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!

Life Lists

Tonight as I sit down to write this I feel like being quick and efficient, so here are a few fun lists to give you glimpses of my recent thoughts and activities. Enjoy. :)

Today I:
1. Enjoyed a breakfast of scrambled eggs and breakfast with Surita.
2. Wrote a parent letter for Curriculum Night on Wednesday and did some marking
3. Bought minutes for my cell phone... FINALLY got off campus... it had been a week!
4. Tried a GREAT Italian restaurant with Jill, Robin, and Lindsay.
5. Navigated around the city without getting lost!! This city is NOT a grid by any means.

Highlights of the past week:
1. Trying the French Church
2. Finding out about an extension on our midterm progress reports. I think ALL teachers were happy about this.
3. Seeing two of my New-to-English kids (ALL my kids are ELL, but one...) raise their hands and begin to voluntarily participate in class.
4. Eating dinner with the family who lives below us. Great meal of Sffa and GREAT company. They are a fun family.
5. Getting a post card from Sarah!

Things I miss:
1. Starbucks (or Wendels! or Wired Monk) drinks and chats
2. Having a car and the convenience and independence that come with it
3. Friends and family - yes, definitely you guys!
4. Milk, chocolate chips, and brown sugar. Oh, and Mexican food. AND Sushi everywhere.
5. Running along the road. Sixteen laps around the track just doesn't compare to running along River Road, the Fort-to-Fort Trail, or Campbell Valley Park.


Things I am thankful for (this will be hard to fit into just 5!):
1. Internet: Facebook, e-mail, Skype, blog!
2. Encouragement from friends and family back home. Your e-mails, comments, messages, and prayers have been so wonderful!
3. Provision in this job, friends, roommates, and co-workers.
4. The retreat two weekends ago.
5. That I CAN run here... I wasn't sure if I'd be able to. I AM thankful for the track.


Things I'd miss:
1. The mustard - I think it's a mix of American style mustard and Dijon mustard. It's got a kick to it, and just makes any sandwich great!
2. The markets (and all the fun things they sell) and bargaining.
3. Speaking French and learning Arabic (my classes start this week!)
4. The community here, and my students.
5. Great sunsets over the Atlantic.

I am learning (DEFINITELY more than 5, but here we go):
1. How to get around this city and where good restaurants and shops and friends are.
2. How to be a good teacher.
3. The importance of daily finding my identity in Him - especially in a time of transition. This has been big, and I think I may do a blog post on this.
4. Arabic words.
5. Walking into a Cafe is an awkward experience. Those are really men only (except for an occasional woman). There's nothing like 20+ men staring at you, and you know you are not in your place.

Pictures Taken Since my last post:
1. The 1 KG Bar of Chocolate that Susan bought. No, I didn't eat it... we're chopping it into chocolate chips. :)

2. My first time trying Oysters.

3. Seen on the walls around the city and other towns. I understand it's used for voting.

4. Inside the Grande Mosque

5. Things in out kitchen, including mustard, "milk," Peanut Butter (that always tastes stale, and Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Spread.



1. Good Bye
2. Au Revior
3. B'slama
4. Love you guys
5. Have a wonderful and full blast day!