Wan Tii 24 November, Friday
Today is our Thanksgiving. Last night we had dinner with our friends, the Wades, for David’s birthday. We went out to a restaurant that served Thanksgiving dinner, although they also offered ham and prime rib instead of turkey (and once again I’m glad I’m not a traditionalist – that prime rib was good). So we’ve had a Thanksgiving dinner, but tonight is our’s. Yes, there is turkey.
In the morning, after breakfast and devotion, Cindy went out with Prang to get her some maternity clothes and to do some last minute shopping for dinner. Meanwhile, I stayed home with the kids. Matt’s got a talent show coming up in his youth group, so he’s learning some hip hop moves for it. He spent the morning watching the “Dance like Honey” bonus feature from the movie. Sandra joined him for much of it. Then, like a young Napoleon Dynamite, he took the CD player to the music room, shut the door, and for an hour or two all we heard from him was “Toby Mac” and “Right Thurr”. Later, when Cindy came back, she gave him some more hip-hop tips. I’ll be interested to see what he comes up with.
In the afternoon, Prang’s younger brother came over with Sean. For some reason they started doing yard work, although I guess we shouldn’t complain. Cindy and Prang cooked what they could (though most of it was done), while I took Sandra to her gymnastics class.
For dinner, we had the whole spread: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, fried chicken, sticky rice, somtam, northern thai sausage, and apple pie a la mode. Our friends, the Hintzes – another Thai/American couple with two kids and a third Thai child that came into their home very recently – joined us as well. Under Sean’s suggestion, and Cindy’s agreement, each person said what they were thankful for (then translated for the others).
Lately, I’ve just been really aware, and thankful, that I am exactly where God wants me; I’m where I’m supposed to be. I’ve felt this way only once or twice in my life, though this time it feels stronger. There’s no feeling quite like it.
It’s freedom.
Since Jason and Caryn are the only Heine’s stateside with a house big enough to hold the Heine clan they graciously invited us all to their home. The only Heine’s missing were Adam, Cindy, Matthew, Sandra and “yet-to-come”. Glad you guys had a good one. We missed you but will be with you soon again.
It was so good to read about your Thanksgiving. I had wondered how Sean would be celebrating. Isn’t it wonderful to be able to always be thankful.
I loved your ending to all of that. It’s like hearing a really good song, or reading something amazing… it is freedom.