Justin and I woke up on
Thanksgiving Day like it was any other day. We went to mass and then headed to
work. The only thing that made the day any different was seeing on Facebook how
no one could move because of the amount of food that they had eaten.
Luckily for Justin and I
there are some other American missionaries in Mtwara, and earlier in the week
they invited us over for a Thanksgiving dinner, but on Friday instead of
Thursday because we all had work on those days. Friday afternoon after work we
went over to these fellow missionaries’ house to have Thanksgiving dinner.
There was no turkey, but they were able to get a couple fat chickens. Most
chickens in Mtwara are all skin and bones. We also had sweet yam casserole. As
far as I know they don't have the orange sweet potatoes here, but these yams
might have been even better. We had rolls, ham, green beans, mashed potatoes
and gravy, mixed vegetables, and canned cranberries. The cranberries were sent
from the states. We were able to wash it all down with sweet tea, or Fanta for
me since I am probably the only Southerner who does not like sweet tea.
Then when we were done with
dinner we went around the table and said what we were thankful for. It made me
feel like I was back home going around the table in a circle with my family. We
were able to finish off the evening with pumpkin pie, apple pie, and homemade
vanilla ice cream while we watched a “fall” movie. I was most excited about the
ice cream. Ice cream is not very big in Mtwara, because there are very few
freezers. The person who made the ice cream had to freeze ice for a week to
have enough. There is no such thing as going out and grabbing a bag of ice from
Walmart. It is nice that even though Justin and I are far away from home we can
still celebrate with the traditions that we grew up with.
Happy Thanksgiving! God has
given me a truly blessed life. God is good. Here are a few things I am thankful
for:
1.
For the Lord, and how he leads me with a gentle but
firm hand.
2.
For my family, and how supportive they are of
me.
3.
For Justin who puts up with my craziness.
4.
For my friends, and how they are always there
for me.
5.
For my electric fan. Without it I do not know
how I would be able to fall asleep in such a hot place.
6.
For everyone who sends me letters or packages.
They really make my day.
7.
For my Kindle. That I can always have a library
with me no matter where I am.
8.
For the new friends that I am making.
9.
For all the opportunities that my life has been
blessed with.
10. For
mine and Justin's families who got us out of college without debt.
11. For
LMH who gave us the opportunity to be in Tanzania, so that we may grow in our
faith.
12. For
the water when it is running. There is nothing better than a real shower.
13. For
technology that enables me to talk to my family who is almost half way around
the world.
14. For
my doodle prayer book. So that I may relax in prayer with God.
15. For
the Baobab trees. For their beauty and wonder.
-Lauren
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