An Unconventional Thanksgiving: November 25-27

November 25

This evening we had a movie night at our house.  This weekend we have a youth weekend away which is themed around Divergent and how a community works together.  However, in order to plan a weekend about Divergent, you need to see the movie, which I had not.  Within about 24 hours my plans for the night went from watching the movie by myself to watching it with my roommate and two other friends.

It was a nice spontaneous event.  Everything was kind of a mess.  I came home from work late, and we were planning to eat the leftover soup.  Since I was late, I decided to try and speed up the soup, and I ended up burning it.  We had other food to offer, but it was all fine.  We still had a great night despite the mishaps.

Today I am thankful for movie nights, and friends who forgive me when I burn their dinner.

These are the symbols of the five factions of Divergent, which will be the teams for this weekend.  Photo credit:Leading Thought

November 26

Today is my great-aunt Elsie's 96th birthday.   My aunt is one of the sweetest women I have met.  We've spent quite a lot of Thanksgiving with her.  For most people it might be an incredibly boring weekend.  There's no internet, we watch Lawrence Welk, and spend 3 hours a night playing Rummikub.  She tells us stories about her mother cooking strange Czech foods and other stories about family members I have never met. I love my aunt, and I can't think of another person I would want to be named after.

Today I am thankful for my great-aunt Elsie, and the many years we've been able to share.

My great-aunt Elsie and I at my brothers wedding.

November 27

Today is Thanksgiving.  Honestly, my first Thanksgiving without my family wasn't as horrible as I thought it would be, but I fully attribute this to the fact that Thanksgiving doesn't exist here.  It's a normal work day, so this meant I was (thankfully) to busy to really think about all the things I was missing out this year, such as family meals, outings, and sibling shenanigans.  Since it was Thanksgiving, we incorporated some Thanksgiving traditions into work today, such as having pie at a meeting.

My favorite Thanksgiving tradition we did was say what we were thankful for at our Bible study today.  The youth were not only open to sharing what they were thankful for, but they decided everyone must say their blessings in an American accent.  The accents were surprisingly goo ranging from Texas to New York, and the whole concept was absolutely hilarious.  When it was my turn, they insisted that I say my blessings in an English accent, which went horribly.  Today was just an example at how blessed I am to work with these youth.

Today I am thankful for the people, especially the youth, at my placement, and for all the Thanksgivings I have been able to spend with my family.

My brother, Alec, took this photo last year at Thanksgiving when we were playing around with a magnifying glass.  We were in stitches over the photos we took.

An Unconventional Thanksgiving: November 21-24

November 21 (Three month anniversary of arriving the UK!)

This evening we had our monthly youth club at the church center.  It's pretty much organized chaos because we have the entire center with multiple activities throughout the building and any where between 50-60 youth ages 11-13 running around.  The first hour is free time to play football, four square, make crafts, or one of the other various activities.  The last half hour we have organized group gaming where we gather all 50+ kids into the main room to play dodge ball, tray jousting, etc.  This month we had a cage football (It's exactly what it sounds like.  You are locked into a cage to play 3 on 3 football.), Christmas crafts, and nail designs.  We were also going to have a ping pong table, but we didn't finish building it in time.

The great thing about this youth club is you can see the changes in the kids who are simply coming for the social aspect with their friends.  They start inviting their own friends to join, and we are now having a few come to our youth services Sunday.  It's also a time to interact with the youth on purely a social level.  There's no Bible study or talk to be led, and the leaders' role during the youth club is too simply have fun with the youth.

Today I am thankful for the youth club and the chance to see the youth create bonds with peers and leaders.

The ping pong table that we finally finished building.  It was too late for this month's Link youth club, but it will be good to go come December.

November 22

This morning I woke up bright and early at 6:15am to be at the train station at 7:20am.  This is because I went into London with the vicar-in-training, my fellow MA, and one of the youth who helps lead the younger youth service for the Run Alpha Conference.  For those of you who don't know, Alpha is a popular course to educate people on Christianity in a non-threatening way using lay terminology.  It utilizes food, talks, and small groups to allow people to ask questions and have them discussed by people in different stages in their faith journey.  My companions and I were attending this conference because we are all involved in running Alpha next term, particularly Youth Alpha (which can also double as a confirmation class).

