decided back in August that we were going to be moving to Guatemala for a year. My brother-in-law is building a hotel there and is in need of a lot of help. We had no idea that this was what we would be doing. In fact we had no intention of going. We thought we had it all figured out. But one day, the subject of Guatemala came up in casual conversation and we both felt that it was right for us to go. Since we've made that decision, we have had many trials or "adventures," (as we've started calling them). They just keep coming.
I've been really having a hard time with the idea of moving to a country that I know nothing about. I don't know much about the culture or the people or the language and just to make a long story short, there is a lot of anxiety that has come with it. It doesn't help that there is so much negativity about us moving from people around us. We've had a lot of people tell us what to do and what we need to be careful of, etc., etc. I understand the worry and fear that they may have, we have them too. Trust me! But it's an opportunity that we feel is worth while and will be for the best. It's a leap of faith that we are taking and instead of negativity, though I know there will still be some, a person can't just run on that a lone, there needs to be a little encouragement.
I was thinking today about all of these things on my way home from the grocery store. I broke down crying in my car, just wishing and hoping for some encouragement especially from those that I love. Then I had a thought, I decided I needed to look at all of these things that have been weighing me down in a different light and find those things that I can be thankful for in it all.
1. I'm thankful for my trials!
Why? It may sound silly, but it's true. I wouldn't be the person I am today if I didn't have to go through challenges. Those challenges are what make us better. They make us stronger. This challenge of feeling lonely and unsure and needing encouragement is a trial, but a great one. It's one that will help me gain certain skills and abilities that I never thought possible. It is one step to becoming more like my Father in Heaven.
2. I'm thankful for my Journal.
Being able to share my thoughts and achievements in my little book has been a great motivator and a great stress reliever for me. I love to write. I only hope that future generations read these journals/blog with an open mind. ;)
3. I am grateful to be where I am right now.
It would be easy to give up after learning about moving so far away and say, "well I'm not going to be here much longer so why continue trying." Despite everything going on, I try to serve faithfully in my callings, and will do so until we go. I'm thankful for the friends I have made here, for the callings I have, for my ward, my home, for the furniture we have. I am grateful just to be here to serve and love the people around me until it's time for me to move on.
4. I am grateful for a home.
It's really hard right now with us having to sell most of our things. The other day we sold our couch. I can't tell you how hard that was for me. I never thought I would ever have grown an attachment to such an object, but it's hard. That night after it was gone, I sat in the living room just thinking. I thought about the early saints and how they were driven from their homes and had to leave everything behind. It might sound crazy, but that's how I feel right now with all the trials we've been facing. I feel like I am a pioneer. It started from the moment we decided to move. Those saints had a lot to worry about and probably knew far less than what I know now. They were going off of faith and what they knew was right. It's a blessing to have a home no matter how much we have in it right now. It's a blessing to be here.
5. I'm thankful for a loving Husband and Daughter.
Everyday as I am looking at all the struggles and things we have to worry about, these are the two most important people in my life. I draw great strength from them. Travis always reminds me that this too shall pass. That we will be okay and as long as we are doing our best and all we can, the lord with help us with the rest. He always knows how to cheer me up.
Little Emree, well she has always been our strength. She has been our miracle baby. She has been a really easy baby and I believe it's because of these adventures we have had to face. She reminds me of what is most important. My family is a great blessing!
6. I'm grateful to be in school.
I've learned a lot this semester. It has been a great blessing to be able to move forward and learn alongside my husband and daughter. We've been so blessed! I am loving learning every single day.
7. I'm thankful for a car.
Yes, our car is not the greatest car in the world. We often times call it "the rolling trash can," but it gets us around and that's all we can ask for. :)
8. I'm thankful for my sister Nicole.
I've prayed and prayed for quite some time to have a good friend to talk to. I finally realized while I was in search of someone to come to me, that my friend was already there. She has really helped me through some tough times whether she knows it or not. Just being able to talk to her and have her listen and understand me, is exactly what I have needed.
9. I'm thankful for the Book of Mormon.
It has been a great comfort to me when I really have felt down. I have learned some great lessons and some great blessings have come from that wonderful book.
10. I am thankful for a loving Father in Heaven who let's things happen to me to help me grow.
I know he loves me so very much. I often am reminded of his love through the tender mercies he shares with me each day. It's taken a lot of faith for me and my husband to make these decisions and with that faith, the lord has shown us many great tender mercies even when we make mistakes.
These are just a few of the many things that I am thankful for and trust me there are many.
I challenge you to look at the many blessings in your life as you go about your day and through all of your "adventures!" :)
