Allen and Trish's Thankfulness Song

When one of my sons was younger, he was obsessed with the VeggieTales’ musical prayer, “The Thankfulness Song”. It is best sung in a squeaky, childlike voice and it goes like this:

                                                                      

I thank God for this day For the sun in the sky,

For my mom and my dad,

For my piece of apple pie!

For our home on the ground,

For His love that’s all around,

That’s why I say thanks every day!

Because a thankful heart is a happy heart!

I’m glad for what I have,

That’s an easy way to start!

For the love that He shares,

‘Cause He listens to my prayers,

That’s why I say thanks every day!

Think of this blogpost as Allen and Trish’s Thankfulness Song. It’s good stuff all on its own, but for added entertainment, you can read it in a squeaky, childlike voice. Here are some fairly precise direct quotes of things that made Allen and Trish’s gratitude list:

• We were blessed with two new grandkids this year!

• The coffee farm is doing well. Productivity is good, even if prices are down. We’re not in this to make a fortune, but any profit goes back to the ministry and provides jobs in the area.

• We are grateful the political situation in Honduras is calm for the moment. This week is the Presidential election, so that could change, but it has been stable for a while. Crime wise, it is safer than it has been in years.

• This U.S. trip has been successful. A lot of people got involved in our ministry who were not previously involved. Donations are up and we met new people who are excited to get involved. We’re also thankful that the trip is almost over and we can go home soon.

• Two containers were filled and sent off! In previous years, we’ve worked until after New Years to get one container filled and shipped. This year, we shipped two before Thanksgiving. The 5000 filled backpacks in the containers mean that 5000 kids in Honduras get to go to school!

• Pastors’ Training School, which was restarted in 2016 has seen a lot of growth. New aspects, such as the mentoring program have been added. Several student pastors have even started their own Pastors’ Training School up in the mountains! Not only are they mentoring, they are also taking the information they've been taught, and teaching about 25 students themselves!

• We are thankful for the number of bridges that have been built, the number of roofs we’ve helped put on churches, and the number of motorcycles we’ve been able to help pastors purchase.

• We’re thankful for the growth in the Child Sponsorship Program and the Sister Church Program. It’s not only feeding the kids and having them attached to the church, it’s also having sponsors pray for the kids and encourage them.

• 

  All of our adult kids are doing well! We found a good school for Ben where he is continuing to progress. He just completed 8th grade!

• We’re thankful we get to do what we do and live where we live. It’s very gratifying and encouraging whenever you see this much harvest!

• We are profoundly thankful for Allen’s heart surgery. (Trish told me to paraphrase the part where she said, “The fact that he’s not dead is a biggie,” but I think that sums up the situation nicely!)

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

 - posted by Christi