thankful.

This morning I sat with my diet coke and my journal, writing out all of the many GIFTS of yesterday.

and it was such a sweet day.  My list was long.  But my heart was heavy.  Because all evening and night I had run Mission Trip numbers in my head and however I ran them, it just didn't work.

But, I remembered the gifts of yesterday, shed a few tears, threw up a few times (it was NOT a good morning) and went to the office to talk to the groups desk when they opened, praying all the while for a miracle ... what seemed like the last chance for a miracle.

And despite the fact that the travel agent could only get 30 seats at $800/each ... US Airways, the group desk woman, and GOD gave me 30 at $600/each.  Now, I wanted 40 (so everyone could go) ... I NEED 33 ... well, really 35.  But for now, I have 30!  And so I shared the news and I am waiting for folks to give me their decision as to whether or not they are going to be part of this NEW adventure and still praying for loaves and fish, that what we've been given will be abundant.  SO, the nursing medical trip for this spring break is NOW to Mexico and we have dates, and flights and we are a go.  And I pray this is the end of one of the most stressful weeks of my life.

So, tonight, before I fall into bed (I mean work out ... urrghhh!) there are just some gifts of the last few days that I need to stop and be grateful for ...

146. helping a church find an intern and an awesome guy find a great place to serve.  I THINK I might be better than e-harmony!
147. a long dinner date with a great conversation about life
148. planning together as a TEAM
149. laughing with staff at lunch
150. hearing TRUTH at Gathering ... out of the mouth of a student ... and being so grateful I got to be part of her life!
151. sitting by one of my favorites during worship ... and doing a little whispering ... and a little giggling ...
152. getting $600 airfare for 30!!!!!!!
153. Once again, having a mission trip PLAN!!
154. Sweet, grateful, thoughtful emails from students
155. prayers offered from friends near and far
156. talking about seminary with one of my girls over lunch ... ahhhhh, what a sweet time!
157. the smell of brownies in the oven
158. hugs from a kid whose life was missing some of those
159. being part of what the GA Baptist Healthcare Foundation does
160. being able to help a friend feel better about her mission trip details
161. not only knowing with my head that God is good, but living with my life the belief that HE is good

NOW ... if I could only get a snow day ... puh-lease??  pretty puh-lease with sugar on top???  I wonder if that works with God???  :-)