For Day 6 of my 10 Days of Thankfulness, I would like to express my thankfulness for my families. Notice I said families – plural :)
First of all, I’m very thankful for my family back home in the good old US of A. I know it wasn’t easy for my parents to hear that I wanted to live on an entirely different continent, but I appreciate their prayers and support so much – especially from my mom. I know she prays for me more than anyone else and she’s probably my #1 supporter. It’s not easy to be so far away from those you love, but I’m grateful that I’ve been able to visit home a couple times since I moved to Botswana. Last year, I was able to come home to plan my sister’s bridal shower and to be the maid of honor at her wedding. I loved being able to toast her and my brother-in-law on their special day. And just a couple months ago, I was able to come home for a short visit so I could meet and hold my nephew for the first time! I’m quickly becoming one of those aunties who wants to show everyone pictures of him because “Isn’t he just the cutest?!”
I’m also thankful for my African family! We look different, we talk different, but they treat me like I’m a part of the family! I’m pretty sure they now consider me like more of an African than an American :) They welcomed me when I first came. They are helping me to learn their language. They threw me a surprise party when I celebrated my first birthday in Africa. On more than one occasion, they’ve expressed to me their gratitude for my deciding to come to Botswana. They leave me in no doubt of how much they love me and have accepted me, and the feeling is mutual. I love all of my African mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. You know that saying that it takes a village to raise a child? Well, I feel like a wonderful “village” of people in Botswana have graciously welcomed this missionary into their lives.
It’s awesome to have family on both sides of the equator! I love both of my families and I’m so blessed and thankful to have them in my life.
