Sara Sarver

Yesterday we had to privilege of joining with a small group of fellow Americans in celebrating Thanksgiving here in Thailand.  Over the past 4 months, we have gotten to know a wonderful couple who have been serving in this country for near 30 years, and this year they invited us to join them.  There were a total of 9 adults, 1 toddler, and 2 very new babies in attendance, and it couldn’t have more enjoyable.

The meal was set for 1:00 pm.  We arrived early though, so I could prepare my contribution to the meal, as we had about a 1.5 hour bus ride during which holding a hot pot of mashed potatoes would not have been enjoyable!  As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by their shaggy-haired dog named Moe – who later became our foot warmer under the table – and a home that smelled of a roasted bird and sage stuffing.  It may not have looked like home, or had the weather we are used to during the Thanksgiving holiday, but the smells were there!

Since turkey is not easy to find, and when it can be found is rather expensive, our hostess roasted 2 chickens instead.  She also made a sage stuffing that was similar to my mother’s, which again made me feel just a little bit closer to home.  I made a big pot of mashed potatoes to go along with gravy made from the chicken’s drippings.  Someone else brought homemade dinner rolls.  We used black currant jam in place of cranberries (wonderful – you all should try it!), as those are difficult to find here as well.  There was a bowl of broccoli, a pot of roasted snap peas and sliced carrots,  and, of course, a pumpkin pie.  (My dad would have been happy about that part!)

After a short devotional time and prayer, as we began filling our plates with all the goodies before us, each person around the table named 5 things we were thankful for… and it was hard to name only 5.  Despite all of the problems, setbacks, difficulties, goodbyes, and stresses we have had to face in this past whirlwind of a year, we have been incredibly blessed.  Just to name a few…

• We are healthy and able to live each day.
• We have loving families who support us even though their hearts wish for us to be near them at home.
• We have friends and churches who continually encourage us and make us feel loved.
• I have a faithful husband beside me to share in both the joys and trials of each day we go through.
• We are, by the grace of God, debt-free!
• We are living the dream placed in our hearts only a few years ago, pursuing excellence in language studies, and moving forward in the work we have been called to.
• We have received our RA Visa status, and final proceedings to make it official should occur before the year is out.
• We have the friend/mentorship of some solid Christian missionaries to guide us through the beginning steps in building a life in Thailand.

And so much more!