we give thanks.

thanksgiving hand turkeys by jvc boston

There's only a few minutes until the official start of Thankgiving, which I will be spending in Boston with 3/4's of my housemates (we'll miss you, KH!). It's a bit strange to not be spending this day in Missouri with my family, but I'll be there again in just a few weeks for Christmas, so I'm not too sad. Mostly, I'm just grateful: for this year, for the blessings I have known, and the people I'm privileged to know.

And on that note, here's a brief rundown of a few of the things I am most thankful for.

family + friends.

Your support has meant the world to me throughout the past year, from applying to JVC, to graduating college, and finally moving out to Boston and starting this year. Whether we're close to each other or far away, the fact remains that you all are one of the most visible ways that I can see God working in my life, and that says it all.

JVC. Casserly House. Casa Taj. Boston.

I don't think I can even attempt to express what these last few months have meant to me. I'm already forever grateful for the opportunity to learn to walk with these people, to explore this city, and to live with this wonderful group of women. I can't wait to see what will happen next.

SLU. (And let’s be real: Hump’s patio.)

Once a Billiken, always a Billiken. I will forever be grateful for the memories, opportunities, and mostly, the friendships I gained at SLU.

a roof over my head + food on the table every night.

I have never been more thankful for these two things than I am this year; it's a cliche thing to say on Thanksgiving, but I mean it wholeheartedly. Yes, I'm on a tight budget because of JVC, but every night I come home to cabinets full of food and a warm bed to sleep in, and that is so much more than many other people can say.

community.

In many shapes and forms: family, friendships that feel like family, faith communities, Casserly, and so on and so forth.

education + the opportunities that come with it.

This is something I will never take for granted again after what I’ve witnessed these past few months.

simplicity.

Sleeping in on Saturday mornings. The smell of homemade bread. Finishing a good book. The crunch of fall leaves under my feet on my walk to work. Community dinners. Pumpkin beer.  Having my own bedroom for the first time since high school. Colored tights. Country music on the radio. A shower that never seems to run out of hot water. Long T rides to write in my journal.

unexpected kindness + generosity.

From students at Casserly, from strangers and people who are practically strangers, and from the people who love and know me best. 

home. (and the fact that I’ll be there again in a matter of weeks.)

As much as I love this whole experience, I am so, so grateful that December 22nd will find me back in Missouri. I miss my family, my friends, and being able to see the stars from my front porch steps.

and mostly--to, and for, God.

Who keeps surprising me in the best possible ways.

In short, I am grateful to be alive, to be healthy, and to be happy. I hope you spend this Thanksgiving with those you love and appreciating the blessings in your life.


P.S. Also, I am so very grateful for those of you who have been reading this little blog of mine. It means so much to me that even a few people have become invested in following along with my story. Truly, thank you.