Gratitude

When I was in the Dominican Republic, I started a "gratitude journal." It helped me shift my mindset when I thought I could not find anything positive to dwell on. I started it with a friend's encouragement when I was going through "the thick of it."

I remember the day we talked on the phone. I'm pretty sure everything I had been telling her was bleak. I probably sounded hopeless, but that's what happens when you are amid burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma. I remember her saying to me, ever so clearly, "Jess, I want you to tell me ten things that you are grateful for...and not just easy things either, like your sister and your nieces and nephew…really think Jess, what are ten things you are truly grateful for?" Sounds simple, right? But, at that moment, for me, I found it hard to do. I struggled to come up with ten easy peasy things.

I do not remember all 10 things that I listed off. But, I specifically recall being grateful for the little birds that hopped around in the plaza where we got coffee. They reminded me of the Father's promise in Matthew 6, not to worry… "look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Even now, when I see little birds, I vividly remember that moment and how the birds in the plaza always brought a smile to my face.

If you had the chance to read this journal, you would probably find your name written throughout it. I am genuinely grateful for every one of you. I am thankful for the times we have gone on walks together, grabbed a coffee, or a quick bite to eat. I am grateful for the e-mails you have written, the time you have taken out of your busy day to send me a "thinking of you" text message, and the "guidance" chats we have had. I am grateful for every moment I get to spend with my family and the sacrifices they have made for me as I walk out the calling on my life. I am grateful to those of you who partner with me financially and through prayer--for saying "yes" and taking a step of faith with me because none of this would be possible without your support.

I hope to keep this specific journal because re-reading those moments of gratitude is truly a perspective changer. It makes me look back at how faithful, good, loving, and generous my Abba Father has been in the beautiful moments and the broken. And, it reminds me that He always will.

What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving and holiday season?

Make a list.

Maybe it will be easy to come up with one.

Maybe it will be a struggle because this year has been a struggle.

But, make a list. Put it on your nightstand or in your desk drawer. And, every once in a while, pull it out, add to it, and re-read it reminding yourself of His gratefulness.

Give thanks to the God of heaven, for His loving-kindness

(graciousness, mercy, compassion) endures forever.” Psalm 136:26

Praises, Blessings & Updates:

• To whoever gave an anonymous donation via Liberty Church, thank you!! The specific amount you gave was indeed an answer to prayer, and now, an answered prayer request :)

• I am also super excited to share that the BELWOP Water Project is officially fully funded!! A handful of donations even put us over the top. This is a huge blessing and an answer to prayer for the 28 kids that call BELWOP home. As many of you know, I visited BELWOP, a children's home to orphaned and abandoned kids in Kenya, earlier this year. It was a place that tugged at my heart. Upon returning to the States, I sat down with a team and asked how we could make this much-needed water project a reality. BELWOP currently has water hauled in weekly, but it often does not come when scheduled. This causes a shortage, and, in turn, the staff has to ration the water so it can be "enough" for cooking, washing, and bathing. It has not been the best situation or a healthy one at that. But with the help of people like you, BELWOP will now have a steady supply of clean water for everyday tasks. This will also save the home funds throughout the year, as they no longer have to pay for water delivery. The project is scheduled to start in the early months of 2019. Look for more updates to come and photos of the finished project!

• We have had several significant Extreme Response (ER) donors once again pledge to match every dollar up to $200,000! If you partner with me monthly, anything you give above and beyond your monthly donation will be matched. One-time donations will also be matched! This is a win-win situation as your donation is designated to me and ER receives the matching funds to continue to impact the lives of orphans & vulnerable children worldwide. If you feel led to give, click on the "DONATE" tab at the top of the page. Please designate your donation to my account: 401511.

Things to PRAY for:

• Please continue to hold the South Africa Visa situation up in prayer. Unfortunately, it remains the same, in which I mean South Africa is still not offering “humanitarian aid” visas. However, we have been told that a similar situation took place years ago, and within a few months, the ban was lifted, so we remain hopeful.

• Christmas parties start this month!! (And, I am leaving for the Philippines in three weeks.) Please keep everyone in your prayers as we have teams going to Ecuador, South Africa, and the Philippines. In Manila alone, we will be showering 1,000 kids from our programs & partner projects with the love of Christ, some little gift bags, as well as having a time of fun and games. Your prayers for these precious kids and their families are also appreciated.

• I am continuing to build my support base. I am currently at a steady 67% of my monthly goal. I frequently remind myself that I am receiving the most support I ever have, which is truly a blessing. None of this would be possible without your prayers and monthly partnership. Please continue to pray for doors to be opened, as I know our Abba Father has perfect timing and is faithful in His promises and His provision!