Two of my favorite things

;God's blessed us all in many ways. This is the day we give thanks. It used to be to remember the harvest we'd taken in from the field. I'm not a farmer. So I don't know how we did in that area. But I know the ways God has blessed me here and why, for another year, I remain the luckiest man on the face of the earth. (With apologies to Lou Gehrig)

I'm alive. This is no small feat. In many countries, 27 is approaching senior-citizen status. It's well-over the median age here.
I'm healthy. Living internationally will take it's toll. But I've only been down to random stomach bugs and the like about one day a month. That doesn't stop the nationals from accusing me of having 'Swine flu.'
I'm close to being ready for the half-marathon. At 27, it's time to take taking care of this body seriously. Don't do it now, and I don't get to abuse it later.
I live in a tropical oasis wonderland place. Seriously, 83 today. On Thanksgiving. Mountains an hour away. Ocean three. Desert three. Waterfalls one.
And three Pizza Huts.
I have survived riding my bike in traffic baffles the mind of any civil engineer. It's definitely pray-before-leaving traffic.
I'm almost conversant in the local language. I always wanted to be bilingual—now I can say that I am (and rattle off enough to dare you to say otherwise).
I am so full. Our community of Americans made the most amazing Thanksgiving dinner—turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, lemon meringue pie. For those wondering if I'd be eating gruel on Thanksgiving, I'm willing to bet I ate better than most dinners out there.
I have friends that love me. Two visited this summer. My brother visited this fall. Two more are coming for their first Christmas as a normal married couple.
This is not to forget my family, by the way. Endless support from both immediate and extended.
I've visited two new countries this year. I'm hitting a third in December. Awesome.
I'm still a citizen of a country that respects it's people and opens doors to other countries. We've got problems. But we've got a lot going for us too.
I've got a glimpse of what may lie ahead. And it's got a shot to be pretty special.
And most of all, I've got the love of my Savior and the hope that He's given me both for today and all eternity. In the end, that's what matters more than anything. The rest will fade. That will remain.

One more thing: Take some time today to go to Kiva.org. It's a chance to help change someone's life even without much personal cost. If you've got much to be thankful for, you have a chance to share that with others.

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