Thanksgiving dinner has always been a big deal in my family. My mom's siblings & their families gather around one (well, actually 3) long table at my grandparents' house to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast. No one person is responsible for the dinner, the entrees are divided amongst families. Some of the entrees have become traditions: Auntie M & her family bring the turkey & meringue pies, Dad makes his famous stuffing (complete with hickory smoked bacon, yum!), Mom makes the world's most delicious rolls, our family bring ham (yes, we eat ham at Thanksgiving . . . & Christmas . . . & Easter . . .), pumkin bread, & pies, & I made mouthwatering garlic mashed potatoes. Other traditional foods, like cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, & gravy are filled in by whomever. As I looked at the 17 faces of family & friends that surrounded the tables covered with amazing food, I realized, again, that I have so much to be thankful for.
Kat was unable to go home over Thanksgiving break, so I invited her to spend the break with me in KC. I was so thankful she was able to come, not only because we were able to have a ton of fun, but also because without her, Jarid & I would have had no way to get home.
On Saturday, Kat joined my family at TCCS's annual Purple/Gold basketball games. I enjoyed catching up with old friends & was given the opportunity to cheer. Seeing all my high school friends & teachers reminded me again that I have so much to be thankful for. God blessed me with not only a great Christian education, but also with great friends & mentors who have encouraged me to live for Christ.
After the games, Jarid, Lindsay, Kat, & I joined the College & Career Sunday School class for some fun at the Asher's farm. I was able to shoot a gun for the first time in my life--it was so much fun! I missed the clay pigeons with Pastor Bishop's shot gun, but hit the target on my first try with Dad's .410. I could definately get used to skeet shooting. 
As the sun sunk behind the trees, we all loaded up for a hayride around the Asher's property. The sky was so beautiful! My heart yearned once again for the opportunity to live in the country someday...After the hayride, we all snuggled up around a campfire to enjoy hotdogs and s'mores. When everyone had their fill, Chris asked us to share testimonies; we all have so much to be thankful for. It was an encouragement to see & hear how the Lord is providing for myself & my friends--only because of Him do we have a reason to be thankful.Sunday was a fun surprise--for me & for Pastor Herbster. The church celebrated Pastor & Debbie's 25th anniversary. Though I usually hate missing classes, I am so thankful that the Lord allowed me to go home early & hear testimony of how He has used Pastor to lead & direct my church. The deacons & members kept the celebration of both services a secret, planning & preparing to honor Pastor & Debbie for their service to us. The Herbster's received quite a shock in the morning service as the head deacon presented the couple with their gift: a cruise following the steps of one of the greatest missionaries--the Apostle Paul. The morning service was only the beginning, for the evening service was a full blown Baptist potluck--an event that has not happened at my church for quite some time. Matt's impressions of Pastor & the testimonies that were given overwhelmed me. The Lord truly blessed me by allowing me to grow up in such an awesome ministry. Once again, the Lord showed me that I have so much to be thankful for.
Thanksgiving break provided me with a much needed opportunity: a job. Jarid, Lindsay, Kat, & I (with a little help from Craig) were hired by Mr. Bob to clean & paint one of his rental properties. The project allowed us to spend time together.Laughter & country music echoed through the empty house. Anyone passing by would have found 4 young adults having a little too much fun working (I'm blaming it on all the chemicals & fumes). Though we were not able to complete as much as we would have liked, I was very proud of our finished project. I almost wanted to stay home & rent the property myself! Hard work always pays of--in this case in both experience & finances. The job gave me some much needed help towards my college bill. As I worked, the lesson of the week began to sink in: it was Thanksgiving break & I have so much to be thankful for.
Finally, the focus event of the week: Thanksgiving! Along with eating too much of my family's traditional scrumptious food, I was able to spend time with my cousins. Craig led games of Settler's of Catan all afternoon--they became addiciting, I did not give up until I won a game! What a blessing it was to look around & realize that I was surrounded by people who love me & want the best for me. Friends may come & go, but family, family lasts forever. Thanksgiving break was a much needed vacation from college. Though I worked, I was able to have fun with family & friends & learn more about the Lord. Though it seems obvious, the Lord showed me in my 10 days at home that I have so much to be thankful for.
