Typically in my house, this would look like my dad putting the turkey in the oven bright and early, and the rest of us trickling down to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as we woke up. I would be helping my dad with all the side dishes, especially biscuits [I always seem to be the one to make the biscuits… :)]. We would eat in the early afternoon. Between dinner and dessert, my sister and I would dance to Cotton Eyed Joe while everyone else did dishes [Note: we were NOT dancing to get out of clean up]. We would then eat dessert and watch some football. My sister and I would then head out to hit a few other dinners the rest of the day, ultimately ending up at our cousin's house in Philadelphia.
But I was not at home this year
.
I was in Nicaragua, where they don’t celebrate Thanksgiving.
I was to help run a Bible Conference for a few dozen local pastors and their wives. The goal of the conference was to united the different denominations present in the town to operate as one body with one mind as they are all the body of Christ. At the conference, we helped set up tables, made centerpieces, set tables, prepped food in the kitchen, served drinks, served food and bused tables after the meal. Ed and Christopher helped with the AV work of the conference as well.
After the conference, we went back to Jaime's house to check in with the other team who had started cooking for dinner. What a sight it was to see so many people trying to do so much in such a small space. But they were getting it done! Everyone who was not involved with the cooking directly went back to the church to give the cooks some more space, both physical and emotional [there were a few other issues going on that we wanted to honor]. We returned to Jaime's house for dinner a little before 6pm to a great feast! The house smelled amazing and everything was just finishing, even though we were "late" [we were supposed to be there at 5pm].
Brant had gone on an adventure to Managua with Alejandro all day and was not back yet, so we decided to eat without him, being sure to save him and Alejandro healthy portions of everything. Christopher carved the turkey and we all ate while we shared stories of what we were thankful for about the month and the Race.
Before dessert was served, everyone went out on the porch and dance Cotton Eyed Joe with me in honor of my family tradition. We then all went inside after getting quite a good laugh to enjoy the popcorn balls and oatmeal cookies we had for dessert.
Brant and Alejandro made it back right as we were eating dessert. They shared stories from the day and we shared stories of all that had happened that they had missed. After cleaning up, giving leftovers to the neighbors, and talking some with the other missions team that was there at the house, we all headed back to the church to watch a movie together. We screen synced Elf onto three different computers and all gathered around with the leftover popcorn and our blankets.
The night was filled with much laughter, many pictures, and so many great memories! It was nothing like Thanksgiving at home; I didn't even cook at all! But I wouldn't trade it for anything! I may not have been with my family, but I was with my team and Team Mates and they were family enough. 🙂
And if you were wondering, on the logistical side, our entire Thanksgiving dinner cost about $5 per person.
