feeling grateful

This past week has been really tough.  It s been really busy and I've been constantly going from one thing to another.  In the midst of such a crazy week, I've faced some discouragement and disappointment.  That's why I want to take some time to thank a good friend of mine who blessed me so much by giving me such a meaningful gift. 

My friend, Katie, stopped by my room one night this week and gave me this beautiful purse.  It was handmade in Rwanda, and all of the money paid for the bag goes towards the Restore Rwanda fund. The name of the woman who sewed this purse is written inside, so I'm constantly carrying a piece of Rwanda with me. Hopefully, when I go to Rwanda, I can meet the woman who made my bag!

I've wanted to buy one of these bags for awhile, but since I'm doing a shopping fast (read about it here) I didn't buy one for myself.  Katie is one of the members of my Rwanda missions trip team, so she knows how much Rwanda means to me, and wanted to bless me with a gift in the midst of my fast. 

Receiving gifts makes me feel so loved.  Whether someone buys me a cup of coffee or a big birthday present, knowing that someone thought of me is so meaningful.  This may sound strange, but having someone spend money on me is such a sign of sacrificial love to me.  She gave it to me in the midst of a hard time, so I felt all the more loved and cared for. I felt so encouraged by the Lord after receiving this because I know that I am so undeserving of anything, but He delights in blessing me anyways.

This will be something that I cherish for a long time.  Thank you, Katie, for being such a faithful friend and a generous servant!