Thankful for Thanksgiving

This is Thanksgiving week here in the US and we are so very thankful that we are able to celebrate it together - all four of us (despite the pandemic .. no worries, we put on our mask as soon as lunch was over!). Eunice is back for her Thanksgiving break from Tennessee and we drove to Georgia to meet up with Eliza. It felt almost like a Chinese New Year Reunion Meal :-) 

The classic hymn says, "When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done." So, here are our blessings, one by one:

1. The Lord's guidance in this period of transition for both Eunice and Eliza as both of them graduated this year - one from high school and the other one from university. 
2. Thankful that Eunice F1 visa issue was resolved just in time (we had to appeal to the North Carolina congressman office for assistance to expediting the application). It was approved just about a week before she entered college!
3. Thankful that Eliza found a job and also a suitable place to stay in Georgia.
4. We found a cheaper apartment to rent and we have such great help from the guys in church in moving from Charlotte to Concord. As part of the rental reduction, we help to organize monthly social events for the apartment residents. Great deal - ministry of hospitality at the same time!
5. Seminary workload is more manageable, now that I am getting used to the study and research routine. Grateful to my wife for her input as to how to improve my study habits!
6. Thankful that all the seminary classes are in-person (with social distancing). The interaction is a helpful part of the learning process.
7. Thankful also for the opportunity for my wife to join as an audit student for the seminary classes which has deepened our theological roots.
8. I look forward to my weekly mentoring session every Monday morning with the interim senior pastor of Uptown, Ps John Sittema who has been the such a refreshing shepherding voice in my spiritual walk with the Lord.
9.  Thankful for a series of online coaching and training projects from clients in Malaysia which is a testament of the Lord's providence. 
10. Thankful for the Lord's protection on the health of family members back home, being so far away do concern us and we are grateful for His grace and mercy.

Do let us know how we can pray for you and your family.

Thanks for partnering with us in this journey of joy.

Joseph & Debra Tan.