Bustin' at the seams...

No, I didn't have too much turkey and dressing at Thanksgiving dinner. But I am feeling bloated... in a good way. I'm counting my blessings, as I often do. Oh, I'm not REALLY counting them, mind you. That would take far too long. But I'm taking some time to reflect on the blessings in my life. That's a good thing to do on Thanksgiving Day or ANY day.

Frankly, I'm amazed. In awe... awestruck. Dumbfounded... When I look over my life and see how God has brought me from where I was to where I am, I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to see where He will take me next. I can tell you for sure, I never thought He'd take me HERE. I was beginning to think I'd never get married. Then I thought I'd likely never have children. I FOR SURE thought I'd never live in Okinawa!!! But then, that's just like God. He's always doin' somethin'. For I have a husband that far surpasses ANYTHING I'd ever prayed for, two BEAUTIFUL children (if I do say so myself... and I do...), my health! which is no small thing!! And now, I find myself living on a subtropical island. Who'd have thought? I'm an Okie. Never really wanted to be from anywhere else. But, for whatever reason, God has brought me here for a time... brought US here. I can't wait to see what He'll do. Like I said, He's always doin' somethin'.

This brings me to another "Top Ten" list. (No, I will not make Top Ten lists a regular item on this blog. I have neither the creativity nor the patience.)

The Top Ten things I (already) love about Okinawa... in no particular order...

10. The ridiculously beautiful weather we've been having lately.

9. Those trees I keep seeing... the ones still in bloom with all the pink flowers... so lovely.

8. The sunsets. Oklahoma has beautiful sunsets... but here... oh. my.

7. The view of the East China Sea that appears as I crest the hill heading toward Gate 1... ahhhhh....

6. Blue Seal Ice Cream -- YUM!!!!

5. Beni-Imo purple sweet potatoes... oh, what the Okinawans can do with this little gem! (More about this later...)

4. Lumpia!!!! OK, technically, this treat is Filipino, but they're here and they're deeeeeelish!!!!

3. Funny little Japanese cars and signs, menus, etc. with Japanese "translated" into English.

2. The (occasionally ear-splitting) noise of jets flying right over my house on a (nearly) daily basis... That's the "sound of freedom."

1. My husband... working so close to home that we can meet for lunch during the week. I love getting to see more of him!



I'm so blessed and thankful for my beloved family and friends!!! I hope each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Love,
Marcie