enough

today is my last day of 40.
it has been an incredible year.  i'm so thankful.  here is my top 40.  the 40 things i'm most thankful for.

1.  to have moved to uganda
2.  to be an american- only after moving and living away in a more permanent sense, do i appreciate my country for all that it is
3. zoe- for her love and kindness and faith
4. jude-for his curiosity and desire to understand the world, and be independent
5. bryn- for his exuberance and affection
6. my husband- who after 22 years is still my favorite person to be with
7. that he's taking me away tomorrow for my birthday
8. for good books to read, and good films to watch, and so many fun things to do
9. for Christmas
10. for good music which makes life and especially driving, better
11. for such inspiring and amazing friends from all chapters in life
12. for my parents who's gifts of time and emotional investment continue to bless me
13. for my brother and sister who are two of my very best friends
14. for the hope that comes from #13 when i look at my own children and realize that even if they fight and name call and smack one another, someday, they too will go to the ends of the earth for each other
15.  for health
16. for my God, who promises and delivers peace over fear, forgiveness over judgement, presence over absence, and fullness of life
17.  to be in a transportable profession that helps people live healthier and better lives
18.  for the beauty of the earth and the night sky
19.  for the amazing flowers that grow up in the cracks and brokenness of poverty and life- unafraid and bringing hope
20.  that i was able to find a  live Christmas tree here
21.  for the internet that enables connection with people even when so far away
22. for the ocean
23. for coffee in the morning
24. that everyone's life is a story, with meaning
25. that art is universal- people in every culture create things, and express themselves and communicate through art
26. that i have food and shelter and access to clean water
27. for the invention of the camera that helps us remember our lives
28. for possibility
29. for all the little white lights in the world
30.  for a bathtub
31. for the written word
32. for almost a month on the generator so we have power most of the time (although it's soon to go :(
33. for indoor plumbing instead of a pit latrine (especially when taking a bryn potty in the middle of last night)
34. for redemption
35. for old films that still speak (like the soon to be watched 'it's a wonderful life' i've been saving it like a treasure this year)
36. for history- both individual and the worlds- that we can learn from
37. that each day is new and full of hope
38.  for new friends here in uganda that make my days so good
39.  for travel
40.  that there is always more to be discovered and learned and shared

so enough of 40- i welcome 41!