Thanksgiving in Europe

Our first Thanksgiving away from America meant that we got to celebrate it here in Europe. Since Europeans don't celebrate our American Thanksgiving, we took the kids out of school on Wednesday and traveled to Czech so we could celebrate this favorite holiday of ours with the other JV missionaries. As we were driving over the icy, snowy mountain passes, in the dark, without our snow tires on, we wondered if we would even make it. We noticed that the truckers weren't even attempting to go over those mountains in that weather, as they were all pulled over to the side, blocking lanes. We were all praying in the van as Ed drove, creeping slowly along. Arriving at the hotel, we prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for God's protection for us, and went inside where it was warm and cozy, with dinner and friends waiting for us.

Thanksgiving morning, the guys played their traditional American football game, then we all sat down to a delicious turkey dinner, which everyone had contributed to bringing. After a relaxing afternoon of watching football (an old Monday night football game that someone had) and napping, we enjoyed the annual JV Talent Show, which all of the JV kids put on for us. It was really quite a show...fortunately our kids went first with their "Circus"; that way they didn't have to "follow" any of the other acts! :-)

So, it was a great three days, and we made our way home much easier on Friday afternoon. As our first Thanksgiving away from our family and friends back in America, we were thankful for this chance for all of us to be with other Americans who appreciate the traditions and festivities associated with this holiday, and who are also away from their families on this day.