Happy Thanksgiving (late)!!

Our family in the backyard with our house behind us

This year we are a little late.  The time difference made us lazy and we thought we could get our Thanksgiving wishes out to everyone by doing it the day after Thanksgiving for us.  It doesn’t really matter because we hope to be just as thankful the day after Thanksgiving as on the holiday!

We have had a number of changes in our lives since our last Thanksgiving post.  We had a new baby, AQP, and moved to Kenya to name the two biggest.  Overall, this has been a great year.  We have become closer as a family and increased our capacity to love.   As in years past, we have included a list of what we are individually grateful for.

AQP

1. Her crinkly toy.  While it is hard to tell what she is really thankful for, she has shown a decided preference to this toy. 

2.  Her brother and sister.  She went to BLP’s musical performance the other day and got visibly excited when she saw BLP walk in.  This happens when she sees AJP as well.

3.  Her needs are taken care of.  She is a very happy baby and always has someone there to take care of her.

BLP

1.  Family because they love me no matter what.  I am thankful we can be together again in heaven.

2.  School because I can learn there.

3.  Swimming because it is one thing that I can do that is a sport.

AJP

1.  Water because it helps you live.

2.  Technology because it makes it easier to find information.

3.  Books because they are interesting.

JTP

1.  Good friends. We’ve made some great friends here that have helped us adjust to being so far away from what we know.

2.  A good job.  In tough economic times, having steady work is a real blessing.

3.  Church.  It’s amazing to go and be with a diverse group of people and learn, grow and serve together.

TSP

1.  AQP.   She has disrupted my life plan in a most pleasant way.  I had forgotten how much time a baby requires but I love it.  I also appreciate how much AJP and BLP love her.

2.  Opportunities to grow.  Adjusting to life in Kenya has been a challenge for me but I have expanded my comfort zone and grown up a bit more.

3.  The knowledge that I am a child of God.  No matter how selfish I may be or how terrible I feel, God is always there – a kind and loving father – to support me and help me to become better.  His patience gives me a great model of how I should be with AJP, BLP, and AQP.

Family

1.  Africa.  This really is a beautiful place. Being able to drive a short while and see giraffes, zebra and lions (which we haven’t seen yet) is truly amazing.

2.  Health. Aside from the typical developing world issues, we’re all in good health.

3.  Household help. Doing their normal duties has made our lives a lot easier. Being cultural translators has made them much better.