Lately, we have had many trials and obstacles. We have been short on water for about 2 months now. And when I say short, I mean short. We were playing the on/off shower game (get wet, turn water off and suds up, rinse off, turn water off and wash hair, rinse...) and "yellowing mellowing" if you get my drift. But we are grateful for this trial and journey with water because we now know how to be more efficient with our use. We know we as a family of 4 we can get by with very little (mind you this is not drinking water), and our thankfulness for running water is fresh in our mind everyday. Our family who is regularly very healthy has been struggling with sickness or fevers or coughs/congestion since our return in August. As one gets better another gets sick. And although this can be said for many families, this is a change for us and I must say I personally have been sick more this Fall than my entire life. But again, these trials make us grateful for the health we have. Financially we have been tight. Some of our donations did not come through as expected and we have "tightened our belts" even more. Again, we are humbled and have been blessed by this struggle because we have learned how to be even more frugal with our purchases. How to shop and cook better without wasting. We are now a complete leftover meal family. We make a meal and eat leftovers for 2-3 days depending on the item. And our girls (and us) are learning that treats are treats and we don't always receive them. Getting a chocolate milk (or Dr. Pepper for me) at the store is a treat and not a regular occurrence, but it tastes that much better when you do get it.
These gifts and struggles and annoyances are things we are so thankful for because they have changed us and our girls. We have come to know God as our Provider in a true way. No longer is He there when my savings gets short or my bank account gets a little low... no He is there as we pray and wait for His answer for another donation check. God is there when we receive the call from Brittney saying, "Praise God! He has done it again." Our student loans are covered, our rent and electricity are covered, our health insurance is covered, our food and daily needs are covered. God has and continues to replenish our daily need of water in our cistern when we were 6 inches from "out". God continues giving us what we need. So we are thankful for this journey God has placed us on. It hasn't always been easy, but it's been worth it.
We pray each of you enjoy your Thanksgiving and find all the ways God continues to pour His love and provide for you!
"Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." 1 Chronicles 29:13
