My first Thanksgiving Away from Home

Believe it or not, at age 22 this was my first Thanksgiving celebration away from my family.  Although I missed them a ton, it was actually a very special time for me.  Mostly because Timmy got to come visit.  So here I shall document our adventures together. 

Timmy flew in on Tuesday night and we went out to have a Nigerian dinner with Aunt Rachel’s friends from when she lived in Nigeria (also my current Houston friends). 

The next day Mr. Christmas decorated my apartment for me.

On Wednesday and Thursday we went to Dallas to adopt the Bartholomew family.  We had a great time playing with the kids, getting on the roof, eating turkey (and a bunch of other yummy stuff), and having a bonfire.

 

 

We made a few stops on the way back to Houston. 

 

On Friday night we went to Galveston and went ice skating, went to the rainforest exhibit, and then went and watched Frozen.

 

On Saturday we slept in, went for a walk on my trails, walked around downtown, and went to a friend’s house so Timmy could practice piano.  We ended up helping her put up Christmas lights. 

 

Finally, on Saturday night we went to see the Houston Symphony perform Beethoven's 6th.  

The next morning (if that is what you call 4 am) we got up and I dropped him off at the airport and he flew away back to Ohio.  Less than three weeks until I get to see him again!

Thankful Post Final

So, I know I totally dropped the ball on keeping up with my posts in November, but that doesn’t mean that I wasn’t thankful for something everyday.  So I will just put some of the things here.

I am thankful for (in no particular order):

Life Group on Wednesday nights.  It is so encouraging to go into someone’s home and talk about God and what He is doing in our lives and worship and pray with one another. 

Snail Mail.  Since I have moved here I have gotten numerous letters and cards from people and every time I open my box and find a hand-written something it makes me grateful for having people that care.

My Job.  I REALLY enjoy going to work and learning about all kinds of technical stuff that I won’t bore you with here. It is crazy awesome to get a regular paycheck for having so much fun.  Granted, every moment is not the best, but overall, I like my job. 

My co-workers.  They have been very patient with me and have helped me tremendously in getting started. Seeing as I spend most of my time here in Texas with the people in my group I would have to say that I am very thankful for the quality of people that they are. 

Solitude.  I am thankful for the time that I get to be by myself with God.  Sometimes I get lonely but I am never alone and that is reassuring.  It is in the quiet times away from everybody else (even though I miss people A TON) that can be the very best.  It teaches me to rely on Him.  

My childhood.  So often I hear of people who have been through very terrible things growing up.  My parents love me and I know it.  They weren’t afraid to discipline me and didn’t give me everything I ever wanted for which I am grateful.  I remember my home school days and the opportunities to read and playing outside. 

My siblings are probably one of the biggest blessings in my life.  I love each one of them in a special way and everyday I think of them and am thankful for them.  

I am thankful that Timmy got to come to Houston to visit me for Thanksgiving.  We had a wonderful time and he is such a cool brother.

I am thankful that it is now the Christmas season.