This day was good for a couple reasons.  I finally was able to learn what Alpha is.  I had heard about it when I was first placed here, and, since I am someone running it next term, I really needed to know what it is.  It was also a time to learn more about how people express their faith and why Alpha is incredibly important to people.  It was a long day (about 8 hours of sitting on the floor), and by the end of the day I was completely exhausted

Today I am thankful for the conference and everything I learned and my bed which I immediately fell asleep on once arriving at home.

The conference started with the Emcee awkwardly singing "Happy Birthday" to one of the conference attendants. 

November 23

This morning at the morning youth service I gave my testimony about how I became a Christian.  This was rather difficult for me because we don't give coming to faith testimonies at my church.  We talk about when and how we experience God, but never when was the first time.  My (rather dull) answer to the question was simply the transition from my parents' faith to my own personal faith was so gradual that I have no idea when it started transitioning or when it had fully transitioned.  I could, however, point out the first time I noticed God working through me.

It was my first mission trip with Our Savior's Lutheran to South Dakota.  We were coming back from our work site with a whole bunch of PB&J sandwiches left over from the kids' snack.  We were driving down a street where there were several people who had drank too much and not eaten enough that day.  So we pulled over the van, and my youth leader and I stepped out onto the street to start giving out the sandwiches.  I was trembling because I was so far out of my comfort zone and frankly petrified at the idea of approaching complete strangers to offer food.  Regardless, and with the support of my youth leader, I did hand out the sandwiches.  Many barely looked at us as they reached for the food, except for one particular man.  I can still remember his beautiful, pitch black eyes as he looked into my eyes and simply said "Thank you."  It was a quick moment, but it was the moment when I realized you don't have to do much to reach out to people.  You don't have to start this huge organization to end world hunger or travel to some new place (ironic since I'm writing this while in England) to be a part of God's mission.  You simply need to be present for one person, whether it's providing them food, an ear, or a helping hand.  It was that "thank you" from an anonymous man that made me realize that God was using me to help others every single day.

Today I am thankful for the anonymous man and the ability to be a part of God's mission every single day no matter where one is.

A girl and I playing at the children's program during the mission trip. 

November 24

This afternoon I was able to have meet my friend, Caz, for tea.  We both work at the same church, but our individual ministries can have us going weeks without seeing each other, so we decided we need to have some time to catch up and chat.  It kind of made me realize how much I have become a part of the community.  I have friends I meet for tea and just chat, and watch movies, and simply relax.

The other nice part about meeting Caz for tea is that she really made me reflect on all that has happened over the past three months.  (Believe me.  Heidi, the director of YAGM,  was completely right when she said this year was going to mess us up.)  After about an hour of laughing and serious discussion, we went grocery shopping, which allowed me to make a pie for tomorrow's staff meeting (in order to share my Unconventional Thanksgiving with my coworkers).

Today I am thankful for the friends I have made since arriving in the UK, and for coincidental grocery shopping (which happens a lot when you live in a village).

This is a cranberry cheesecake pie.  Caz helped me find the ingredients because I'm still getting use to the store layout and differences in food names.

An Unconventional Thanksgiving: November 20

November 20

This evening I was able to attend the life group I had joined last month for our weekly get together.  We played with the refrigerator magnets and talked about movies, highs and lows, and eventually settled down to talk about prayer and what we can learn from children's prayers.  It ranged from how our prayers have matured into seriously thinking what we are praying about instead of just saying words to the beautiful simplicity and honesty a child's prayer can contain.  We ended the evening by talking discussing music from the 70s and 80s, making a road trip playlist, and laughing at all the minor issues we experienced that night.

It was a wonderful night, and it was especially precious since this is the only night I am able to attend this month.  It reminded me of the education nights at Corner House-Lutheran Campus Ministry and Bible studies with the La Crosse Lutheran Youth Organization.  Sometimes they were serious.  Sometimes they were purely social.  But we always ended up having a great time.

Today I am thankful for my life group and the social/educational/spiritual groups of which I have been a part.

