There is a song that goes:  “Count your blessings, name them one by one.  Count your blessings see what God has done.” 

OK…

Water.  Bottled water that we can drink and running water in the house.  Even though we can’t drink it, we can wash our hands, bathe, and clean with it. 

Running water from more than one source in the house.  Not just a single faucet. 

Toilets that flush, sinks in the bathrooms, a bathroom with a door so I can bathe in privacy rather than bathing fully clothed outside my home in the open air, washing my clothes and body at the same time.  

Toilets.  Not a latrine, or a specific location set aside a distance from the house.  Toilets with seats and lids, cleaned with Clorox without flies buzzing about. 

A house.  And, a house with doors, not curtains over the openings, with solid floors and walls, not dirt walls that are home to thousands of parasites and insects which afflict my family.  Houses with beds, so I don’t sleep on the dirt floor, exposing myself or my family to these parasites, pests and insects. 

Medical care, for when illness afflict me or my family.  Not having to go door to door begging in the streets for a few lempiras to pay for surgery for my children.  Being able to afford medicine and doctor’s visit and not having to decide if I should see the doctor or feed my family. 

Good health.  Because I have always had enough nutritious foods to eat, a decent home in which to sleep and live, preventative medicine, clean water and a sanitary system. 

Education and books and computers. Communication with my family and friends so I can share my experiences here.  Books.  Books.  Books.  Printers that I can print on because I have enough money to buy the print cartridge.  The opportunities I have had to go to school and study and learn so I can have meaningful work.

Meaningful work.  A calling, rather than a drudgery.  Not having to sell windshield wipers or cell phone chargers in the streets of San Pedro Sula, not having to beg for my next meal, not having to sell my body to anyone to support my children.  Having work that provides me with more than enough. 

More than enough.  More than enough stuff, and friends and family support and support from churches and individuals for our ministry here, and money, and love and books.

A vehicle, a new red 4x4 pick-up that carries us safely to the mountain villages, villages where there is one vehicle shared by the entire town.  The opportunity to share education, service and our vehicle to transport others. 

Thank you God for the blessings I have received.  Help me to assure that the abundant life you have promised is available to all, and that I don’t take more than my share.  Thank for the daily reminders of what my blessings are, and the life you desire for your people.  Amen.