Thanksgiving
We were able to celebrate Thanksgiving, twice. We had a Thanksgiving lunch at school on Wednesday. Several of the American faculty brought traditional dishes. We lined up the cafeteria tables into one loooooong table. Th
e history of Thanksgiving was explained to the students and several teachers described what the holiday meant to them.On Thursday about thirty of us gathered at the Chesnut’s home for an afternoon Thanksgiving meal. We had turkey and all the trimmings – the smells were intoxicating. Julia cooked one of three turkeys and corn pudding. A few things missing: football on the TV, a snoring relative on the couch, pecan pie, and family of course.
Albanian Flag Day
The Wednesday following Thanksgiving Alb
anians everywhere celebrated Ditën Flamurit (Flag Day). It’s a bit of a combination of our July 4th and Presidents Day. No fireworks, but plenty of patriotism. Schools and government agencies were closed. Flags flew in front of many shops and homes. This was started on November 28, 1443, but become more meaningful on the same day in 1912 when Albania declared independence from Turkish captivity. The day prior to the holiday several students prepared a mix of readings and songs pertaining to Flag Day. The whole school gathered during 7th period to take in their show. It was quite impressive.Christmas
We will be spending our first Christmas outside the US. We plan to be in Athens, Greece on December 25th and spend a day in Corinth as well. It will certainly give this Christmas added meaning being in and near the lands we read about in the Bible. We have a small Christmas tree with lights - it sure makes us smile. Your care packages serve as our presents – down to the last pack of Skittles.
A quote from Mother Teresa is an appropriate ending to this posting: “Why must we give ourselves fully to God? Because God has given Himself to us. If God who owes nothing to us, is ready to impart to us no less than Himself, shall we answer with just a fraction of ourselves?” —Mother Teresa
4 comments:
Hey Gar,
A belated Happy Birthday to you from Texas! I hope you had a nice one.
We're enjoying reading about your family's experiences there on the other side of the world. We Thrifts wish you all the merriest of Christmases! Have a great time on the Mediterranean.
Michael and family
Palmers,
Merry Christmas. Hope you have a blessed holiday and we miss you all.
The LeSuer's
Gary,
I am glad to hear you and your family are well. I'm sure this will be a memorable holiday for you all. My son was able to use your blog news for his graducate diplomacy class. I hope the students in your math program are thriving. Have a very happy new year. Take care.
Alice Gabbard
Palmers- we miss you! We thought of you on Christmas and wondered what exciting things you were experiencing- Greece!! WOW. Can't wait to hear the stories and see the pictures. Glad you were able to have some turkey for Thanksgiving. Jacob had the flu, we missed Thanksgiving! I cooked the turkey for Christmas instead :) love you all!!
The Gilbreaths
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