GIVING THANKS

Today is Thanksgiving Day at our house.  The "real" story of that event is probably more complex and not as straightforward as the cherished traditional story of the Pilgrims and the Indians and the feast with the turkey, but that's ok - it is a good story, and one that holds forth notions of gratitude, cooperation, and sharing, which I think are good notions to have.  However, I think sometimes it is a wise idea to look at things more closely.  A few years ago, we had the chance to visit Jamestown, Virginia.  I know that this is not where the "First Thanksgiving" took place, but it has a lot in common with Plymouth and it made me realize a number of things. 

 For example, the seeds, nuts and corn in this wooden bowl were probably not the stuff that early colonists were used to eating.  But, it was nourishing and sustained life, and they were grateful for it, and for those Indians that taught them how to cultivate and prepare it.  Over here in Korea I get lots of chances to eat things I am not used to eating.  Sometimes they are yummy and sometimes not - eating here can be an adventure.  But I am blessed with a commissary that has many of  the things I want to eat on Thanksgiving - like a turkey, which the Koreans do not eat.  So I am grateful.

These are replicas of ships that were a lot like the Mayflower.  They were interesting to visit, and seemed kind of complcated to sail.  They also seemed really SMALL, especially when I compared them to the Atlantic ocean, which is so BIG.  I can't imagine sailing all the way from England to the eastern seaboard on such a tiny and rather uncomfortable ship.  Makes me grateful for my car.  Glad that I didn't have to come to Korea by boat.  Less inclined to complain about air travel.

These are replicas of houses.  They look quaint and charming, but they are small and kind of dark.  They have no electricity, no running water, and one fireplace for heat and cooking. Preparing a feast in such conditions must have been hard work - REALLY hard work.  I am glad I don't have to do that.  I may have a very tiny oven, but at least I have one.  I have cold AND hot water that runs from a tap in my kitchen - and my 2 bathrooms.  My home is warm, thanks to the radiant floor heat which is the standard here in Korea and which keeps me comfortable and cozy all winter.

This is a rendering of the original fort.  It looks so small, and the only thing that would have been behind it is trees and in front of it, water.  It was far away from everything familiar.  There were all sorts of "unknowns" that these brave early settlers faced.  Sending a letter was a challenging endeavor.  I, too, am far away from "home" and from people I love.  But I can call them on the telephone, see them and correspond over the internet, and read their blogs.  I can even send a letter.  I am grateful for that. 

And in these times of uncertainty, with its own set of  unknowns, I am grateful for the family and friends that love me, care about me and make the effort to stay in touch.  I am grateful to be married to a man who is a good husband and a caring father, and who is generous in his service to this wonderful country.  I have many choice blessings for which I am truly grateful.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!