Season of Thankfulness

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my American friends! Yes, this Thanksgiving is a bit different for me. This is the first time I have not spent it with my family and it’s a little bittersweet. Knowing that my family is getting together celebrating this Thanksgiving without me, makes me a little teary eyed.

I have also realized that being AWAY from home for the holidays, makes you appreciate them so much more. I know that whenever I am home again for the holidays, that it will be that much more special. It wont just be another holiday taken for granted… it will truly be special. I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it.

Although I wont be spending this Thanksgiving with family, I will be spending it with friends. I have been invited into Guangzhou to spend it with some American friends for a truly American Thanksgiving. I am truly blessed by the people that the Lord has placed in my path.

I am for so many things. This year, I’m especially thankful for the twelve precious children the Lord has called me to care for. Right now I can’t imagine my life without them.

This year has been a year of healing. God has been healing my heart and placing the pieces of my broken heart back together. He has used the smiles of sweet children. Not just any children, but orphans. These orphans have healed my heart like they will never know. They have no idea how I came here to help them, but somewhere along the way they have touched me and healed my heart. Isn’t that just like God?

So this Thanksgiving, I am thankful that my smile is back. That I truly have joy in my life again, something that I never thought I would have again after that terrible spring day over a year ago.

Thank you Jesus for your unfailing love and for NEVER giving up on me.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Anneli