A West Virginia Thanksgiving

Well, seeing as how it's the last day of November, I thought I should squeak in at least one post besides my silly chocolate one. Last weekend was American Thanksgiving - Time for Family and Feasting. I drove to West Virginia but stopped in Greensboro for a brief visit with my friends the Cetons and the Jacksons. I got to meet the newest member of their family who was absolutely precious! Baby Lydia Ethni Jackson - I love the middle name meaning "for the nations."Then I continued on to West Virginia, where I met up with my Mom and Dad and my brother, Kent. We stayed in one of my mom's cousin's family home on "the mountain." It's kind of funny because when we stay there we always refer to it as "on the mountain" as though that distinguishes it from every other mountain around the place. Anyway, I really enjoyed reconnecting with people that have known us for many years.

It was also quite interesting to be immersed in the "hunting culture." One evening a 15 year old girl came and visited with us and it surprised me how into it she was. Thinking back to my high school days, I can't imagine one of my peers being excited about hunting. She really knew her stuff, though, and had all kinds of interesting stories to tell.

Two different days, the whole family hopped in my brothers truck and drove the hills, stopping at different places to visit with people or reminisce about things my mom remembered from growing up. We stopped at Dove's, this little country store, that we used to go to when we were little. I remember buying Three Musketeers there when I was little. We chatted a while and then bought a little cheese and double dipped peanuts for old time sakes. One night Mom and Kent and I took a walk in the moonlight. It was cold but the moon was so bright as we walked down the road. Kent had his flashlight out looking for deer. We didn't see any but Mom pointed out this incredible hill. When she was young they would go sledding down the hill. Wow! Looked like it would be a lot of fun.

Sunday, I got to share in the Sunday School of one of the churches that have supported our family over the years. It was a real encouragement to be able to give a testimony of how God has been working in my heart calling me to work with Third Culture Kids and to thank them for the part that they have had in praying for us over the years. I realize that this is one of the huge benefits of being a missionary kid and I am so grateful for all the people who prayed for me as I was growing up.

I had to "share" and "run" because of the long drive back to Atlanta. Traffic was a killer. Bumper to bumper in some parts! But I made it home and I'm thankful for another great week with my kids.