A Grateful Thanksgiving

"Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting." Psalm 100

I didn't expect to be going anywhere for Thanksgiving. As most of you know, my supervisors have been gone since the end of July. My plan at the beginning (emphasis on "beginning") was to not really give myself a break. That euphoric idea came crashing down with impressive speed at the beginning of October. With only having one day off a week, I was struggling- emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. And I quickly came to the realization that I would need to get away- like out of Jo'Burg completely- sometime around my half-way point, which conveniently landed around Thanksgiving.
So I began to pre-plan going to either Cape Town or Swaziland. Two places that I have friends in and am determined to see before I leave this country. Then Grace casually asked if I wanted to go to Estonia for Thanksgiving to see Kels. Both Grace and Abbey purchased their tickets the weekend before. My mind started reeling. Could I really do that? I wanted to go out of town, but that was WAY out of town- like on another continent, another hemisphere kind of away. Spontaneity and I don't hang out much together- I'm more of a "planner". But I quickly started asking my supervisor and my co-worker if that would be ok to be gone for a whole week. Without a thought they both said yes and within the next few hours I booked my flight. WOAH. I wouldn't like to live my life in spontaneity, but it was a little fun. ;) The thing that blew my mind was that my 3 friends- Grace, Kels and Abbey- wanted to help pay for my airfare since I was coming the farthest. Do I have the best of friends or what?!?!! They wanted to pay for all of it, but I wouldn't let them. ;)

So starting on the Monday of Thanksgiving week, I start my 48 hr trek to Estonia- I'm way down here and Estonia is way up there. I was cream-crackered (as the Brits would say), but totally worth it and I proved to Grace and Abbey that I can, in fact, sleep just about anywhere.

It was so magical to be all together and to see Kelsey's world. I've heard SO much about it, but to see it and to put faces with names- brings everything into beautiful perspective.

Grateful.

On Thanksgiving Day, we put together a fantastic and delicious Thanksgiving dinner that had the classic dishes: turkey, deviled eggs, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and more, along with some pumpkin pie.

Cooking in the kitchen

Enjoying the fruits of our labor

The Russians loved, loved, LOVED Thanksgiving- it was a huge success! So much so that as they were leaving, one asked, "When's the next Thanksgiving?" We hated to burst his bubble with the reply "Not until next year." Everyone was so friendly and tried so hard with the little English they knew and absolutely no Russian that I did not know. One thing that I learned, but that I didn't know beforehand is that Russians LOVE to sing. What a wonderful blessing it was to hear them sing praises to the King!

TWO.BABIES!!

Another unforgettable memory is that Abbey found out on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving that she is going to be an aunt- an aunt to TWINS!!! Grace and I went to bed early due to the fact we were cream-crackered from traveling. We woke up to Abbey screaming (ok- I actually didn't because remember that I can sleep through almost anything and I was dead to the world because of my travels- but Grace woke up). Andy, her brother made an amazing video to reveal to Abbey that she is going to be an aunt. It was beyond special to share that moment with her and to celebrate together with her and her family.

Hello Russia!

On Friday we toured one of the castles and learned a lot of history and interesting facts. The picture above is one taken at the top of the tower

This is quaint downtown Tallinn, the Capitol of Estonia

I love my Kels!

After sadly leaving Estonia (and Kels!) on Sunday, Abbey, Grace & I head to London. I had a 36 hour layover and very thankful to break up my travels on the return home.

Found some red birds that I found in a tea shop that I HAD to have. Grateful for the reminder that I serve a God that sees me!

Seven Sisters

Since I was not scheduled to fly out until late Monday evening it gave us the opportunity to go see the Seven Sisters cliffs in Seaford, which is off of the English Channel. Breath-taking view!!

I heart Abbey!!!

Grace and I didn't even know Abbey was taking this picture, but I am so glad that she did, because it is one of my favorites!

Beyond grateful.

Overall, this trip did volumes for me- got me out of town, fellowship with dear friends, got rest and at the same did a lot in being able to see Kelsey's world. SO incredibly grateful to be refreshed so that I could come back and be focused on my task and mission here.