Día de Acción de Gracias...a little late

First let me say sorry for being that girl that asks you to read her blog and then doesn't update it when she actually begins to have stuff going on. I never liked that girl and I'm sure you don't either. I will try not to be her anymore....

That to say, I spent my first Thanksgiving Day in a Latin country a couple of weeks ago. I really was thankful that the other CAM missionaries in the area had planned a potluck lunch, so that maybe I wouldn't miss my mom's dressing and my sister's sweet potatoes too much.

I made my traditional green chile corn casserole, only I could only find canned roasted red chiles here. My Spanish teacher asked why I didn't just roast and dice the green ones myself. I laughed as I lined up the cans of chiles and corn on the counter. The only other ingredients are a LOT of cream cheese and butter....mmmm. Of course I ran out of gas for the stove the night before Thanksgiving, so I made a 7 am phone call to the truck that brings it. It turned out well, but I had made a large portion and it took quite awhile to cook in the gas oven.

We went to the Henriques' home - they have been missionaries in Guate for over 40 years and live near the Glicks. They have a beautiful home, perfect for a large gathering.

I was excited because a few CAM families who live outside of the city came in for the meal, and I got to meet some more people serving down here. And, as a bonus, they all have really cute kids!

There was plenty of turkey and sides to go around and even more dessert. We had a time of prayer and they even sang some hymns of thanks. What a great day to remember how blessed we are and the One who has given us more than we could ever deserve. That was even more obvious to me this year than usual - here I am reminded daily, almost hourly, that I have been given so much, and therefore have more than enough to share...

I finished the day by Skyping with my family who was gathered at my parents' house for dinner. I am very thankful for all of them and for their love and support while I'm away.

The idea of Thanksgiving Day actually seems to be catching on down here - I heard from a lot of people that schools and families here are starting to choose to celebrate the day as one of service and gratefulness. Not a bad idea.

Psalm 118:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.