Giving Thanks

It's that time of year when Americans gather round the TV to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and gather round a table with a very specific menu (turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie). And although I was on the other side of the world, I got to indulge in both of these traditions. I wasn't able to be with my family for the holiday, but did get to be with some friends of the family and make new friends (pictured here).

Thanksgiving is about more than just food and keeping particular traditions. It really is about giving thanks, and I have so much to be grateful for. I'm thankful that I do have an incredible family and loving friends, that I do have food on my table, and clean water, and a roof over my head. I'm thankful that I'm healthy and have a job and have had a chance to be educated. I'm thankful that I have community, and reasons to live beyond myself, and opportunities to serve. I'm thankful for the gifts of love, joy, and peace, and for the Spirit that fills me with life.

So the SWAHILI WORD OF THE DAY is "asante" - thank you!