So I dreamt last night. Now, I’m not that type of person who dreams frequently and then come morning is like, “WHOA. Let me tell you every detail of what I dreamt last night.” Nah. But since arriving in Madagascar, I dream of pleasant memories all the time. They are usually vivid dreams that I can recall in detail of people and places back home. Along comes reality at a bright and early 5 am, with the ringing of church bells and the song of my neighbors’ roosters. Waking up is hard.
Today I didn’t want to be here. I felt defeated before the day began.
I got up anyways – had a private praise session (Jesus and me baby!), met my cleaning lady at the door and handed her the usual supplies, took a trip to Shoprite for groceries, did lesson planning and then headed to my mentor’s house for a nice visit over lunch. About the time I got home, my outlook was beginning to change. I got an urge to do something – I wanted to go “blessing hunting”. I grabbed my camera and headed out. Gave it maybe a minute and joy completely enveloped my heart as I began to take pictures of the blessings that surrounded me. “It’s the little things.” That phrase rings true time and time again.
Blessing 1 –
John 15. Windows that open to let in a breeze and the sounds of the neighborhood.
Blessing 2 –
Every day is a birk day.
Blessing 3 –
The handiwork of God displayed in those little faces. He creates such beauty.
Blessing 4 –
New friends at the roadside market stands.
Blessing 5 –
Early evening.
Warm breezes.
Madagascar sunsets.
Blessing 6 –
Laura & Micaella.
My lovely flatmates.
Blessing 7 –
Making forward progress in the art of cooking.
Chicken Pot Pie Pasta.
Blessing 8 –
Those kids, again.
Blessing 9 –
Tea time.
Blessing 10 –
Quiet nights to write all my dear people back home.
Praise God for letters.
“Count your many blessings, name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”
Do it. Stay busy counting all the ways in which He has blessed you.
