Happy Thanksgiving

As normal, Thanksgiving was not normal.

Thanksgiving, for me, began last Monday at our annual K2 Thanksgiving Feast. 

We believe firmly in the division of labor.

First grade parents decorate.

Second grade parents serve the food.

And because, we let the Kindergartners and their families eat first, they do the clean up! 

That evening, I partook in my second Thanksgiving Feast. We were once again joined the Stacey Dorm as they celebrated with traditional Thanksgiving meal. 

As always, Penny's decorating talent amazes me!

This was much more tasty and inviting than the "feast" from earlier in the day. Even though the cooks are not American, they did a good job on some of the traditional classics: roasted turkey, green bean casserole, stuffing, rolls, and mashed potatoes with gravy.

 Thanksgiving Day was not spent with our biological family members, but rather with our mission family- an extended family of the heart!

Every year, we gather  for several days to worship and fellowship together.

This year, we traveled four hours to the southern tip of the island. We stayed at a resort consisting of little cabins. The location was restful and serene, nestled in the foothills, with the ocean just a short drive away. Our little cabin came to us with an added bonus- a four legged one.

Early Thanksgiving morning, before sunrise, I heard Jacob moving in the room. It sounded like he was looking for something in the dark. After a few minutes, I asked him what he was doing. He was in bed, he sleepily replied. Uh oh! 

At five am, Carl and Jake successfully isolated the little guy in the bathroom. Unfortunately, there was a gap between the edge of the floor drain and the floor where we couldn't het to him. So, we shut the door. As Carl went back to sleep, Jake and I listened as that little fellow did everything he could to escape. 

Later that morning, he stayed hidden as we showered and prepared for the day. That afternoon, we moved to another cabin, hopefully mouseless.

 Since our options for a Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day were very limited, our retreat organizers settled on Smokey Joes, a western restaurant. I chose smoked chicken spinach ravioli. Not Thanksgivingish, but certainly delicious! Carl's meal was even less traditional- chorizo served over rice. Jake had a hamburger!

After our meal, the teens asked to visit the go cart track..

It was here I realized that perhaps Taiwan lawmakers were very wise to make 18 the legal age to drive in Taiwan! 

 Of course, a trip to Kenting isn't complete with out a hiking adventure. (Don't worry Nick, Abbi, and Ben. We didn't make Jake do the same old hike. This was a new one!)

It was a great time of resting and reconnecting.

And as you can see in the above picture, an adventure in breaking the traditional Thanksgiving food options!

Thanksgiving isn't about the food you eat, or where you are, or what you do. It is all about the attitude of your heart. Despite the fact, that I missed Nick, Ben, and Abbi, as well as the rest of our families, there was plenty to be thankful for....

I am thankful for the opportunity to get out of the city.

I am thankful for the time spent with Carl and Jacob.

I am thankful for my OMS sisters and brothers in Christ.

I am thankful Mickey, the cabin mouse, didn't climb into bed with me!