SIX

Can someone explain to me how it's been SIX years since I first arrived in Romania? I'm having a hard time comprehending this concept. I feel like I just wrote this post about celebrating five years in Romania. And here are years four and two, if you're interested. Apparently I skipped years three and one!

As I think about the last six years here, I'm feeling very grateful. I don't know if the chaos of 2020 is magnifying that gratitude or if I'm just grateful, but either way, that's what stands out as I process the last six years. 

I'm grateful for the good, the growth, the challenges, the loneliness, the deep relationships, the adventures, etc. All of it. I've said this many times before, but the last six years have not been easy, by any stretch of the imagination. The last six years have been challenging and rewarding and messy and beautiful and humbling. It's been A LOT, to say the least. 

I think it can be easy to compare our lives to other people's lives and feel like we haven't done much or that we don't have anything to celebrate or be grateful for. (Confession: This is something I deal with constantly.) Anyways, I know living in another country can seem special or glamorous to some people, but again, it's so hard and comes with so many challenges. 

Wherever you live, whatever you do...it's important and special and valuable. You were placed where you are for a reason. There's work to be done there. There are people to love and serve there. There are things for you to learn...and ways for you to grow there. 

Whether you're approaching an anniversary of working somewhere, living somewhere, being married, becoming a parent, volunteering somewhere, going to school somewhere, etc., I would encourage you to celebrate! Look back at the days, weeks, months or years that you've spent doing that thing or being in that place, and notice all of the ways you've grown! Make a list of things you're grateful for. Celebrate where you are and how far you've come!

Morgan Harper Nichols