Thanksgiving in India. It’s hard to believe it’s the middle of November here. With consistent 80-90 degree weather, it feels as though summer is never-ending. I’m reminded that cooler temperatures do exist as I scroll through social media and envy those who are happily wearing thick sweaters and scarves – teasing those on the other side of the globe with that delightful red cup (likely filled with some flavour of magical pumpkin spice).

Flavour. Colour. My auto-correct won’t allow me to type those words the American way any longer. We’re influenced by the British here, so it’s their way. For now.

I can’t really complain that summer is never-ending. I’m writing this as I dangle my feet into a beautiful pool of water, surrounded by palm trees. Life is good.

I’m enjoying India. Every day. There is always something new to see, try, taste... That reminds me. Thanksgiving is coming up this week, and I keep informing my team of the importance (i.e. mashed potatoes, gravy, turkey, my grandmother’s famous stuffing, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, chocolate pie, that orange salad my aunt makes… *sigh*).

Thanksgiving also reminds me of what it is actually meant to :: gratitude.

I’m not sure I can portray with words the way my heart has come to know gratitude this year.

I quit my job, packed up my belongings, and moved to India with whatever I could fit into two (quite large) suitcases. I have less now than I have ever had before, and somehow, I feel as though I lack nothing. Every month, I have to trust that God is going to provide for every need I have.

And every month – He does.

He provides through people. I am so grateful for the people that are in my life. For the friends and family who support me and welcome me home to America each time I visit (for the food – thank God for the food). For new friends (and family), that I have met in India, who carefully watch over me – every single step. Most especially, for the children I work with here, who daily remind me that I. am. incredibly. blessed.

I believe blessing does not come from wealth, or power, or prestige – but straight from the hand of the God who leads us into the unknown.

It is there (somewhere similar to a desert... like where the Israelites wandered around for 40 years, desert – not dessert – I wish), that you actually come to know the faithfulness of our God.

So, with that being said – this is my Thanksgiving.

I’m thankful for: faithfulness, mercy, grace, and love. I’m thankful for family, great friends, food, and laughter. I’m thankful for coffee, good books, and for warm (& warmer) weather. I’m thankful for the way the Dallas Mavericks are playing this season and for the snow that I will see when I am home in Iowa with my family for Christmas.

Thankful for this year – and thankful for you.

Love always,

Amy

PS: Please pray for the pumpkin pie I’ll be making on Thursday. Amen.