#GiveThanks in 2020

 In November 2020, President Russell M. Nelson challenged each of us to share what we were grateful for for seven consecutive days on social media. Here is what I wrote:

Day 1:

Today has been a wonderful day for me. I'm grateful for my professors (Professor Cooper, Professor McBride, and Professor Knapp) who have helped me to open my eyes to international politics issues related to terrorism, Korean literature, and some things that are going on in South Asia respectively. I am thankful for the hope that comes in my life despite the world's challenges and chaos because I know that this life is all about growing and learning to work through and help others work through challenges. I am grateful for the guidance that comes to me through Christ as I seek His help. I am thankful that the weather was rather mild and beautiful today. I am especially grateful today for a living prophet who invited me to look for things that are good and wonderful in life rather than recounting my problems.

Day 2:

I'm grateful for the Thai stir-fry I just got to eat (Gai Pad King). I think it's amazing that there are so many different fruits and vegetables and meats and tastes that have naturally occurred in the Earth! To me this, is a testament of the love of God for each of us, for which I am grateful. In relation to this, I am grateful for the chance I have had to learn more about other peoples and cultures by serving a full-time mission in another country. Before I went to South Korea, I couldn't stand onions and would pick them out of Chinese fried rice if my family ordered them--now I cook with them almost every week! Those I met on my mission blessed me in many ways, but I am most thankful for how they opened my eyes to how similar we all are despite our different cultures and experiences--which has led me in part to find my major of international relations.

Day 3:

Today I feel gratitude for my family and my roommates. Since today was Sunday, I didn't have work or school and so I was able to go to church, Skype with my family, and spend time with my current roommates. I love my family as they have done so much for me and support me regardless of whether I am succeeding or struggling. I'm also really grateful for the chance I had to reflect and read over my patriarchal blessing I received several years ago that helps me understand what I am capable of becoming and what I should do now. Having this early time in the morning to reflect and pray before others got up really helped clear my focus and get me excited for the week.

Day 4:

While running a few short miles this morning, I felt really grateful for the marvel of our physical bodies! Running is something that brings me a lot of joy as it allows me to explore and be outside and feel alive. During the past couple of months, a pain that would rise in my left leg from time to time has kept from running as much as I would have liked, but I took some time off and slowly built back up and this morning I was able to run without feeling any pain at all! While our bodies may be susceptible to pains and diseases and toxins and wounds, its uncanny ability to bounce back and heal and tolerate a lot of what life throws at it is truly miraculous to me, and I am grateful for that! I'm also grateful for healthcare workers helping this miracle of healing and revitalization to occur by fighting COVID-19, and I am grateful for Jesus Christ who knows all the pain and afflictions we go through and will succor us and who has made it possible for us to live again with a perfect frame.

Day 5:

Thank you to all of the missionaries that have had a positive influence on me and my family in many ways. Different missionaries helped both of my parents learn more about God and join the Church of Jesus Christ, which has greatly blessed my life! Many missionaries patiently worked with me and helped me out when I served in South Korea from 2016-2018. Additionally, I have recently enjoyed the opportunity to meet with some missionaries quite frequently. I am grateful for how determined and enthusiastic they are about the gospel despite the challenges they face. They are some of the most wonderful people I have met and a great example to me of sacrifice and love for others. They have helped (or are still helping) me to come closer to Christ each day. If any of the past or present missionaries I have described happen to read this post, please know that I love you and am grateful for the service and influence you have had in my life!

Day 6:

I'm feeling thankful for the power of attitude, particularly the attitude of gratitude. This challenge to write about what I am grateful this week has completely changed my day-to-day outlook. I have felt happier and more like I have enough despite not everything being perfect. Tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day is the last day of the challenge. I would love to hear more about what you are grateful for! If you are willing, spread a positive spirit by posting about what you are grateful for amidst the craziness of the 2020 holiday season to me and your other friends. I will be doing the same!

Day 7:

I'm thankful for:

- Heat!

- My family

- Good books

- Asian cuisines

- Social distancing

- A clean apartment

- Relatively good health

- A sense of purpose in life

- The functions of the Internet

- Scriptures and modern revelation

- The joy of learning another language

- Thanksgiving break and a chance to rest

- Feelings of peace at the end of days of work

- Inspiration that guides me to know what to do

- People who are kind even when it's unnecessary

- A wonderful job and the ability to buy food to eat

- The opportunity to attend Brigham Young University

- Experiences that, while hard, helped me learn and grow

- The influences and examples of great mentors and friends

- Diversity, globalization and chances to learn about the world

- Forgiveness, strength and transformation through Jesus Christ