None of the girls have ever eaten turkey before. They sell it in Bolivia, but it’s so expensive that I think if I lived here I would just buy chicken and tell my friends that’s what we do in the states.
But mom and dad were here- they arrived on Monday- and they weren’t going to miss the opportunity to give the girls their first Thanksgiving meal ever.
The three of us went to the supermarket with Hermana Tomy, and we set out to find all the ingredients we could possibly need- minus pumpkin filling… they don’t have that here. (can someone save me some pumpkin pie please?)
On Thursday morning we got to the house early to start the cooking. Dad peeled all kinds of vegetables and worked the microwave while my mom was busy directing some of the girls in the kitchen with charades. Occasionally I would hear one of the girls yell, “Lauren, what is your mom saying?”
Everything was ready and cooked to perfection by 12:30, and the girls were excited. As tradition, we went around the table and each person had to say 2 things they were thankful for.
As the girls started, I was shocked to hear them say things they’ve just never said so articulately before.
“I’m thankful that I am here.”
“I’m thankful for these people who love me.”
“I am thankful because I learned to read.”
“I’m thankful because I am here and have a place to sleep.”
“I’m thankful for this family.”
When we got almost around the whole table, one of the girls who is just very hardened from deep wounds- a girl who probably learned it’s just best not to cry when she was 10 years old- started sharing.
“I’m thankful that there are people who help me. I’m thankful that you wanted to share this with me. I’m thankful to taste my first turkey. I’m thankful…” and she started crying “that I could be here.”
Her hard shell cracked, and it wasn’t because of the tryptophan.
That, my friends, is called Thanksgiving.
Thank you Jesus.
THANKS to all of you who sent my parents with gifts for the girls and the house. I was shocked- we all were- at the gifts my parents brought from you all.
Hermana Tomy, caretaker who teaches them to do jewelry was far beyond overwhelmed. So from us to you, thanks a million.
You made their Christmas, and they don’t even know it yet, and you, in a very bold way said "we believe in this ministry."
Here's a shot of us giving the gifts:
Que bonita las chicas y que buena que tus padres podrían venir... me siento muy mal porque soy una FLAKE y no tenía regalos listos para mandar, tengo que mandar un paquete a la Casa. Como estan la Gladys y su bebe??? Estoy orando por ti Lorena mi amiga dulce en tus ultimas semanas alla. Dios te bendiga. Estoy aqui si necesitas algo!!
ReplyDeleteMil besos y abrazos a todos nuestros amigos alla.
Sweet Lauren,
ReplyDeleteYour Aunt Michele is so very proud of you. I'm sititng here at work in tears because of the love you've shared with these girls. I can just see Jesus smiling down on you, nudging the Father, and saying "She's done a good thing there, Dad!"
That is so precious, Lo...I am so glad that your parents were able to share in this special Thanksgiving with you. I'm praying for your final weeks there...give the girls hugs for me! Love you all!!
ReplyDelete