So, this is the story of our wild and most memorable Thanksgiving. The wonderful Papa Gates wanted to give us an American style dinner despite being in India, in hopes of making it a little less of a homesick holiday. Here, no one has ovens. They exist in only hotels and nice restaurants, but would never be considered a household appliance. On the Rising Star campus, we use convection ovens and stove tops when we have a need, but at the Green House, we mostly just live off of packaged food. Now, Papa Gates wanted a turkey and a convection oven would not make due. So, he decided to pit-cook our specially delivered from America turkey. Early in the morning, we set off to heat the rocks.
This was a wonderful idea and we had a lot of fun throwing in the logs, BUT being the middle of monsoon season, disaster was bound to hit. At around noon, the rains began to pound and our fire became hopeless. Jim wouldn't change out of his soaking clothes, calling them his battle wound. He was so upset. We cut the turkey up as much as we could and turned to every convection oven on campus to cook it through for us. Dr. Susan even went to her house about an hour and a half away to get us her personal one.
It did turn out absolutely amazing. Each of the long terms had a food assignment and we had a full meal, complete with ham, turkey, stuffing, carrots, rolls, mashed potatoes, and two desserts. Diana and I combined forces to make an incredible apple crisp dish and Mama Gates made pumpkin squares. We dressed in our nicer outfits and ate dinner together. We even went around the table and said three things we are grateful for.
After dinner, my little India family of roommates went back to the Green house and began to get comfy watching White Christmas, when all of a sudden, Melissa ran into the house calling our names and telling us to come dance in the rain with her. Monsoons are CRAZY. You haven't experienced a rainstorm until you've been in a monsoon, and there is nothing like dancing on the Elephant House roof with rain pouring down on you and it almost flooding in huge puddles.
Let the rain pour. Over Thanksgiving week, there was a one week session of girls that came out to serve, including Kenady's mom, Kathy (who became a substitute mom for the week). I'm super happy to have met all these new girls. There is Trish, Lisa, Diana, me, Kenady, Beka, and Melissa in this picture. And, the beautiful Kathy was kind enough to play photographer as we all danced. Afterwards, cold and wet, we all got in our nighties and watched White Christmas snugglin' up close. I'm ready for the holidays, now.
This year, I am grateful for:
1. All of the amazing staff, volunteers, and kids at Rising Star. They have taught me so much and supported me from the second I got here. They have showed me what true love is and the power of service and have honestly changed my life forever.
2. My incredible family who helped me get to India and supported me every step of the way. I have been so blessed with a loving home and parents. I miss them so much everyday and now understand all they have given me.
3. The small things. For example, not having to walk to the kitchen to brush my teeth using clean water, not having to throw my toilet paper in the trash, air conditioning, napkins, safe driving system, pillows, etc. I have been so spoiled and I am so grateful for all the little things I've been given.
Happy Holidays!
1 Comment:
Looks like a blast! I loved all your other posts too! How fun with the elephant! Weston thought that was pretty cool too. I remember having Thanksgiving in China and making yams that took the entire day with the limited resources we had! Haha. It's amazing what places like that can teach you about how much you have! We sure are lucky. We had to throw our toilet paper in the garbage too, and shower with shoes on. Nuts. When you get back you'll almost be disgusted with how much priority we Americans put on hygiene. Not that it's a bad thing, but still. I remember being so irritated by some people's comments/whining - we have SO much. Seriously. Love you Annie - you're pictures are all so fun to see! Can't wait to see you in 2 weeks!!!
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