In honor of my 24th year of life, here are 24 things I am thankful for:

1. My faith

My faith keeps me centered and is a constant in my life.

2. Friends

I would be a very different person without these people in my life!

3. Family

Even though my family is spread all across the country, we still keep in touch. We even have a Facebook group that is updated nearly every week!

4. Trinity

Not only am I thankful that I'm earning my degree here, I am also thankful for the opportunities Trinity has afforded me.

5. A country where we can hold elections

While this election has certainly been weirder than most others in our history, I am glad that we are able to elect our leaders and have freedom of speech, as well as differences of opinion.

6. Hamilton

The soundtrack (you can find it for free on Spotify!) has gotten me through many a study session, not to mention car trip.

7. Marriage

Marriage is hard and wonderful all at the same time. I'm incredibly thankful for my brother's recent marriage and his new wife's unconditional love for him. In addition, she's been a great sister-in-law and I am so looking forward to the decades ahead with her in the family!

8. Colors

I'm thankful for these, because the world would be very boring without shades, tints, and hues.

9. Different religions and people groups

This might be a weird one, but I'm thankful for different religions and people groups. I value having different opinions in my life, and it helps me keep a global focus as well. It's good to be friends with people who aren't exactly like you. (I took this picture in a small village near the Indian Ocean, and this picture of harmony held true for the most part in Repalle.)

10. Fall and changing leaves

This past fall has been particularly beautiful, and it's been a joy to look out my dorm window and see a bright red tree every morning. The changing of the seasons is always welcomed!

11. Good TV shows

It seems that TV is in a golden age right now and there are so many quality shows to pick from both on broadcast TV and Netflix. I know that whatever I watch will get me thinking and considering deeper topics than just romance or the latest bad guy on the show.

12. The Odyssey Online

I'm glad for this website because it gives me an opportunity to share my voice in a way I wouldn't usually be able to otherwise.

13. My childhood

Mom and Dad taught my brother and I right from wrong, but they also taught us how to love people. It formed the foundation for my deep convictions today.

14. Sound

As a deaf person, I probably approach sound differently than those of you who hear. There are times where I have to think about what sound I'm hearing, or ask people to repeat themselves, but I'm glad I can hear! I am thankful for the technology of cochlear implants.

15. Mission Workers

I appreciate the work that these people do, and I know it is not easy. Missionaries sacrifice an incredible amount to serve the Kingdom; sometimes it comes at the cost of their lives. I am thankful for those who establish long-term relationships, show love, and plant Gospel seeds. The man in the picture is Emmanuel Rebba, who runs a Christian school of over 3,000 children in South India.

16. Babies

Babies are pretty great. They're cute, flap their arms around a lot, and smile toothlessly. Even when babies are crying or need a diaper change, they're still adorable (to me). I'm looking forward to having some of my own one day! This baby is from my parent's church, by the way.

17. National Parks

I am glad that Teddy Roosevelt inaugurated the process of preserving plots of land for our nation way back in the early 1900s! Because of his actions, we have parks like the Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, and Glacier National Park.

18. Dogs

Truly man's best friend.

19. Church

I am thankful for a community where I can worship with fellow believers!

20. Chocolate

It always makes me feel better.

21. Stars

During the summer, I love lying on the grass and looking up at the heavens. I'm thankful that God created so many stars and that he cares about them as much as he cares about us!

22. Summer camp

My best memories have happened at camp, whether it was as a camper or a counselor.

23. Music

Music connects people in so many different ways. I'm thankful for the communities I've been a part of through music.

24. You!

I am thankful that you read my articles every week! It is a great encouragement to know people read what I write and engage with it.