Thanksgiving has been more than a one day event in our home this year! What a privilege we have to live at this time, in this place, for this purpose! My parents recently came to visit and brought with them news of your support. We are continually amazed at the way our friends and family go out of their way to encourage and help us!
We really enjoyed getting to introduce Nonna and Pop to the country and people we love. In the picture above, that is a camel's rear end behind us. One day we rode on a cart pulled by one and by the time Mom and Dad left we had used several kinds of transportation. Below is a picture of us on a bicycle rickshaw, one of our favorites.
They really walked the path with us for a few days!
It wasn't just getting around that was new, we also ate things that were a bit different than back home. They said (more than once) that they hoped the trip would help their diet plan, but found out that they actually liked what we eat! Here is a photo of me buying us a snack from a roadside vendor.
We have also found a few places that serve food more familiar to us. Here is one of B at a new mexican joint in town.
Like any newcomer to this place, my parents were overwhelmed by the number of people. Sometimes it is easy to forget that each individual has a name and a story. Here is a little girl we saw on the road. I wonder what her life is like?
Anytime we go anywhere we always draw a crowd. This group of boys gathered one day while we were playing at the park. I got to play a little soccer with them and tell them my story. I wonder if they thought about what I said before they fell asleep that night?
While driving, we are confronted at every street corner. Some are simply asking for money while others have some product that they are wanting to sell. At times they can get very aggressive. They will hit on the windows, climb on the car, and even hang on for a while after we begin to move. Here is a young fella selling magazines. I wonder how he ended up on that street corner?
One day dad, C, and I got to play golf. Someone had told me of a golf course in town and we decided to give it a try. Well, we ended up playing with a guy about my age and by the 4th hole we had all been invited to his house for dinner. It ended up being one of the most significant encounters we have enjoyed! Here families all live in the same house, so we were even able to meet his father and grandmother. We are excited about our new friendship!
We also took a short trip to place outside of our city. There we found a fort palace that was over 500 years old. It had been restored and adjusted to accommodate overnight guest. We had an incredible time just being together in this beautiful place!
Our Thanksgiving get together (we called it Thankapalooza) couldn't have gone any better! Thanks to all of you who helped by sending the supplies that weren't available here. I wish you could have seen the smiles. One girl even had her picture taken with a napkin because it made her feel at home. Many of those involved left thank you notes for you. One of them said, "This was my first Thanksgiving away from my family and being able to have real American food made it feel like home! Thank you so much!" Our tables were full, but I suspect this will become an annual event and only gain in popularity after the word gets out!!
T spent a lot of time in the kitchen, but took a few breaks to play a video game called, Guitar Hero. I'd never say it to her, but when the smoke cleared we all knew she was the rock star. I think it had something to do with the apron?
There was plenty to eat and everybody got their fill. A couple of little ones found the deviled eggs early and downed quite a few before they were caught.
We also celebrated both C and B's birthday! We had one big party and the boys had a blast.
So how can I give enough thanks for all that is happening here? Sure there are days we feel a million miles from home, but think what He must have felt when He left glory to save us! What a privilege it is to be with Him here and what a blessing to have friends like you supporting us.
