An amazing Thanksgiving dinner enjoyed with the best of friend.

Random beach days.

Alias/24 Monday nights with Cori, Barb, and Phil.

Christmas with my "family" here.

Watching the Hawks win their bowl game in the company of friends.

Movie/Game nights.

Baobab Rope course.

Walking the beach in NGaparou picking up shells and enjoying God's creation.

Running a mile...twice.

Oliver, Bob, and Baby and the odd things that happen with them.

Basketball at night when no one else is around but Cori and I.

These are just a few of the precious gifts God has given to me this year that have helped keep me going and made me laugh and smile to the depths of my heart. Sometimes I need to think on those things to remind me that God really does know our needs and comes through with something so seemingly insignificant when we need it most. Life really is a precious gift and full of such simple and wonderful things such as these very few listed from this year alone. I'm thankful for each of these times and each of these friends. I have 5 weeks remaining...it's time to start saying goodbye for real. Joy and laughter are always somewhere to be found, we just have to take a hold of them and thank God when they appears. Thanks, God. I love each of these times and all the other times that are flashing in my mind. Thank You for honest, heartfelt laughter and the lightness it brings. I love laughing. It is a gift.