I am thankful

November is the month that reminds us to be thankful.  We start our American holidays in November with Veteran’s Day and are humbled and thankful for the sacrifices normal everyday individuals took and made extraordinary sacrifices.  I think of my grandfather serving in the Pacific during WWII and my father serving during the deadliest years in Vietnam and then to all my peers and friends who continually put their lives on the lines for others.  I think about the families like mine who have had to endure long separations from loved ones due to deployments and being stationed around the world.  When I reflect on these things, I am thankful.

Then we have Thanksgiving, a holiday that calls on everyone to look at their many blessings and then share those joys with others.  In the midst of turkey and stuffing there should be an intentional desire to give what you have to others including your time and smiles.  I have noticed on many FB pages that people are listing something they are thankful for everyday leading up to Thanksgiving.  It is difficult to grumble with God about what you lack when you meditate on the things he has blessed your life with, including the breath in your lungs this morning.  I am thankful.

This week we have blessings to share with you all.

 First of all, our dear friend Heather Pelczar is sharing four Saturdays with us in our home cutting hair to raise money for our adoption.  The first day we raised $225.  She is coming back this weekend and then twice in December and all of this during her preparation time for her family to move back to the states.  I am thankful.

We have a dear brother from Afghanistan who was orphaned at the age of 12 when the Taliban killed his entire family.  He was recently adopted by our Lord Jesus and baptized.  He feels a burden in his heart for orphans and donated some of his wages to our fund.  I am thankful.

We have a sweet friend, Justine Erwin, who makes beautiful jewelry and has offered to give all profits on her sale of bracelets during the month of November towards our adoption fund.  She is getting ready to move back to the states too so this is a sacrifice of her time and shows the beautiful condition of her heart.  If you like to see her jewelry check-out her web-site http://www.etsy.com/shop/babycady?section_id=8032714.  I am thankful.

Psalm 33:11 states, "The Lord's plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken."

Psalm 18:30 states, "As for God, His way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true."

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement as we seek to adopt Vitaliy.