the Holidays...

today in my Bangla class our teacher asked us to tell him about Thanksgiving. it was so fun to explain the food and the traditions...and the history.

the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade
the football games (and how the Lions stink!)
how the kitchen is the heart of a home, and how we all want to be in there helping cook.
leftovers
and all the food (i'm sure it all sounded bland and horrible to him)

i haven't made any really funny bangla mistakes recently (at least not that have been pointed out to me). but today i proudly declared...
"My family is not a work-girl" (hired help, or a cook)

and then followed it up with,

"We cook our own hands" (instead of we cook food with our own hands)

standing on the cusp of the holiday season - i'm feeling really torn.
sad to miss the celebration of thanksgiving with my family and friends
sad for the laughter and stories i'll miss
and the great food.

and i'm feeling excited to celebrate with my community here. with the family that God is weaving me into here. yesterday as one of my favorite 2 year old slept in my arms i was reminded of how the Lord puts us in families. i don't get to cuddle my nieces - but i do get to love this other little sweet girl. increasingly i see the family God is giving me here.

we're gonna cook a fantastic feast. its true.
i'll probably take pictures and share them with you.
and i will be thankful...and i'll be full of joy as we eat together.

but i also know i'm entering into some days (that infamous month between thanksgiving and Christmas) where there is a lot to miss back home. dinners. food. the way my family celebrates advent...