hi everyone!! I’m back to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving (a few days late but who’s surprised)! As you can probably guess, this holiday season has already been really hard for our squad and we aren’t even through it yet. Hearing stories of friends heading home from college to be with their families as we continue to do ministry here is really tough and it is definitely taking a toll on all of us.

As my team was talking about Thanksgiving a week or so ago, my teammate Celia made an incredible point and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. She was talking about what the Lord is teaching her right now through lots of homesickness and she said “I’ve had 18 Thanksgivings at home and I’m going to get so many more… its an honor that I get to give up just one for the sake of the Kingdom and serving the Lord.”

Even on the hard days when ministry feels pointless or I don’t feel well, or I just really want to be at home with all the “American comforts”, I’m reminded of the sacrifices Jesus made for me. He chose to empty himself and take on human form so that I could be made whole and righteous. He was obedient to the point of death so that I could be forever united with my Father. He chose patience and kindness and love every single day so that I could have a perfect example to follow. What’s one missed holiday, or nine months away, or even a entire lifetime of abandonment when I sit and consider all that Jesus gave up simply to be with me. what a love.

Despite the inevitability of homesickness and a few tears last Thursday, our squad did an incredible job at making this day as home-y and welcoming as possible!! We had a “Thanksgiving team” who worked hard to plan a fun day, and then, thanks to some sweet family and friends who donated to us, we were able to throw a big family Thanksgiving dinner (we cooked for 50 and it was a BLAST)! We had decorations, so many family recipes, and ended the night with an ultimate frisbee game (and an injury because is it really a holiday if someone doesn’t get hurt? :) I am so thankful to be a part of this group who pursues hospitality and inclusivity so well, and we all felt so loved!! Enjoy a few photos from our sweet Guatemalan Thanksgiving!

His love + mine,

bree