A Thanksgiving Feast





For the fourth time in five years, I celebrated Thanksgiving abroad (2008—France, 2009—Philippines, 2011—Senegal, 2012—Philippines). Although I love spending Thanksgiving with my family and have missed being able to share in the fellowship with my loved ones, I revel in the ability to share such a wonderful tradition with my friends and family abroad. Since Thanksgiving is purely North American (the Canadians also celebrate a Thanksgiving holiday), very few people outside of the United States and Canada have heard of the event. It is a pleasure to share a special American historical event with other people and to be thankful together for the blessings of today. Thanksgiving is something one can share with anyone who chooses to be grateful.
I am especially thankful to God for his protection and guidance. This year I have traveled to numerous countries and have encountered many people, who have blessed me and have become a part of my memories of these 16 months away from home and country. Thanksgiving 2012 was full of fun and food, as usual. Filipinos, like Americans, love a good party with lots of food. I made a feast with the help of the staff and students. On the smorgasbord were sautéed green beans with toasted peanuts, garlic mashed potatoes, breaded and fried chicken (the work of one of the cooks), grilled and stuffed fish, homemade bread rolls and fried rice. Completing the delicious and well-received meal was pumpkin pie, made with a native squash that resembles pumpkin in texture and flavor. Everything was made over the fire and on the wood-burning stove. What a unique Thanksgiving feast and celebration! 
  



 “Enter his gates with Thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love ensures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100: 4, 5).

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