- Family
- The chance to spend Thanksgiving with extended family
- A new team preparing to go to Kazakhstan
- The safety of my Kazakh family and friends during the recent shooting/bombing in Taraz
- Good friends all over the world
- A faithful God
- My small group (both in Lynchburg and Muncie)
- A sense of peace and joy
- God's provision
- Laughter
- Freedom
- Health
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi everyone! I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! I have the joy of spending this Thanksgiving with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in Oklahoma (where my mom grew up). I was able to get a free ticket with my frequent flyer miles, so I decided to take this opportunity to visit with my extended family. I always enjoy my visits with them because they are filled with laughter. The Champeau side of the family loves to laugh, especially when they all come together. I have so much to be thankful for, so I thought I'd list just a few of them below. Hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Simple Joys
Over a week ago I had the joy of spending the day at Kings Dominion with three new friends from my small group. The weather for the day called for showers and a high of around 40 ... not ideal weather for being outside. However, for us the weather ended up being a blessing. The weather was bad enough that most people did not make the trip, yet good enough that the rides did not shut down. We looked like fools as we walked through the park in our ponchos and multiple layers of clothing, but we were happy fools.
The stimulus for the trip was that I know I will be heading back to Kaz next spring and will not get a chance to ride roller coasters for another few years. Some friends from small group were excited to join me in this adventure. We were able to ride each roller coaster that we wanted to 2-3 times and only had to wait in two lines all day long. Due to the weather, I was able to ride more than I had imagined!
I think the best part of the day was the fact that we turned into children when we entered the park. Memories from years before (my first roller coaster was the Shockwave at the same park) brought back thoughts of friends and laughter. We found ourselves almost skipping through the park at times (well, I guess that was only some of us). Stories were told. Funnel cake and cotton candy were eaten. Laughter and joy abounded.
We could have been upset that the weather was not perfect. Instead, we decided to just enjoy the day and find pleasure in the little things. I find it really amazing what a perspective of joy can bring to a day. I am thankful for my new friends that were willing to join the adventure!
Upcoming Plans: Trip to Muncie (Nov 9-13); Thanksgiving in Oklahoma
The stimulus for the trip was that I know I will be heading back to Kaz next spring and will not get a chance to ride roller coasters for another few years. Some friends from small group were excited to join me in this adventure. We were able to ride each roller coaster that we wanted to 2-3 times and only had to wait in two lines all day long. Due to the weather, I was able to ride more than I had imagined!
I think the best part of the day was the fact that we turned into children when we entered the park. Memories from years before (my first roller coaster was the Shockwave at the same park) brought back thoughts of friends and laughter. We found ourselves almost skipping through the park at times (well, I guess that was only some of us). Stories were told. Funnel cake and cotton candy were eaten. Laughter and joy abounded.
We could have been upset that the weather was not perfect. Instead, we decided to just enjoy the day and find pleasure in the little things. I find it really amazing what a perspective of joy can bring to a day. I am thankful for my new friends that were willing to join the adventure!
Upcoming Plans: Trip to Muncie (Nov 9-13); Thanksgiving in Oklahoma
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
