It’s almost November, and I live in a country that doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving.  Whether I have the turkey with all of the trimmings with the whole family gathered around or not, here in the Czech Republic I am still determined to have a heart of thanksgiving.  I’m making a list of the things that I have experienced recently that I am glad for and praise God. 

1)      Silly little emails from my brother Thomas.  To anyone else they wouldn’t make any sense, but they always make me feel better.

2)      Hugs.  My 4th grade students hug me every class.

3)      Hot tea.  On cold Czech days, it is such a comfort.

4)      Magic Jack.  With it I can call my family back home for free!  Invest in one if you’re ever moving overseas. 

5)      Cody.  In a region where very few people speak my language, God has provided me with a roommate who has become a very dear friend.  The time I spend with her is priceless.

6)      Holidays.  The Czechs have so many more days off in a school year than we do back in the states.  I’m sick at the moment, but at least I don’t have to be sick and teach too :)    

7)      Dreaming about home.  Even though I might not be there, I can still have a piece of Nevada in my sleep.

8)      Living in a land full of such beauty, and so close to the city of Dresden! (View the picture above to get a taste).   

9)      Humility.  Teaching has given me ample opportunity to lose a large chunk of my pride. 

10)   Not being able to understand people and people not being able to understand me.  It makes the moments with people that I can connect with that much more meaningful. 

11)   Difficult students.  They remind me to give grace as God has given me grace. 

12)   Homemade apple strudel made from a new friend’s mother. 

13)   Prayer-time with my roommate. 

So thank you, God, for the little things in life that remind us of your love.