I have been home for five days now. It's been a good time to spend with my parents and family friends, but I miss my family at school. Thanksgiving is a fun time that I get to be reminded yet again about all the blessings God has bestowed on me and rejoice and give thanks to Him for providing them. I had not been home all quarter and so it was wierd to return to a place so familiar yet so foreign. Life goes on when I'm not here and it's hard to believe that, but when I return I am reminded that time does not stand still in my absence and things do change with me gone. My house looks different every time I return because my parents are slowly making the house of my childhood into a newer home as they gradually replace EVERYTHING! It's been crazy to watch over the years, but it always leaves me in suspense as to what new addition or transformation has taken place while I've been gone. I have enjoyed doing things with my mom this week and even shopping in the chaotic mess of people. I have been trying to clean out my room here and that is a feat in itself! I have enjoyed seeing my dog and my brothers dog too (who my parents are dogsitting for a week) and getting a chance to have pets around for a little bit. But I miss SLO. I don't so much miss the city, but I miss the fellowship and community. I miss spending time with people talking about God and what He's doing in our lives. I miss just being with other CHristians and worshiping or loving on each other. I miss spontanaiety. I miss my bed....it is the most comfortable bed ever....i miss my roomie...i miss the people who surround me and God uses to show me His love. I am thankful for a family that does love me and a home that I can come home to and am welcomed into. I am thankful that I have friends who care more about my relationship with CHrist than about our relationship. I am thankful for a roommate whom i love and adore and get along with so wonderfully. I am thankful for a church that challenges and stretches me to grow. I am thankful for a home and a vehicle. I am thankful for never having to worry about my next meal. I am thankful for having a Bible in my language and being free to read and proclaim the Word of God. I am thankful that CHrist chose the nails so that I might spend eternity with Him. I am thankful that I do not have to be worthy or good enough on my own, but that through the blood of Christ I am covered and redeemed. My sins are atoned for. I am thankful that God loves me despite what I do....I am thankful.

Be blessed friends.