EXPRESSING GRATITUDE

Once again we gather with those we love to give thanks to our Heavenly Father for the blessings and bounties of the past year.

In the first Thanksgiving Day Proclamation

from President George Washington

he stated "It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly implore his protection and favor. . .and to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue. . ."

We missionaries do acknowledge our dependence on God in every missionary lesson and activity. We gathered on Friday, due to Thursday meetings scheduled by Swiss, who for some reason do not feel it necessary to celebrate an American holiday. Can you imagine?!

Here you see us in preparation and partaking.

Peeling potatoes . . .

. . .chopping cranberries (We discovered you can make yummy cranbery sauce from dried, chopped cranberries by simply simmering them in water for an hour. No sugar needed.) . . .

. . .taking a Thanksgiving history quiz . . .

(they all did quite well, even Sister Frederiksen from Denmark!). . .

. . . setting it up (Thanks for the napkins, Jo Ann!). . .

. . . joking around before prayer . . .


. . . and then partaking.

Yummm!

Elder Jensen, our fine (really!) district leader, brought the festivities to a serious appreciation of our blessings by having us each tell what we are thankful for in our companions, our mission, and for our blessings in general.

It anchored the evening and helped us reflect on the best of being missionaries.