Thanksgiving.

I know everyone in America just celebrated Thanksgiving, but for my church here in Zambia, “Thanksgiving” is the last Sunday of 2012.  We’re all going to write letters expressing our gratitude for everything God has done this year and commit 2013 into His hands.  If I’m being 100% honest, I’m a bit overwhelmed by this task.  I mean, where do I even start??  So much has happened this year, and I am beyond thankful for every moment.  I’m sure I will forget some of the incredible blessings I have experienced this year, but here is my list so far…

I am thankful for an incredibly loving and supportive family who moved me to State College, PA only a few weeks after hearing I had decided to completely alter the course of my 2012.

I am thankful for the unexpected family God provided for me during my stay in State College the first half of this year. 

I am thankful for a list of many “firsts” I got to experience while living with the Smiths, which included: 4-wheeling, watching lambs be born/bottle feeding newborn lambs, hanging clothes on a line (I know!), planting a garden and driving stick shift.

I am thankful for the role God gave me while I lived with the Smiths; grateful that I came into their lives when they needed it most and that I was able to help in some small way.

I am thankful that even in a tough economy, God opened doors for me to have 3 part-time (and very flexible) jobs that allowed me to raise funds for my ministry in Zambia.

I am thankful for countless mentors in my life who have poured into me and shown me what it means to be a godly woman, teacher, friend and (someday) wife and mother.

I am thankful (and utterly humbled) for so many generous people who sacrificially gave money so that I could follow God’s calling on my life.

I am thankful for the opportunity to speak at Grace Prep/Pure Freedom’s Living Letters Banquet.  7 years after attending the banquet where I first heard about Zambia, I was able to return and tell my story.  (Which is really just His story.)

I am thankful for the chance to celebrate with my family as my beautiful sister, Ashley, graduated from Taylor and my sweet brother, Austin, graduated from high school (preparing to also attend Taylor) before I left in June.

I am thankful for an incredibly fun last night in America as I got to see Wicked on Broadway with 3 of the Smiths.

I am thankful for Shannon Morrison who was the first American to work with Haven of Hope long-term.  She truly paved the way for me, and spending time learning from her in June was an incredible blessing.

I am thankful for trips to Nsobe Game Park with 2 schools of kids who have never seen the wild and wonderful animals that live in their own country.  I’m thankful for “ooh’s” and “ahh’s” and looks of amazement and childlike wonder. 

I am thankful for the mixed tears of joy and sadness that were shed at the Airport in Ndola as Shannon, her parents, and Kara left me by myself last July.  The tears of sadness just reminded me that I had people in my life whom I love and who love me and that is worthwhile.

I am thankful for the Banda family who took in yet another strange American girl.  Words cannot express how grateful I am for the food they have made, the advice they have given, and the love they have shown.  They are my family and that is something I will take with me forever.

I am thankful for 4 Zambian teachers who want to learn from the “professionally trained teacher,” but who have taught me more than they will ever know.  The time they sacrifice and the love they give to our students is inspiring.  And they do it all ON TOP OF making food for 60 kids every day!

I am thankful for 120 students who have more strength and grace than I could ever hope to have.  I am thankful for the small moments, the endless laughter, the frustrations, the dreaming and the slow but steady improvements.

I am thankful that a walk down my dirt road led to meeting one of my best friends here in Zambia, who then invited me to church.  That church has since become a huge part of my life here in Luanshya and I am so thankful for people who treat me like “Amy” and not just “some white girl.”

I am thankful for amazing technology that allows me to stay in touch with loved ones and share my story with the world. 

I am thankful for autobiography assignments for my grade 5 students that give me a deeper insight into what my kids are coming from and how important our schools are.  Deaths of parents, bouncing from home to home, lack of funds for any kind of education, 13 year olds who can’t read or write and utter hopelessness gave way to something beautiful when they were offered the chance to attend Haven of Hope.  THAT is what I get to be apart of.

I am thankful that my transition to Zambia has been utterly seamless and that (as another missionary friend so beautifully put) the Holy Spirit has shielded me from any kind of homesickness that would affect my ministry here.

I am thankful for health and safety during my time here thus far.  Yes, I may have had some stomach issues and some weird boils, but I have NOT had malaria like every other person I know here in Zambia and I have NOT been hit by any moving vehicles…which is a pretty big deal if you know me at all J

I am thankful that I got to hold a crying boy in the school office for 20 minutes after he didn’t receive a Christmas card from his sponsor in his gift bag.  Yes, it broke my heart to see him sad, but it also reminded me just how important our ministry is in the life of these students.  I am also thankful that I was able to cheer him up by offering to write him a letter myself.

I am thankful that when I was least expecting it, a godly man came into my world and turned it upside down.  In a country filled with boys who don’t know how to be men, he is hardworking, respectful, gentle, caring, selfless and kind.  I am beyond excited to see what God has in store for us in 2013.

I am thankful for visits from the Haven of Hope team that (while exhausting!) rejuvenates our vision for the ministry and encourages my heart.

I am thankful that God has provided for my family financially so that they can ALL come visit me in one week and experience this place that has such a pull on my heart.  I am so ready to share my Zambian life with the people who mean the most to me.

I am thankful for the year that has been like a dream-come-true, only better.  No, it hasn’t all been perfect, but it’s been GOOD and I have learned more than I can share.

And I am thankful for you, reading this post.  I am thankful that I have a story worth sharing and that there are so many people around this world who support and encourage me every step of the way.

I can’t wait to see what happens in 2013.  It’s hard to imagine that it can be better than 2012, but I know that whatever it is, I’m ready for it.  I’ve been reminded over and over again that God’s way is ALWAYS best and I am done trying to do things my way.  Nothing I could have come up with would compare with this life I’m living now.  I pray that you know, or are learning, that beautiful truth as well.

God is good. 

All the time.