Corner House- Lutheran Campus Ministry at our 2nd annual Pie Bake Off in 2011.

An Unconventional Thanksgiving: November 16-19

November 16

This weekend was not what I was expecting.  Plans I made were cancelled.  New plans happened.  In the spirit of this weekend, my Sunday was exactly the same.  The youth leaders changed a bit.  One of the curates helped out at all of the youth services, and some of our youth leaders were off for the night so I ended up being in charge of the visuals for our older youth service (a new task for me).  The best part is that during lunch I had a spontaneous Skype conversation with my mom.  I have missed the sporadic calls with my mom, so this was a rare treat.

Today I am thankful for my mom and the internet that allows me to talk to her.

My mom and niece during one of our Sunday afternoon picnics in the park.  Photo credit: Amanda

November 17

This fall the house opposite of where I am staying is being renovated, which means there’s been construction going on next door for the past month.  A couple of weeks ago I was bringing pumpkin bars to work, and I ran into one of the construction workers, Ozzy, as stepped out of my house.  He made a comment about how good the bars looked, so I offered him a bar.  It started this odd friendship where we would pass each other in the morning or afternoon and have a little conversation each day.  Slowly the strangers who I saw every day became familiar faces.  Today was my friend’s last day working on the house, and I will miss our little talks.

Today I am thankful for Ozzy and our little conversations in the mornings.

I had extra pumpkin bars left, so I curled up in front of the TV with a nice cup of tea and knitting.

November 18

This morning I was eating my breakfast when I was startled by the mail dropping through the door.  (It scared me enough to make me jump in my chair.)  I went to the door to pick up the mail and started to look through the mail to see what was junk and what was for the owners of the house.  As I neared the end of the pile I noticed two card sized letters from Rwanda and the US.  I took a closer look and saw that they were, in fact, cards from Our Savior’s, my home church, and Luke, a fellow YAGM from my orientation small group.  I was touched at the time these people took out of their day to brighten mine. 

Today I am thankful for surprises and good ole snail mail from global friends.

The two cards I received.  Thanks Our Savior's and Luke for brightening my day!

November 19

This Saturday I will be spending the day in London with some co-workers (and a YAGM!) to have some training about our midweek youth groups for next term.  One of my co-workers, Caz, came into the office to talk about the logistics for the day.  Our other co-worker, Perry, and the Worship Team moved into another office in the church, and he left his Jelly Baby (a candy) container behind.  Caz and I realized how hurt Mrs. Jelly Baby must have felt about being abandoned, so we sent Perry a photo at how abandoned Mrs. Jelly Baby was feeling.

Today I am thankful for my co-workers and the adventures we have.

If you look really hard, you can see Mrs. Jelly Baby looking for the Worship and Media Team. in the office.  Photo credit: Caz

An Unconventional Thanksgiving: November 14-15

November 14

This afternoon I was scheduled to meet with my mentor, Penny. However around lunch, I received a phone call informing me that Penny was not feeling well and had to postpone.  I was a bit bummed about this development because I enjoy meeting with Penny and it was too late for me to meet up with some YAGM in London.  So I was left with a free afternoon with really no idea how to spend it, but a little bit later I received a message from the woman who was the Youth Ministry Assistant (MA) last year asking me if I would like to meet her for tea.  I accepted and within the hour we were sitting in her living room talking about whatever popped into our minds.

It was an afternoon well spent.  What I thought would be maybe an hour spent getting to know a new friend better turned into a full evening filled with having dinner with a church family, playing with  ten week old Labrador puppy, and watching the Children in Need special on BBC.  It was not how I had imagined my Friday afternoon going, but it was one of those days where plans came apart yet everything you needed happened.

Today I am thankful for postponed plans and opportunities to deepen new friendships.

Pudsey Bear is the mascot for the Children in Need. Because of Pudsey and the family I was with today, I was educated on British pop culture. Photo credit: BBC

November 15

This afternoon we had our weekly YAGM Google Hangout, and because not everyone can make it on Friday afternoons, we changed this week to Saturday.  This weekend has been the weekend where nothing goes according to plan, so quite a few people could not make it during the normal time which meant it was moved to a later time period.  (This was great for me because I had gone to the craft store to find some supplies for our youth club this Friday.) At the brand new time, I joined the video chat to find it was only myself and the three YAGM in Edinburgh (who were all hanging out together at the time).  We started talking when all of a sudden, Sarah, a UK YAGM alumnus, joins the chat all the way from the US.

