Surprise! It's a blog-post on Thanksgiving!

Sharing good times at gracious friends' flat. 

 Or, more accurately, a post about being thankful......

I don't know about you, but I have a lot of thankful friends. Many people have been doing daily postings on facebook as to what they are thankful for; and some of them are very inspirational.

I am thankful that I have found a 'Connect' group through my church, from whom I can learn a lot. The group is completely in French. Thus, it is incredibly challenging to spend 2-4hrs. with this group every Thursday night. And yet, it is, without question, my favorite part of almost every week. It is challenging in every sense of the word. Not only to get myself there on time, at 19:00hr. because they are, indeed, Swiss and start on time, but to have the mental endurance to focus on every word that is being said and practice my comprehension. It also takes incredible self-control my strong desire to hide in a corner, sit with only those I know can speak English, or not speak at all. While my attempts at communication in French are limited and child-like at best, this group is incredibly gracious and kind, I never sense hostility or frustration from them at my inability to communicate clearly. I am so thankful to be able to know such individuals, even if I miss-out on much of their personalities due to the current language barrier.

Classes...yes, what a blessing to be able to learn. Though, at times, I would prefer other blessings, I am, indeed, thankful that I can read, and type, and write, and speak. Such simple things which are true gifts to have, not rights.

Recent chocolate chip 'cookies' I
made for my 'CONNECT' group.

Food, food, so much food. While the world has twisted it into a struggle area for so many women (and men!), and I myself often find that it has become a kind of 'god', I am surely blessed to not have to worry if I will eat each day. It is only a matter of what, when, how, and how much.

Group of us went to see a local ice hockey game,
Geneva vs. Zurch. Geneva won of course.

Physical ability. While in India I tore a part of my quadricepe muscle and was confined to bed rest for a week and unable to walk properly for several weeks. While I thought that I was grateful before that event for my physical ability, I have, forever, an increased appreciation for my working legs. Every time I walk or run (too far) or my feet hurt, I think of that time when I had no choice but to lay in bed...God, thank you that I can walk, that I can run, there are so many people who cannot.

Enjoying some Indian naan with friends!

You. Thank you for reading this. It is likely, because you, at least know me and are interested to some degree, in what is happening to me here in Switzerland (or you are just board, which is fine too). Every day I am reminded of the blessing of true friends. While I LOVE traveling, meeting new people, and learning about new cultures...I am realizing, more and more, that life is all about who you share it with. It can be anyone, actually. While we are all the same on some levels, we are all, of course, very unique...and it takes time and effort to get to know people. It actually takes a lot of effort. I find that I long for those deep relationships which we all seek, but it is when I move away, and start life again in a new place, that I realize the depth and significant of the relationships that I left behind. To all those in places I have lived in the past, I am profoundly grateful for each of you. I do think (and pray over) you often and wonder how your life is going. We are each on our own journey, but God has blessed me with extraordinary travel companions at points my life. I'm privileged to have spent time with you in the past, I hope to hear more about your present, and I anticipate seeing you again, if not on this earth, than there-after. And if, perchance you are reading this and you are not sure if you will see me on this earth again, than you better email me right now so we can be sure to meet in the eternity to follow. [If that sounds creepy to you, then you better email me anyway, so I can clarify!!! Haha]

Ok, well, due my full week ahead and desire to post my 'Thanksgiving Post' in a timely fashion[i.e. before Christmas!], I will end there. I would love to hear things that you all are thankful for as well; just post below! Also, a quick note, I will be in CA for 2 weeks, over Christmas and New Years, and would be thrilled to catch up with as many of you as possible. If you will be in CA at that time, and would like to see my face, let me know! I'd love to see yours.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM GENEVA!!!

With Thanksgiving and Hugs,
Jessica