Thanksgiving...American Style!!

On November 17th, I went to a Thanksgiving Banquet at my church. They flew in 35 turkeys from California, so it was the real deal! We had turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, and green beans. For dessert? Pecan pie and/or pumpkin pie. DELICIOUS!!

I invited Lisa and Ian to go with me, and we met Abby and Elaine there. They started with a short worship service, and then started dismissing tables to load up our plates. YUM! After we finished eating, they started the Talent Show. (They have auditions beforehand, so it's always quite good.) We heard some singing, the orchestra played a few songs, and then...it was time to rap!! Pastor Doug went to the stage and asked for anyone who wanted to participate in the rap-off. Two guys and one girl volunteered, and they started rapping. It was HILARIOUS!! We chose a winner, and he got one of the raffle prizes. Pastor Doug thanked everyone, and then started leaving the stage. Everyone started complaining that we didn't hear him rap. So, he caved in and started rapping about Thanksgiving. It was so good!! Everyone was laughing.

After the Thanksgiving dinner, Elaine, Ian, Lisa, and I all went for coffee at Starbucks. When we got there, we saw a set of couches waiting just for us! We ordered coffees and made ourselves comfortable. Starbucks was playing Christmas music, which I love! We had great conversation and just enjoyed relaxing and hanging out. It was a great end to the night. We all parted ways, and Ian, Lisa, and I headed home.

It was difficult being away from my family on Thanksgiving, just like last year. But, it makes it so much easier when I have a home-cooked meal and a good community to share it with. And later on, I got to Skype home with my family on Thanksgiving morning! That was the best. :)

We love you, Susie.

On Wednesday morning, Tuesday American time, I got the news that Susie, my stepmom, passed away. She had been fighting Cancer for over two years, and her battle finally came to an end. I called her two weeks ago from Korea to chat and catch up. We talked for over an hour about life and memories and Korea and how she was doing. It was really refreshing being able to chat, and I feel like I was able to get closure. I knew that her time was coming soon, but I didn't anticipate it being SO soon. I can find comfort in the fact that her faith was strong, and she's now in Heaven. I am so thankful that she had a relationship with God and that she is with Him in a MUCH better place!

I'm so blessed that I had such a close relationship with my stepmom. There are so many things I loved about Susie. The thing that I will remember most about her is her commitment to Jena and me. She called us her own and always treated us that way. I truly believe that God places people in our lives so we can form relationships with them. Through those relationships, we can build up, love, and encourage one another. My relationship with Susie is one that I will always cherish. Thank you, Susie, for being such a good person and for loving Jena and me. We will miss you so much, but we are so thankful for the 20 years we knew you. We love you, Susie.