited about since I was able to go to Malaysia, but it just doesn't feel like Thanksgiving. I can remember last year when I spent the day at Kathi's that was so much fun. I think that was the best food...maybe not ever but it was pretty good. Just being able to spend time with a family. Tonight I will be having Thanksgiving with a bunch of the single people from my school. I am actually pretty excited about it. Although we do not have Turkey in Thailand so it is Thanksgiving chicken for us. Although if you close your eyes really tight you can pretend that it is turkey ;). As I ponder over the past, present and future I realize that I truly do have a lot to be thankful for. So here is my list, in no particular order....

*Being born in America
*Being born in a Christian home and the Lord calling me into a relationship with him when I was 6
*the Lord's forgiveness when I have been the rebelling sinner that I am
*A heart for other countries and people groups
*A call to live overseas
*My family
*My friends in California, Missouri, Colorado, Africa, Egypt and all over the world!
*The church families that the Lord has brought me to over the years
*Being a teacher
*being loved
*being wanted
*being needed
*communication (phone, internet or snail mail)
*the skytrain
*transportation
*airports that don't close down
*sleep
*cameras
*memories
*the people I have met that I have had to say good-bye to
*the people that have challenged me to love the Lord more deeply
*Life
*freedom
*forgiveness
*mercy
*grace
*protection
*cards
*elephants
*hospitality
*shelter
*food
*clothing
*water
*a school building
*love
*My Savior

I know that there is so much more I could add to this list, but I am truly just so thankful for what the Lord has brought me. When I thought today about the fact that if something as horrible as a civil war were to break out (which I highly doubt this will happen), but if it does I would be so sad. I love Thailand. I love the people. I love my job. I love the staff here. I am so very thankful to be able to serve the Lord here and just be stretched and used.

So I guess this letter is more just to say how thankful I am, after all that is what today is all about, right! More updates soon. !

love ya
Tawnya

1 Peter 4:8