Emily's Adventures: November of Thanks

I cannot believe it is December. Time seems to go faster every day. I cannot believe next week marks 6 months of living in Mongolia. I feel very blessed for my life, work, and friends here. I have been learning a lot about myself and how to lead people.
As November marked a season of Thanksgiving, I think it is good to reflect on the blessings God has give us. Most importantly I am thankful for my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I am thankful my Lord is a personal God who knows me inside and out and still loves me and sent His Son to die for me. I am thankful that I have hope. Hope is a powerful thing that many people in this world do not have. Jesus gives me hope! I am thankful for my family and friends who love and support me so well. I am thankful for my job and that I get to help people spiritually and physically. I am thankful for the 11 children going to the US and Canada in early 2012 for heart surgery. I have a warm apartment and have never missed a meal in my life. I hope you all have taken some time to reflect on the Lord's blessings.
I celebrated a Thanksgiving early in the US with my family and went to two Thanksgivings here. We had no shortage of good food. I made broccoli souffle and it turned out pretty good. I have been baking a lot. It is very therapeutic for me. Good thing I brought back many bags of chocolate chips. And in just 2.5 weeks, I will be heading to Missouri for Christmas. But until then, I have lots of work to be done. We have been busy preparing all the groups accepted for surgery next year. And tomorrow marks when my country director and his family leave. They have served in Mongolia for 3 years and I will miss them dearly. I have learned a lot from Tom, but now I will be leading. This is a big responsibility, so please keep me in your prayers. Last week, our entire SP staff went out to Terlj National Park and had a day of celebrating the Lord's work through our ministry.
Today a very special woman arrived with the group I brought to Minnesota in early October. She will be spending 6 days here. She and her husband hosted two Mongolian children and they were reunited today. How special for me to be a part of that!
Enjoy some recent pictures. Thanks for your prayers. Please pray specifically for all the children on the waiting lists, many who urgently need surgery.