She apologizes for only being available for a few minutes as she was working on a group project for school, but continues on to ask us for a three sentence update on our lives as YAGM and something that she can pray about for us.  We frantically update her and hear her update, and before she signed off she imparted upon us some fantastic, comforting advice about spending Christmas abroad and away from our families.  It was a relief to hear someone honestly say how much it will suck, but it was also a relief to hear about what we will learn from this holiday season from someone who had been in the same situation as us.  All in all, it never ceases to amaze me how much the YAGM alumni are invested in us and are willing to talk to us about our challenges.

Today I am thankful to be a part of the YAGM family and the amazing alumni who have come before us.

The UK YAGM at our "Disorientation" destination in Chicago with some of the YAGM alumni.  Photo credit: Paige

An Unconventional Thanksgiving: November 13

November 13

This evening we had our monthly youth leaders meeting where we plan for the youth services and events coming up that month, and we start each of these meetings with a meal.  Tonight it was my turn to cook, and after two months of my supervisor making comments about me making jambalaya and "Billie gumbo", I decided it was the perfect time for me to introduce my supervisor to what gumbo actually is.

Since I was cooking a dish from home, I decided to put on A Charlie Brown Christmas album (It's okay. Since Thanksgiving isn't celebrated here, it's not as taboo.) I listen to the music while chopping vegetables while pretending that I was back in my parents' kitchen cooking with my dad.  (He is the reason I know how to make gumbo.) I even teared up a bit.  I would like to say it was from being homesick, but it was the onions.  Anyways, I loved being back in the kitchen cooking for people I care about, and it was great to share some of my culture with people (and get good feedback).

Today I am thankful for everything I learned from my dad about cooking and the chance to share my hobby.

The chicken and sweet chili sausage gumbo I made.  I had to make a few adjustments, but it turned out well.

An Unconventional Thanksgiving: November 12

November 12

This morning I woke up with a notification from my little brother on Facebook.  It was an announcement from Duke University that Jovian, a lemur, had died.  This might seem like a bit of an odd thing to make an announcement about, but Jovian touched the lives of many kids as the title character in Zaboomafoo.  Zaboomafoo was a fun loving, snack munching lemur who helped teach kids about animals, and Jovian was the lemur who played him.  He is the reason I know what a Garbanzo bean is, and most of my animal knowledge came from watching him after school.  Jovian helped a generation of kids fall in love with animals from all over the world from the big eyed Aye-aye to adorable emu chicks to lovable Toothbrush the Elephant.  Jovian is the reason I know what the Muntjac deer from my previous post is.

Today I am thankful for the life of Jovian and for all the kids he helped teach.

Jovian, also known as Zaboomafoo, passed away this week at the age of 20.  He is survived by his 7 children and 4 grandchildren.  Photo credit: Duke University

An Unconventional Thanksgiving: November 11

November 11

This is a day of thanksgiving.  It's the day we give thanks for all the brave men and women who willing put their lives on the line to defend and rescue us in times of need.  This year has given me a different perspective about those who are in the Armed Forces.  Since I have never been in the Armed Forces, I do not know what it must be like to train with the possibility of being placed in an area torn apart by violence.

However, this year has given me a perspective on what it must be like to say goodbye to your family for long periods of time, whether it is 12 months with YAGM or 18 months military deployment.  Upon entering this year I was going through all of the things I was going to miss out on this year, my niece's first birthday, Christmas at my grandparents, the graduation of some dear friends.  I also had to consider those whom I would not be seeing again, mainly my grandma who had passed away in April.  When I decided to apply for this program, I knew the likelihood of seeing my grandma after I left was very slim, and I started preparing myself for this reality, trying to understand what it would be like to lose a close relative and not being able to grieve with my family.  The relief was that I am coming back.  I wasn't sent to a violence torn area or fighting in a war.  Those who have served in wars must know that when they sign up for duty, there is a chance, however big or small, that they will not return, and many have had that possibility become a reality.  Still they do it willingly.

