I’m learning to admit that being away from friends, family and a familiar culture has actually been a good thing….for me and my relationship with God.

Back home with all the bustle of the holidays seemed to put the real reason for the celebration on the back burner and left it for that one day only event.  Here, living in Kenya there’s not much outward signs of holidays….no houses decorated with Christmas lights, no Churches announcing sunrise services for Easter or egg hunts.  Without the external push to celebrate these events I tend to celebrate quietly and on a more day to day basis rather than once a year celebration.

Where I’m at in this point in time is because of His direction, love and mercy.  Every day is a tribute to what He has done for me out of love and how He continues to show His glory to me and those around me.  Every day is a reason to thank Him for His sacrifice and the gift of eternal life.

I may not always express it so enthusiastically but in the depths of my heart He hears my praise.  It isn’t easy to admit and sometimes even harder to accept, but I’m thankful God brought me half way around the world to learn about His love in a deeper way than I could ever have learned in the comfort of friends and family and culture.

It’s not a once a year ‘Praise God’ but daily living out His love.  I certainly do not do it perfectly but that’s the beauty of His love….He takes me where I’m at and leads me to where I need to be.