Happy Thanksgiving (Blog #28 11/28/08)

Be thankful that we've elected a president...and no one was killed during the elections.

Be thankful that we're able to elect a president...period.

Be thankful that we sat down with our families.

Be thankful that we sat down to a meal with our families.

Be thankful that we wore clean clothes, drank clean water, and ate clean food.

Be thankful we have clothes, water, and food.

Be thankful we didn't wake wondering what dangers faced us that day--whether it was an overloaded old bus, a man with a gun, or a terrorist with a bomb.

Be thankful your airport wasn't shut down by protestors, your hotels weren't overrun by terrorists, and your family members weren't held hostage.

We know that in everything God works for good, to those who are called according to His purpose. I can't begin to understand why things happen in this world, why my family is blessed beyond measure when so many struggle and suffer. I just know that somehow, in some way, there is a purpose, and there is good that can be found in all of this darkness.

We are thankful beyond words to be able to live in China right now, to be able to celebrate with new friends, to have family to miss, to have our health, our school, and our jobs. So many have so little.

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Chosen One,

Give thanks, because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son.

And now, let the weak say "I am strong,"

Let the poor say, "I am rich",

Because of what the Lord has done for us.

Give thanks.