Today I am thankful for the veterans who are braver than I could ever be and for those who defend and protect strangers.

The Great Wars memorial at Gerrards Cross during Remembrance Sunday.  Photo credit: Perry

An Unconventional Thanksgiving: November 10

November 10

This morning I woke up to a collection of messages from my sister-in-law with photos and videos of my niece dancing and standing.  Later in the afternoon I received a message from my mom about her troubles with her computer and updates on a meeting she's having this week.  Earlier this week I received an email from my grandparents telling me all about their trip to Colorado.  These messages and updates are fairly simple.  They are something I might not have appreciated when I lived in Wisconsin (except for the photos on my niece, which always make my day) because I took for granted the ability to call up my family and spontaneously chat or the regular trips we took to spend time with family during the holidays.  Living on a different continent, with time differences and technology makes those little (seemingly insignificant and severely underrated) conversations next to impossible, which means the random updates from friends and family are so incredibly cherished.

Today I am thankful for a family who loves me and who takes time out of their very busy schedules to update me on the little things in their lives.

My immediate family with the exception of little Miss Q.

An Unconventional Thanksgiving: November 9

November 9

This morning I was running a bit late to set fir or morning youth service.  I was frantically soured walking down the street praying that my delayed presence didn't cause my co-worker too much stress.  I turn onto the driveway leading to the church center where we hold the service, and as I'm walking though the graveyard I notice some movement on my left.  I turn my head and see a Muntjac deer.  It looks like any other kind of deer, except for the fact that it is only around 2 feet tall as an adult.  It looks at me, turns and looks at the church goer waking towards us, and bolts across the driveway into the hedges.  It was only about 5 seconds of my day in total, but it was something brand new and rather unique. 

Today I'm thankful for the little Muntjac deer and the wildlife with whom we share the Earth.

This is a Muntjac deer.  The photo doesn't show the size, but imagine it coming up the middle of your thigh.  Photo credit: BBC

An Unconventional Thanksgiving: November 7-8

November 7

Every Friday, the UK YAGM have an outstanding date to all meet over Google Hangout to discuss what we've been doing that week, any prayer requests we have, and a Bible verse one of us picks out.  It's a time to relax and be ourselves with people who are in the same situation.  We can finally be homesick, frustrated, exuberantly happy, and confused.  We end our check ups with a small Bible study and a final prayer based on our time together.

Today I am thankful for my fellow YAGM and our weekly talks.

All the 2014 UK YAGM at our course at Cliff College.  It is the first time we have seen each other since we left Chicago in August. 

November 8

Today was devoted to making progress on the various projects I have going on right now.  Some YAGM related, some family related, and some just for fun.  One of these projects is a Doctor Who scarf.  The special thing about this scarf is not the fact that it's six feet long or that it's 100% wool which will keep me warm this winter.  It's special because my brothers and my mom all have variations of the same scarf.  Kiel has a twelve foot long scarf.  Nylan has the same but a little bit thinner, and Alec has a short scarf about 3 feet long.  My mom just started her scarf yesterday, and now I have finished mine.  It's something to keep me connected to my family from 4,000+ miles away.  

Today I am thankful for finished projects and long distance connections.

My brothers, Alec, Nylan, and Kiel, sporting their scarves.

An Unconventional Thanksgiving: November 6

November 6

Today a troop of scouts came to the center for Remembrance Sunday, which is the same as Veteran's Day.  We played some games, including tray jousting, four square, and bucket ball, and then we went and talked about the importance of remembering those who sacrificed their lives for us.  At the end we encouraged the kids to come to our monthly youth club, and, like special scouting events I went recall, a badge in honor of the 100th year anniversary of the WWI outbreak was handed out.  The event reminded me a lot about my time in Girl Scouts, the games, the badges, and lessons we learned from learning American Sign Language to being a color guard during a memorial service.

Today I am thankful for my time with an English scout troop and Girl Scout Troop #27 which changed my life and gave me so many opportunities.

