Gratitude and other stuff

Fran here. First off, I want to share an article from IJM HQ about the pinning ceremony we had here a couple weeks ago. It is always a really special event; these kids have been so brave, and their testimony is critical to achieving justice for them and their families. This time, a few clients whom I know pretty well received their pins, so it was extra special for me!

http://news.ijm.org/ijm-president-calls-guatemalan-children-his-superheroes/

In other news, I have recently been intentional about practicing gratitude. I am so often bogged down in anger, jealousy, and arrogance, so I am making a concerted effort to be thankful for all of the good things in my life. The other day, I was even so dorky as to make a list, so here it is:

• Family
• Friends
• My parents' insane generosity
• Cool life experiences, including this season here in Guatemala
• The Lord's provision and salvation
• Health (for the most part, that is)
• Aptitudes 

That is, of course, not an exhaustive list, but it's been very helpful for me to do this; I have seen my negative emotions abate, and that is quite freeing.

As of today, I go home in 39 days. Ouch. I am not terribly eager to leave Guatemala, but I have gotten a bit more excited about being back in Atlanta for a season. I plan to get more involved with the church I attend there as well as to get in a lot of qt with family and friends. - I would appreciate prayers for discernment, provision, and patience as I search for a job and figure out these next steps.