The Art of Thankfulness

The phrase "the art of thankfulness" keeps rolling through my head. I was sitting at the breakfast table and it dawned on me why it is called an art. Sometimes it can be difficult for me to see things as blessing. I love having a space to call home. I was settling into my new home at the mission base and I was finally getting suitcases unpacked when I needed to re-pack for a week in Antigua for Spanish school.

Living out of a suitcase can be hide-an-seek. I know I packed my shampoo but where did it go. I then find it at the bottom of the suitcase cause it fell out of the pocket. I find myself getting frustrated and it comes out on my dear husband.

I think that has been one of the hardest adjustments recently other than school. I love to have stability. Knowing where everything is and the kitchen is mine and I can control the house. Instead, I am the guest and everyone is serving me and I want to rebel.

This past week was a holiday, something about them celebrating Mary and the coming of Baby Jesus. The number of fireworks that were set off was mind boggling. We were trying to sleep and near our house fireworks were being set off and sleep was a dreamy idea. Finally, one night Tristan and I were discussing how grateful we were that it was just fireworks and we were not worried about our physical safety like many are in the Middle East.

Tristan and I walked to and from school every day. Anyways, we found ourselves discussing school and our work. In the process of it all, I come to realize how many of the conversations my teacher and I had were about Mennonites, our beliefs and what we stood for. It took my mind momentarily off my school work and how it stressed me out. My mind was turned to God and who I am in Christ. It is such a gift. Yes, I am dreading the next 3 weeks of school. But I am looking forward to more discussions on our beliefs. As a side note and an interesting fact, she doesn’t celebrate Christmas because it isn’t a biblical teaching.

On the way home from school.

I love my coffee (as you all know) but at the guest house we stayed at this past week. She served us tea with a cookie every evening meal. Something about it felt very warm and welcoming. I very well may incorporate that when we have our own house.

This is inside the guest house in Antigua

Guatemala is a very beautiful country. They have gorgeous mountains and the plants here are very beautiful.

The window boxes are a favorite of mine

Thursday, we had an earthquake, it was 5.8 on the Richter scale. My teacher said that in February earthquakes happen frequently. Friday one the guys at school saw an active volcano on the way to school, unfortunately I didn’t see that. It is these details that I learn that makes Guatemala dear to my heart. I am excited to see what else God has to show me and what he will continue showing me I need to grow in, in my life.

Sunset

Everytime my cup has ran empty, God has filled it with exactly what I needed. - Author Unknown

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