Thankfulness

Shauti and her wonderful loaf of bread

Thanksgiving here was pretty much like any ordinary day. I went to school, taught some classes, helped some struggling students with long division (it turns out that they are struggling not only because they don’t know the times tables but they also have a hard time subtracting with regrouping, which you should learn in 2^nd grade. Oh my! What to do?), and played with the kids. However, Sauti did make us a big meal. Oh it was good! Kub moja! (very tasty) We had mashed potatoes, gluten, corn, stuffing, cooked veggies, fruit salad, sweet bread, apple pie and ice cream. It was a very traditional Thanksgiving dinner for vegetarians.

My diner plate

This time of year always directs me to pause, look at my life, and see all that God has given me. This year my eyes are open to new blessings. I am thankful for patient teachers who set a good foundation of learning and exciting, challenging teachers who expanded that knowledge. I am thankful for living and going to school in the United States. Here, in Bangladesh you can only go to school to be a pastor, secretary, teacher, or something in finances. In the states I could be a doctor, a physical therapist, an engineer, a writer... There are so many opportunities there. I guess I always took that for granted. I thought everyone could be whoever he or she wanted to be and do whatever he or she wanted to do. Sadly it is very difficult in some places, like Bangladesh.

My class drawing what they are thankful for

I am thankful for cleanliness. Back in the states when driving around sometimes I come across a sign $1000 for littering. I always thought that it was a little steep but now I see what a country looks like without this law, and it is pretty sad. Trash is piled up all along the streets and riversides. The waste management is none existent. Luckily at the orphanage they have a small dump where they put their trash and burn it.

I am thankful for a loving, supporting family. I have always been thankful for my family but I am thankful specifically that my family has raised me lovingly, knowing about the perfect love of Jesus. I am comforted by their everlasting love. I am also blessed to have parents that encourage me to experience an abundant life. They don’t hold me back or limit me; they help send me forward.

Sillies!!!

I am thankful for close friends. We lean on each other in times of struggle, laugh with each other in times of joy, cry with each other in times of grief, and celebrate in times of achievement. I embrace their individuality and how real they are with me. We are all different and it is beautiful.

Thanksgiving poster

I am thankful for health and mobility. Here there is a little girl, Sunity, who is wheel chair bound and her neck in broken. She doesn’t get to interact with the kids much because they are off playing their own running games. It is so sad to think of her locked away in her room with just her caregiver. She can’t function on her own. I try to give her special attention whenever I see her but she is easily forgotten. I have taken my independence for granted and realize what a blessing it is.

playing with the kids on Thanksgiving day

Specifically here, right now I am thankful for no bugs in my bed, good enough Internet to Skype my family, new friendships, a wonderful campus and staff, and the love of many little ones. All my loved ones wherever you are know that I love you and am thinking about you during this holiday season. You have blessed my life and I am truly thankful. I miss you and look forward to seeing you again. But for now, life is good here in Bangladesh.