Full of Thanks, Not Turkey

Today we are celebrating Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, in Paraguay there is no day to give thanks. And there is no turkey to be found. I'm okay with that now, but my first Thanksgiving Day here 5 years ago was a fiasco. I entered into a mini (okay, major!) crisis because I couldn’t find turkey, cranberries, stove top ( didn’t know you could make homemade stuffing!) and there were no canned pumpkin or cherry fillings to be found in the store. I remember it was the only day that I cried about missing home. (I am still learning how to cook from scratch!) Looking back, I realize how much emphasis we put on the exterior of an event and we miss the essence of the celebration. (i.e. Christmas).

Well, this year we’ll probably be having chicken and eating yucca plant for our Thanksgiving meal, but we’ll also do what I love most…we’ll be sharing around the table our written list of blessings that we’ve experienced this year. We’ll also sing and make music. Norberto's family members are extremely gifted musicians and I just love hearing them “jam.” As for me, I just make a joyful noise! I think Timmy’s gonna take after his daddy cause he’s only 2 and he already has more rhythm than his mommy!

My list:

Grace…I am a broken person saved by God’s mercy, forgiveness, and loving grace

My relationship with God continues to deepen and bring me refreshing

My incredible husband, best friend, lover, companion and ministry partner

My beautiful son who just entered the terrific two’s yesterday

My health and the opportunity to have health care

Our ministry partners

Family near and far

My freedom

That we don’t live without our basic needs

Hot water in the shower

Email and the internet

We have fertile soil to grow food

We drink clean water

Shoes

Our old and reliable truck

We live fulfilling, purposeful lives

So, what are you thankful for this year? What special treasures do you hold especially dear right now?

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