So I’m sure some of you are wondering – what does it look like to celebrate Thanksgiving while on the World Race? The answer is different for every team, but I will give you a glimpse of the amazing day I had.
As I mentioned in an earlier blog, there were three teams staying together this month in Manzini. So for Thanksgiving there were 19 racers plus two of the African men that work for AIM. It really did feel like an extended family get-together. One of my more creative teammates actually took time to give us each our own “place in the family” whether it was crabby grandmother that brings the family together or crazy fun-loving aunt that no one actually trusts with their kids. We got a lot of laughs hearing all the different roles.
The morning was full of food preparations and setting up décor, which I’ll be honest, I did not participate in. The cooks utilized everything possible from the oven to the stove to the grill outside. The house was decorated with family photos and thankful-turkey handprints. As dinner time arrived, we were all given the choice of headdress – Indian or Pilgrim. It was really entertaining. Dinner was amazing. Chicken (because apparently there are no turkeys in Swaziland), mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, green bean casserole, stuffing, homemade mac & cheese, and homemade braided bread. Felt like home. Mmm mmm good. 🙂
Because I didn’t help with pre-meal preparations, I was assigned to clean-up duty. Lots of dishes! While doing dishes will never be my favorite thing to do, it is enjoyable when you are surrounded by people you love and there is good music on in the background. We were stopped short due to a disgusting plugged drain outside the kitchen. I ended up volunteering to try my hand at plumbing/drain unclogging using whatever we had on hand – a stick and a soup ladle. Most disgusting moment of the day, but I got some solid laughs out of the absurdity of it all.
The afternoon was a time of reflection and giving thanks for all the ways God has provided for us in 2014. We ended by worshipping together and praying for one another. It was a great way to remember why we were celebrating.
Next up, dessert! Apple pie, ice cream, chocolate cake and almond cake. Delicious once again, although if I’m being honest, I missed pumpkin pie with cool whip, my mom’s pecan pie and my aunt’s raspberry dessert.
After all the food and clean up, I got to play card games with my amazing teammates. Everything from euchre to speed to rummy. Not only did it make it feel like home, since my family plays games like crazy, but I got some of the best laughs during those games.
While it was not the same as home, I could not have asked for a better Thanksgiving away. I ate more than I should have, I laughed a lot, I played card games, and I was exhausted at the end of the day. I am thankful for the opportunity to make such a solid memory with some of my favorite people!
[Photo credit: Sarah Baker]
