NOT a summer of lasts

Sometimes I can be tempted to think of this summer as a "summer of lasts".  But I know I can't go down that road, because:

#1: It isn't true!

#2: It just makes me sad and discontent.

#3: Thinking in that way prevents me from being thankful!

I don't know if you remember, but at the beginning of this year I did a blogpost called "Starting a Year Filled with Lasts".  And while it is kind of true, I received some wise advice from a missionary friend of mine who served overseas for many years.  She told me (regarding the time when she first went overseas): "maybe it would have been best to just be thankful for each and every day whether it was a "last" in America, or a "first" in [the country they served in]. I think I spent way too much time in mourning, so much so that I overlooked many blessings."

I appreciated my friend's advice SO MUCH.  She really spoke wisdom to me that day, and I know that God will be so faithful in this journey, no matter what country we are in!  Every day He showers us with grace, and I do not want to miss that.

So then.  This summer is not a summer of lasts.  It is a summer of thankfulness, and I am choosing to be so thankful for these sweet memories that God is giving us!

Thankful for time as a family in our "villa"...

(homemade bubbles!) 

Thankful for the time we have with grandparents and family...

Thankful for time with our friends...

(We were so thankful to get together with Jon and Amy, as they also serve overseas and we know these times will be scarce!  Love you Amy, and we will continue praying for your sweet family!)

I am also thankful for some amazing family vacations, but I will save that for another blogpost.  We are blessed!