Sacrifice...Thankfulness

This week as Thanksgiving approaches and it does not feel like its
coming at all because there are no reminders of it here, however, I
have thought a lot about the word sacrifice in the past couple of
days. Many people around the world know the meaning of this word. I
could go on and on with many examples of those who sacrifice their
lives daily. Today I think about one of our students who has been
working on the building project during his holiday. He sometimes
misses school so that he can earn money in order to pay school fees
for younger siblings in his household. That is sacrifice. I think
about all my friends and family who have sacrificially given of their
prayers and finances that enable me to be here where I know God has
called me to be for this season of my life. I want to thank all of my
friends and family for that sacrifice as well as for the sacrifice
that comes with trying to keep in contact with someone on another
continent. I miss everyone a lot but this sacrifice that I am making
by being here is completely worth it. And finally as I think of the
word sacrifice my mind goes to the cross and meditates on that for a
while. For, it is because of the cross that I am here in Uganda. I
will never be able to fully comprehend what Jesus did for me on that
cross. He became sin and in so doing was separated from the Father.
I can not imagine the agony and pain He went through in those moments,
physically, emotionally, spiritually, all at once. So thank you Lord
for the cross, that enables me to have eternal life, live life to the
full, and love others the way You do. Thank you for my friends and
family who love me because it's often times through their love that I
feel You loving me. Happy Thanksgiving family and friends! We will
be taking our holiday off and cooking up a great American Thanksgiving
meal for our family here (the Children of Grace staff).