Happy Thanksgiving

The reason we like Thanksgiving is because it’s not centered around gifts and expectations, but is focused on ‘just’ being thankful for your family and friends all around you. What an interesting word ‘just’!! We’ve actually tried to take it out of our vocabulary (but it does slip out occasionally!). The word ‘just’ tends to downplay some very important matters. Our friend Alberta shared that insight while in Mercy Ships. It’s a HUGE deal to be surrounded by family and friends that you know love you (lest we forget that there are those around you who might not feel that they have that support). We are thankful that even though we won’t be by family this year, We have wonderful friends around us. We encourage you to reach out to those around you and never ‘assume’ that they have that kind of support system. If you have it, count yourself blessed!!

Our Thanksgiving started out this year going to the chocolate factory. Pat is all dressed up ready to enter the factory where we saw how they made two different kinds of candy. This candy factory will be closing this year and it's been open since 1851.

After the tour they gave us candy bars, a cd and tea.

Donna, a fellow worker, invited us over for Thanksgiving dinner. I think this is the first time, in along time that I haven't had to fix anything. It was a pleasant and relaxing afternoon.

Here is Terry relaxing with Dean Pryor and Terry White, other fellow embassy workers, as the final preparations are being made.