Word of the Week

Re-Defining Thanksgiving

image1Like I wrote about earlier in the week, Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays.

I love the idea of expressing gratitude.

I love the opportunity to be gathered around a table of people who know and love you well.

I love eating pie without guilt!

For these reasons and many more, I'm glad that Kevin and I got to spend Thanksgiving in one of our favorite places, Nairobi visiting friends. Even though it is rainy season in East Africa, we love being refreshed by the crisp African air. It's good to take time off and just enjoy the beauty of life in nature and to be away from your normal surroundings, learning from another cultural context.

Many thought we should cancel our trip.

But, we can't live in fear, my friends. No matter the craziness of our world, we have to stay on the move as God has called us.

And on Thanksgiving day, we traveled to cook a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner at one of our favorite places-- though with a few moderations. We had turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and stuffing but we added a green salad, apple cake and cupcakes.

When the meal was finished, our hearts and bellies were full on joy!

We were so happy to spend Thanksgiving around this beautiful table with these beautiful children at this orphanage. I have to think it's a picture of heaven.

We are happy to still remain a part of the Feed the Children family as donors, even as Kevin's work life has taken him elsewhere.IMG_0001

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IMG_6767-2Until next year, happy Thanksgiving to all!