Friendsgiving

^15 "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."  Colossians 3:15-17

     Earlier in the week, I was going to write about why it is hard to be in a foreign country during the holidays.  How I hate missing my family and traditions that I have always had and how it can be so lonely at times.  Then, earlier in the week I had a wake up call.  I am so blessed!  Who am I to whine and complain because things are not how I would have chosen.  When one of my best friends has lost more in six months than most people in 10 years and she still can find a way to celebrate, I have to put things into perspective.

     So I am not thinking of Thanksgiving as I always have.  I am changing it to Friendsgiving.  It is time to celebrate what is good and new in life.  Yesterday, I had a perfect day.  I woke up and spend a prayerful devotion with God.  I prayed over everything that has felt so heavy lately and the choices that I need to make soon.  I laid somethings that I have been holding onto too tightly and had become a distraction.  I prayed over my kids, so I can be the best witness to them that I can possibly be.  Then, I get to work and I have a new experience there.  The kids were being sweeter than normal and they had no idea that it was such an important holiday for me.  Then, I had a time of relaxation as the afternoon group went for the sixth time to the dentist.  (Makes me wonder what is going on with their teeth.)  This only left one child with me, so I let him hang out with all the teenagers and play for hours.  He was so happy that I couldn't stop smiling.  During this time I got to read a couple of chapters in How People Change. 

    I got asked questions about what Thanksgiving is and how we celebrate and I answered the best I could, but I don't know all the words for all the foods.  It ended with me saying I am in a new country, so I am making new traditions.  Last year was such a special time that will forever be a fond memory.  This year was a little different.  I had the time to build stronger relationships, so the bonds were more intimate. We went to a Bolivian restaurant to do Friendsgiving in the style fit for this country.  It was a great time of fellowship and growing closer.  Tasha and Tze both really enjoyed being able to speak Spanish and I appreciated being able to sit back and not feeling like I needed to talk much.   I got to actually relax and let things just flow.  I am blessed and I know that God opened doors for me to be able to find what I so needed.  I don't regret choosing the path I have chosen.

     I have also been convicted on the feeling of needed to be heard and understood.  There is transparency and then there is needing to have your voice heard.  So, I was thinking about not posting as often on my blog.  However, I would like to hear from my readers on if they enjoy hearing my views or not.  Let me know.