Keep Smiling: Thankful

Friday, November 23, 2012

Thankful

This Thanksgiving was the first holiday Dan and I spent apart from our families. While it was sad not being with family, I am very thankful for our Thanksgiving celebration in Hawaii for several reasons:

1. God's continued provision

Our year living in Hawaii has been a whirlwind. It's going by so fast...next month, marks the halfway point! We still can't believe we live here, and we're thankful for this experience. But it's definitely been a growing year for us. We're still adjusting to military life/Dan's internship year. And we're constantly reminded of how we need to rely on Christ with every decision we have to make and every concern we have about the future. There are so many "unknowns" with the military, and while it can be frustrating at times, there's peace knowing God is in control. He is a God of details, and I'm so thankful for the many ways He's provided for our every need here in Hawaii thus far.

2. Dan was off!

Dan was originally scheduled to work throughout the entire Thanksgiving weekend...big bummer (especially since we wouldn't be celebrating with family). However, at the last minute, he got Thursday off. I am so thankful we could spend the holiday together.

3. FaceTime.

Even though we were far from both of our families, we were able to connect with our families through FaceTime. Talking on the phone is great, but it's totally different being able to see the faces of loved ones. I am very thankful for technology to make us feel closer than we actually are.

4. Hospitality of new friends.

We have been so blessed and have met incredibly nice friends here in Hawaii. Many of them are also young military families, so we were all in the same boat for Thanksgiving. With spouses working crazy hours at the hospital and families being across the ocean back on the mainland, we still managed to have a very special Thanksgiving celebration.

Sara and Drew were gracious enough to open their beautiful home for our Thanksgiving dinner. Sara was the ultimate hostess and everything was delicious! The dinner was potluck-style. It was really special to have a combination of everyone's family traditions... via food... in one meal.