The field of poppies outside the Tower of London in honor of the 100th anniversary of WWI and in memory of the thousands who lost their lives.  Photo Credit: Ashlyn

An Unconventional Thanksgiving: November 5

November 5

Today my niece is nine months old.  I'm so blessed to have spend quite a few days with her and her parents before leaving this year.  She's incredibly expressive and absolutely loves music, which meant we spent a lot of time together dancing and singing.  I can't wait to get back and play with her at the park and rediscover her wonderful personality.

Today I am thankful for the little girl I am blessed to call my niece.

My niece,Q, reading all on her own.  Maybe when I come home she'll be working her away through chapter books!

An Unconventional Thanksgiving: November 4

November 4

Today we had a prayer night at a church on high street, roughly a mile from my house.  Tonight was cold and rainy, and, when my roommate and I had started walking, a car came by and splashed us with a giant, cold puddle, exactly as you would picture it in the movies.  Thus my roommate and I were soaked not even 100 yards into our journey, meaning my roommate and I had a 10 minute walk ahead of us in the dark, in the cold, drenching wet.  Luckily, we ran into two co-workers with a car on their way to the prayer night so our 10 minute walk in the cold turned into a two minute ride in a warm car.  And since I am in England, arriving at the event meant there was a nice, hot cup of tea waiting for me, which was just what I needed to warm up.

Today I am thankful for my co-worker giving my roommate and me a ride and the lovely cup of tea that warmed my bones.

Three other UK YAGM and me enjoying a nice cuppa during our conference in September.  Unlike today, the weather was lovely so we were drinking it solely for enjoyment.

An Unconventional Thanksgiving: November 1-3

Thanksgiving is not celebrated in England.  It is one of the subjects that I am asked about lately, along with Halloween (which is by most Christians here), since it is something they hear about but do not know.  The questions are usually followed by "So are you going to host an American Thanksgiving?"  We may have a pie tasting night with my life group or a YAGM belated Thanksgiving in mid December.

Despite this, I will not be having a conventional Thanksgiving.  I won't be with my relatives, nor will I be cooking with my dad in the kitchen for the better part of a day.  So this year I won't be having a Thanksgiving that results in a turkey induced coma, however that is not what the day is about.  It's about taking time to appreciate everything we have been given from a plethora of food to the love of our family and everything in between.  When I was younger my mom would cut up a paper grocery bag and post it on our kitchen wall, and each day she would ask my brothers and I what we were thankful for that day.  This would continue for the November 1 all the way until Thanksgiving.  Since I will not be having a conventional, I will have an unconventional Thanksgiving by posting what I am thankful for each day.  I was at a weekend away with my youth until yesterday with no internet, so I will be giving thanks for the first three days.


November 1

All Saints Day is the time to remember your deceased loved ones and give thanks for the lessons and light they brought to your life. My Grandma Dorothy who passed away just before her birthday this year.  She is dearly missed, and she showed the strength to keep fighting even when she must have been completely worn out.

Today I give thanks for my Grandma Hynek.

Grandma and me

November 2

Today we just arrived back from our youth weekend away at the Beacon at Lee Abbey in North Devon.  It was four days of activities on the absolute gorgeous Atlantic coast of England.  We mountain boarded, rock climbed, and went on long walks through the Valley of the Rocks where feral goats roamed.  Today I am thankful for the youth, who I am blessed to watch grow in their spiritual lives and their confidence.  We had a three hour worship service, which only ended because the musicians were too tired to continue playing, and I was able to see the personalities and talents that are not shown during the one hour segments I see them during the week.

Today I am thankful for the youth with whom I work.

The view of the Bristol Channel

November 3

Growing Leaders, a leadership development course my placement provides, happens on the first Monday of every month.  Four of my co-workers are taking the same course, so we have started a great tradition of cooking and eating dinner together.  It is a time to hang out, relax, and create a friendship in a village where most of us are brand new.  It is also a time for my German roommate and I to try to live up to the wonderful English hospitality we have received.  

Today I am thankful for the monthly Monday meal.

My co-workers and I during our monthly meal (Photo credit: Perry)