American or not, we have been blessed with so much to be thankful for. For me, you all are a priceless blessing in my life as I continue to serve God here in Colombia. From just the random jokes sent, the encouraging prayers, the finances and yes even the constant questions about my singleness. I am thankful for it all. As I chatted with my mother on skype 2 days ago, she smiled and laughed as she asked me, “remember when you were a young boy you told me you’d be married by 23 and have your first kid by 25?” As we both laughed, with the slight possibility she was laughing a bit harder than I, she continued, “we always like to make our own plans and they don’t always turn out, but look how amazing God’s plans have been for you Sam.”
Thank you mom & dad...well for doing your thang/part to bring me into the world 
She’s right on the money. Those ideal childhood plans may not have come to fruition on my timeline, but living on God’s to the best of my ability, has been nothing short of an adventure and miracle. The growing, the experiences, the friendships and even the failures over the last 26 years are all things that I am so grateful for as God continues to use it all to shape me for His glory and purpose. I want to thank you all for being a part of who I am as a young man at 26 years old, but more so give God all the thanks for allowing our lives to cross as we journey together.
I’ll be preaching my first full on sermon this Sunday in Spanish and it’s been exciting to see the progress from sharing my testimony last year in contrast to the process of preparation this year. God has been uber faithful to my baby steps and I see this privilege to share the message He has for us as His birthday gift to me. Another challenge that is helping me grow and depend solely on Him as a young man.
Looks like this baby boy is becoming all growns up, kinda....
Since, I’ve been more focused on my upcoming sermon and sharing last night at prayer meeting, I didn’t really intend on celebrating my birthday being on a weekday and all. For those of you interested of how i spent it, many of you would be proud to here the frugalness of my day as I want to honor God and you all with the finances I have been provided to live here with. Plus, I’m sure it’ll make my Dutch, Asian, and missionary friends proud! =)
I started with an early morning workout (where my gym pass has been paid for through bartering the owner with vitamins purchased of Amazon) and a hearty breakfast. Pastor Julio graciously offered to take the time to give me pointers as we did a run though of my sermon over at the church. From there, I went to one of my $2 lunch spots, where I was given extra helpings because of the occasion then went on to the mall with another missionary Jeff and his son, Brandon. There we sought to take advantage of the other Birthday freebies Colombia has to offer. First it was half off Wednesdays and I received free drinks and popcorn on my birthday. Then we hit up the ice cream shop where it’s buy one get one free on your birthday. That was only followed by getting groceries at our local supermarket where veggies, fruits and meat are 25% off on Wednesdays! It may sounds simple, but for those who know me, they know how those deals were a gift in themselves for me =)
Praise God for friendships...Jose and Vane, you 2 have been an amazing part of my community and growth here as a missionary =)
A few friends kept asking if I was going to have a party, but I decided if I’m going to do anything I’d wait until after this upcoming Sunday and it was a weekday that I didn’t’ want to bother anyone. Over the last few weeks, I had found free…yep there’s that word again – free Salsa classes in our downtown area so I just decided to invite a few friends from church and go attend one of those classes for a relaxed night together with the possibility of coming back to my place to share cake with close friends.
Little did I know a friend from another church and my gym decided to throw me a surprise party where the Salsa classes where held! I was definitley caught by surprise, but it was good ending to my frugal birthday and more than I could ask for. As most tend to do around their birthday days, I was reflecting and I truly feel so blessed as a young man. Those ideal childhood plans may not have turned out the way I envisioned as a preteen, but I would trade what God has done in my life thus far.
I have been abundantly blessed each and every step of the way through the good times and the hard as I seek to give my life wholly to Him. I am excited for what the future has in store and ask now that you keep me in your prayers that God may use me for His Glory this Sunday as I share from the Word to the people of Colombia. God has blessed me with amazing friends, family and community. Amidst all the freebies, warm loving birthday wishes, cake and dancing – I am truly thankful this Thanksgiving and want to say: Gracias!
The Random ending to my Frugal Birthday...Click here for the full Album
