When Paths Cross

Being a part of a mission hospital compound brings a number of short term guests across our path.  These people give up vacation time, sacrifice money they could spend on themselves, and they come and work with us.  Having lived at the guesthouse here at Karanda, we've been in close contact with several shorttermers.  We are thankful that we've had this opportunity to gain new friends and rub shoulders with some incredible people.  I recently received a book, One Thousand Gifts, from such a friend.  I have only started reading it, but it has already powerfully affected me.  Maybe its the recent loss of a friend and her child in a fatal car accident, or maybe the humdrum of life on a mission station that has begun to get to me.  Whatever the reason, I haven't been able to tear myself away from the words of challenge and encouragement to live a daily life of gratitude.  So I will not share a list of one thousand blessings (that might lose some readers), but I want to offer some gifts I've received from living here at Karanda.

1.  Going to sleep at night to the sounds of a cooing bird.
2.  Seeing much more of Christopher than we have in a long time!
3.  Friday Family Night of movies and popcorn.
4.  Missionary family who make a birthday memorable and special.

Sharing the same birthday with fellow missionary Kathy Christiansen!



5.  The temperature has cooled WAY down and I actually wear my fleece jacket in the morning!
6.  Green grass because we won't have it much longer as the rains have stopped.
7.  My African violets blooming like crazy on my windowsill.
8.  A husband who comes home after a long day's work and yet plays ball with his sons because they ask.

Daddy reading books at bedtime.

9.  Beautiful walks through farmland and riverbeds.
10.  Friendships from long ago and newly found ones who make this journey meaningful.
11. A heart that feels such great emotions.
12. Supporters who send us letters, packages, cards, and e-mails of tangible encouragement.
13.  No T.V. (can you believe it!) and the gift of many more hours to read, talk, play games.
14.  Prayer meeting nights and hearing the faith-filled prayers of our local staff.
15.  Bright, happy curtains for our new home just waiting to be hung!
16. Electricity and water has been on for long periods of time.
17. Skype dates with family...we can't wait all week for those!
18. Two heartily growing boys who have learned to play together and are each other's best friends.

19. Being able to settle knowing our TEP was granted.

20. Being given gifts of food by those who have nothing.

These just graze off the top of the iceberg.  We are so blessed!  Thank you God for paths that cross, for however long, and friendships and memories that come from them.