Happy Canadian Thanksgiving

Well this is a few days late, but I had to make sure I posted a Thanksgiving Day post. Canadian Thanksgiving, that is! ;)

On Monday evening several of us Canadians got together for a great feast! The evening before Michelle and I had gotten together to make pumpkin pie. Now this means we made everything! There's no canned pumpkin here, and definitely no pre-made pie crusts (They don't even have pie pans here! I guess pie is just not a typical food...) But we had a great time making it together and debating whether our pumpkin soup would actually turn into to pumpkin pie. And yes, indeed it did. :)

Monday evening was a great time of getting to know others better and enjoying food that had been save especially for the day. One of the couples had somehow acquired one MASSIVE turkey. They had also remembered to bring cranberry sauce from the states, which was a real treat. Michelle also made sweet potatoes with brown sugar and pecans, two other ingredients that are hard to come by here. The thanksgiving meal was definitely a blessing, and I am so thankful for the time with friends and fellow Canadians around a delicious meal.

And I love the way that Thanksgiving provides an opportunity for to stop and reflect upon the things (both big and small!) for which I am truly thankful. I am thankful for:
1) Each student in my third-grade "family." True, they each have their little quirks, but I can't get through a day without smiling or laughing at some of the antics and comments. How neat it is to care for and challenge them, chat with them about how they are doing, and really see them change and grow.
2) Internet, facebook, blogs, e-mail, skype - Man, it has been such a blessing to be in touch with family and friends back home. I've just been blown away with e-mails and words of encouragement from so many people from different stages of my life. Thanks so much.
3) Running. And the fact I can run at night - yay for the school track and living on campus.
4) I get to see my family for Christmas! In Paris! And then they come here! I am really going to cherish this time with Mom, Dad, and David. I love the three of you very much and I am so blessed to have you as my family!
5) The reminder of who equips and enables me to live out life. Whether in work, building friendships, caring for others, it is he whose resources I rely upon. So many times I try to do a great job on my own, but how much better it is when I allow His love, power, and grace to work through me. And wow, I'm so thankful that he wants to work in me!

This list could go on forever... but I thought I'd choose just five - and maybe save the others for American Thanksgiving. ;)

I hope all you Canadians were about to enjoy a day of rest, family, eating, and giving thanks. And, I hope all you Americans are eagerly awaiting your Turkey day (it's coming soon!) ;)


Kayla and Bruce about to carve the turkey! (Sorry for the blur.)
















Jan and Michelle loading their plates with the Thanksgiving goodness.









Jan, me, and Michelle enjoying our pumpkin pie!