United by Thanksgiving

Fifty some-odd students, three turkeys, and lots of smiles greeted anyone who stumbled upon our Thanksgiving dinner on Monday, November 19th. Every continent was represented at our banquet, but there were no boundaries while conversing. It was one of the most special evenings I've experienced in my life.

The night began with a fun activity that our friend Nel LeCorn created. As students sat down to their place settings they found on their plates a colorful leaf. Throughout the night the students were to think of one thing they were thankful for and hang it on the Tree of Thankfulness, which was reminiscent of a Charlie Brown Christmas tree when the evening began. By the end of the night the tree was transformed into a colorful exhibit of Thankfulness.

As the evening progressed it seemed there was no need for a hosting presence at all! Everyone was so fully engaged in conversation and full of smiles that we didn't want to hamper what the Holy Spirit was doing to create new relationships and lasting bonds. So, we didn't.

Eventually people here and there began to leave, but only the ones with obligations. Half of the room stayed until the very end, completely content with the genuine fellowship. In a low-key fashion we spread the word about a follow-up event in which we plan to take a trip to Greenfield Village for some Christmas festivities. A large number of students showed great interest in this event and we look forward to another fantastic evening of connection and life sharing with the nations of the world!

To everyone who helped make this dinner happen, THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Check out my photo journal of the evening at the link below:

Thanksgiving Photo Journal