Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year was hosted at our teammates, Jim and Sara Ward's house. While it was mild enough for a pool party, Sara went all-out making the house feel like Thanksgiving with all the pumpkins and decorations. Everyone brought their family's traditional dishes and desserts. Sara cooked the turkey for all twenty-five of us.

We had the pleasure of inviting our dear friends, Todd and Stephanie Edgar, who were in town from Pucallpa - you may remember pictures of them from my visit to their home in June with Noah and Annmarie. They were here looking for a new car for their growing family (Stephanie is due in January) and doing some shopping, while Todd competed in the Peruvian Amateur Motocross (dirtbike racing for those who are unfamiliar with the sport) race and won first place! Congratulations Todd!

There was even a tackle football game...at least a tackle-Michael game.

Stephanie, Amanda, and I with our bellies!

Over dessert we all sat around in a circle on the patio, sang songs, reflected on God's graciousness to us over the past year, and prayed together. We will likely not be here for next year's warm weather Thanksgiving celebration, so we soaked-up the uniqueness and the sweet friendships that we are so grateful for when family is so far away.