Here’s to Joyful Thanksgivings

I don’t think this is the Thanksgiving I had pictured in my mind, so far removed from the things I’m accustomed to. An ocean away from my family in the United States, and hours away from the rest of Squad K, our teams are scattered across Cambodia. Trading tradition for the unconventional, roasted turkey and stuffing for chicken and noodles, chocolate pecan pie for banana pastries. While I love being in Cambodia for the holiday, being stripped of these comforts has given me a reason to think about the countless precious moments of Thanksgivings prior. To ponder the memories that when I look back at them, the laughter echoes and it all seems to play out in slow motion.

I remind myself that in the future, this current season in Cambodia will soon be another memory that plays out in my mind like a roll of film. The thought is such an encouragement for me to be present during this season, not to wish for a better day somewhere else! Someday, I’ll miss the heat of a competitive card game hosted on our kitchen countertop, the long walks to get hot waffles, fried rice, and spring rolls from the vendors on the side of the dirt road, the songs of worship from Meagan’s ukulele and the chorus of voices that follow along, the vulnerable tears after a long day, and the little things that make us burst in laughter, so hard it makes our stomachs ache.

As I look around the dining table, it is evident that the faces of my loved ones back home are missing. But who is present? My amazing teammates Sydney, Lexie, Anna, Ella, and Lindsey in the company of our sweet team leader Meagan, all brought together by the grace of the Lord our God. He sits at our table too, the Lord who has put more joy in my heart than one has when their grain and wine abound (Psalm 4:7). Not a happiness, which will never truly satisfy, but a great joy! So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord, and of one mind (Philippians 2:1-2). We can be together in this season, across oceans, mountain ranges, and rice patty fields, because we are unified through Jesus Christ! How beautiful is that?

This Thanksgiving, I want to invite you to count the precious blessings God has graced us with, and to hug your loved ones a little tighter and for a little longer. Looking around, I now realize that I couldn’t imagine this holiday being any different. I am beyond grateful for our Cambodian Thanksgiving, that the first floor of our house has been transformed into a makeshift dining hall, and that the table is carefully decorated with string lights, personalized placemats, and water-colored paper leaves. That our Thanksgiving meal was the best and most fulfilling meal I’ve had in weeks. That I get to rest with my beautiful sisters. I have never felt more joy, never felt so full. I couldn’t ask for anything more. I thank God!

On that note, I wish you a joyful Thanksgiving, full of reconciliation, redemption, laughter, delicious food, intentional conversation, tight hugs, and a win from the Dallas Cowboys. I love each and every one of you!

Until next time,

Olivia 🙂