A Word of Thanks

One of the coolest things I've learned about and experienced in Polish culture is the tradition of thanking. This ritual takes on many different forms. Couples thank their parents when they get married with big gift baskets and speeches. Choir conductors are thanked with bouquets at the end of concerts. Teachers are thanked by their students on Teachers Day and at prom and graduation. Hosts are thanked with a small gift from their guests. Needless to say, thanking is a big part of the culture here. I have taken some time over the past week preparing to thank the people here in Cieszyn who have made a difference in my life. However, I also wanted to thank some people who are not here in Cieszyn for what they have done to support and encourage me in this journey. So at the risk of this blog sounding think an award acceptance speech, here goes.

Thanks to the ones who raised me to be the woman I am today. For all of the love, trust, learning, discipline, and encouragement you poured into me. I would not be who I am today, and I certainly would not have made it here, without all of your hard work. I am continually amazed that I was able to get on a plane and come here alone without you, but I know that's the whole point of everything you have done for me.

Thanks to the one who loves me loads. For all of the patience you've given me this year, through the good times and the bad times. When I made the decision to come here, you were graciously on board, despite what it meant for us. Thank you for never telling me not go, and for telling me not to leave and not to give up.

Thanks to the ones have watched me grow from a little girl and whom I have watched grow. For your love and encouragement via snail mail, packages, and facebook. I'm blessed to have a family like you.

Thanks to the friend who knew ahead a time what I was getting myself into. For warning me that I would hate all of my clothes (which turns out is not true, I just dream and fantasize about all my other clothes) and for giving me advice every step of the way. For listening to me, for encouraging me, for opening up her arms for me to run into like a screecher monkey. For the taco seasoning, Ranch, Reeses, and Cosmos. Oh, and the feather boa and crown. Duh.

Thank you to my most faithful pen pal. Each letter, whether it was from Flordia, Virginia, or Iowa, made a difference in my daily life. For your visit and adventure here, though I'm not sure we should be allowed to travel around Europe alone.

Thank to the one who loves to guard princesses with me. For our Skype dates and twitter messages. For always listening to my good, bad, ugly, embarrassing, inappropriate, and secret thoughts.

Thank you to the one who came into my life like tornado and turned my life upside down. For not choosing Roanoke, so that we could meet here and start our story in Europe. For every crazy adventure we've embarked on, for talk time and face time, for helping me with my problems (real, imagined, and blisters). For inspiring me to be a better teacher here and a better pastor in the future. (cough, come to Philly, cough!)

Thanks to the ones who serve with me in other places. For the wisdom, comfort, hospitality, laughs, beers, stories, and friendship you have shared with me. For touching my heart and my life with yours.

Thank you to the ones at ILC who continually pray for my well being since I was little up to now. For raising me in a community that taught me strong Christian values and for supporting my ministry from FootSteps to Lutherlyn to Poland to Philadelphia and beyond.

Thanks to the ones who have written me and sent me tokens of their love this year. For each postcard, letter, card, key chain, and pair of Crocs. For each Skype call, facebook post or message, or tweet of encouragement. You have seen me through more dark days than you know.

And finally, thanks be to the One who made me, loves me, forgives me, and saves me each and every day. Thanks be to the One who has blessed me and who stands by me. Thanks be to the One who died so that we all can live and love.

Blessings,
Colleen