thanks

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; Let us make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. (psalm 95:2) I confess it's been a real and constant challenge to enter into my heavenly Father's presence with thanksgiving since moving WAY out of my comfort zone and "normal" life almost two months ago. The pictures i've carefully chosen to share with you show a very glamorous and exciting side of this life here in Honduras. I hope you've found them enjoyable and that they are enticing enough for you to hurry and book a flight here soon! We miss you! The other side of life here, unphotographed and not easily revealed has been incredibly exhausting and a daily challenge. I've joked with some of you that I can't believe how many health related things have happened to me since deciding to move internationally, but truthfully, it has been hard. A fractured wrist, parasitic stomach, fungal skin infection covering my back, and crashing my scooter into the mud represent only a few of the ways I've been physically challenged. Emotionally, I am tired and having a hard time refilling myself with what I need to be able to continuously give of myself. I've experienced what can only be explained as a panic attack, twice. Once at school, and once on vacation while I was struggling to conquer my fears of all things crawly and creepy. Imagine: bats, gheckos, scorpions, ant/termite like creatures, tarantulas, rats and roaches. My literal worst nightmare. Then top it all off with a constant list of apartment challenges: broken fridge, moldy food, leaking window, broken toilet, SUPER high electric bill, no A/C, cold water, leaking fridge (again and again), ants everywhere!, creatures inside because the fumigator never comes when they say they will, spotty Internet service making me feel even less connected, and the list could go on... This weekend i have challenged myself to be thankful in the midst of all of it. Thankful as I clean up the mess that a leaking fridge makes (again). Thankful as I mop the kitchen floor on a Friday night trying to kill the constant stream off ants that is pouring through a crack in the cement wall. Thankful to cook with pots covered in rust. Thankful to be able to wake up this morning refreshed and able to surprise my husband with banana, chocolate chip pancakes for his birthday. Thankful to be able to sit inside as the daily storm moves in to provide relief from the heat. Thankful that there's so much to enjoy about teaching in San Pedro. Thankful that we've met people here to pass the time with. Thankful that God created Jason to be such a patient and affirming husband. Thankful that God has given me all I need for godliness and life here in Honduras. So, daily I am confronted with a choice, a decision to make regardless of the circumstances or challenges I face. Hang my head, cry, panic and grow in anger? Or, find reasons to approach God with a heart of thankfulness...for I know He has blessed me with enough to thank Him continuously for the rest of my life. In this time I am learning it's far better to be thankful. I'm learning I can handle a lot more than I ever thought possible. I'm learning that I "need" a lot less than I'd considered necessary to be content. I'm learning that I already have all I need to be satisfied in this life. I choose to be thankful. What are you thankful for?