T minus 30 days

With one month (and a few hours) remaining before "launch" my mind and heart are racing with questions, excitement, anxieties, and what ifs. I could go on and on about all of those feelings, but I'll save that for my diary. Instead, I'd rather focus this post on what I have right now in this moment. In this country. With these amazing people. Don't get me wrong, I am psyched to embark on this adventure in South Africa, but I don't want to get so caught up in what's coming that I miss what's happening right in front of me. So, to honor these last 30 days in the great U.S. of A, I present to you a list of 30 things I am grateful for Right. Now.

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1. The smell and sights of lilacs in full bloom.

2. Caribou Coffee- I will miss this Midwest delicacy with

my whole coffee loving heart.

3. Family: Many of them are just a quick car ride away, or at least just a car ride away! <3

4. Refrigerators- I appreciate how you've been keeping food cool and fresh since 1913.

5. Warm showers- An endless waterfall of relaxation and cleanliness. What's not to love?

6. Being able to drive- I will miss this luxury for the next two years dearly.

7. Hugs from friends- and just friends in general. I have the best friends in the entire world. <3

8. Wifi- It's like magic.

9. Toilets that flush- Also magic.

10. Swimming in lakes- Living in the land of 10,000 (more like 12,000) is just spectacular.

11. Clean drinking water- It's easy to forget how much of a privilege this one is.

12: Borrowing clothes from my sister- I'm even wearing her romper right now. ;)

13: Antioch ministries- This place is full of wonderful souls and is drenched in God's peace, grace, and love.

14: My church- Thank you for helping me grow in faith and friendship as I learned to serve God in my Minneapolis community.

15: Washing machines- They literally do our chores for us.

16: My coffee mug collection- Saying goodbye to my beautiful and meaningful mugs might be one of the hardest goodbyes yet.

17: Hammocking- It's like being wrapped in a floating hug.

18: Snow- I realize there is not snow on the ground right now, but I will really miss that sparkly white stuff.

19: Breweries- The Midwest knows how to make beer, and the Irish part of me is ever grateful.

20: Corn fields- Rolling rows of golden sweet corn is a sure sign of home.

21: Watermelon season- Juicy, hydrating, and you can even make a game out of spitting the seeds.

22: Minnesota nice- You people really are nice, and I love our accents.

21: Air conditioning- Let's not overlook the beauty of comfortable and stable temperature setting capabilities.

22: My guitar: Owen, don't forget about me while I am gone. I'll miss you, sweet music making friend!

23: Google Maps: PTL for GPS.

24: Microwaves- a blessing for the impatient & hungry (aka me)

25: Netflix- Thank you for making my procrastination so entertaining

26: Laughter- The best medicine. Cliché, but true.

27: Chacos: My tan lines are coming in nicely. :) Get your today!

28: Amazon Prime- Top notch stuff at a top notch speed.

29: God's new mercies each morning.

30: YOU! Thank you for taking your time to read this, supporting me in my adventure with your thoughts and prayers, and making the world a better place wherever you are. Keep it up!

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I am excited to share what I learn and experience with you over the next couple years! My prayer is that this blog acts as a sort of bridge between my community in South Africa and America, hence the title Comm(unity). See what I did there? ;) More posts to come.

Choose gratitude today.

Peace,

CP