Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving, a day set aside to give thanks for the bounteous blessings we have. My Mum is British so we never really celebrated Thanksgiving in our house. While in college my mother came and cooked turkey one year for me and we spent the entire day watching Doris Day movies. It was fantastic. However while I was in Germany I was taught for the first time the true celebration (party style) of Thanksgiving.

We had been invited to celebrate Thanksgiving day with a family in the ward. They were American and upon learning I had never truly experienced thanksgiving they were excited to have us over. They had invited the elders as well which was a great things once we arrived and we saw all the food – let me back up a bit, I’m getting way ahead of myself here.

The Harris family was amazing. When we first arrived in the ward and I didn’t speak a word of German, Sister Harris was quick to comfort me. She told me it took time and that she was still learning. She was one person outside of my companion, that if I had a need/issue I could go talk to her and she understood everything because it was all in English. They had a few kids who sadly to say spoke better German than I did even 6 months into my mission. They were sweet and full of Energy.

The family lived outside of the city and so it was a bit of a hike to get out there. Thankfully the Elders had visited the family before so we made it there with no issues. From the front door you could smell the most wonderful smells your noise would ever experience, oh it was heavenly. As we entered the house we were informed that the turkey wouldn’t be ready for another hour or so but to have no fear there was plenty to do until then. We played board games, read books, and even played a bit of American football. It was a lot of fun and those kids were great.

Finally dinner was announced and as we walked in and saw all the food, I’ll admit I was very glad the Elders had been invited as well for I knew I wasn’t going to be able to eat enough. There was a giant turkey, mash potatoes, sweet potatoes, rolls, corn, peas, green bean casserole, salads, jello, and pies upon pies. It was an incredible sight. We ate until our bellies hurt and then ate some more. Sister Harris sent us all home with food and a pie. It was amazing.

How wonderful it was to have an American family in the ward. A family that knew Thanksgiving might be hard for a few of us missionaries – myself not included. They gave up their entire afternoon to feed and entertain the missionaries. I know that we each prayed that the Lord would multiply this families blessing abundantly that next year because of the great service they did for us. That Thanksgiving will never be forgotten by us missionaries as it was such a tender mercy and true act of love.

mit freundlichen Grüßen

Jenessa Jensen