Thirty-three

Thank you so much for all the email and Facebook birthday wishes.  I had a lovely 33rd birthday here in Thailand.

In true “Cross Family” style we enjoyed pancakes for birthday breakfast along with cupcakes! Yum!

I was then treated to an early lunch out with Jessica, which was both delicious and entertaining. She tells great stories and always makes me laugh really hard.

We headed out to the Night Bizarre (a well-known Chiang Mai night market) for a wander around after we’d had a parent-teacher meeting at Grace International.  

I always find that a little stroll through a market is both interesting and therapeutic but, despite putting on a happy face (because it was my birthday) Dave said he felt like too much of a tourist and looked relieved when I was ready to head home! Ha ha.

You know I feel an overwhelming sense of gratefulness for the richly blessed and wonderful life that I have had. It has definitely been 33 years of adventure.  

In sharing with some secondary students in June, I explained that even though I may have been white water rafting, hot air ballooning, ridden an elephant, flown in helicopters, walked the Great Wall of China, stood at the top of the Eiffel Tower, rock climbed, snorkeled, abseiled and so on… (all things that could be viewed as being “adventurous”) I believe that the best adventure in my life began when I discovered that God had a plan and a purpose for my life.   

You see, I think, the secret to an adventurous life is through God who created us, not through visiting lots of countries or having photos taken in front of famous, historical landmarks.

Now I am not trying to say that I haven’t enjoyed all the experiences that I’ve had traveling, I wouldn’t want to trade these memories for a minute but, I really think that when you are right where you are meant to be, using the gifts and abilities that God has equipped you with, then each day can become a journey full of excitement and fulfillment- feelings not just reserved for holidays, overseas trips or extreme sports.  

And just as I said to the students that I was sharing with, I will also say to you; I believe God has a wonderful plan for YOU too and he will equip you and show you what it is if you just seek to FIND HIM! 

Jeremiah 29:13 

And so, I look forward to another 33 years (and hopefully another after that) in which I get to travel this road set before me.  

It may not always be smooth.  It may not always be comfortable.  It may not always be the easiest BUT I know it will be full of adventure and worth every minute.

Andie :)