Thanksgiving in Ghana.

For our Thanksgiving, the senior missionaries (that's us!) and employees were invited to the Dickson's for the afternoon. Everyone brought a dish, and we literally had a feast. There are a few people who are at the end of their calling, so we used this time to say our official good-byes, which is sad, because we've grown to really love and enjoy all of them. Sister Ngoran will go back to the Ivory Coast. She has been my "coach" as I try to learn French.

There were 40 of us for dinner - and the place settings were really lovely. Someone had accumulated yards of African patterns to serve as the tablecloths.

Each table had some kind of African centerpiece and this doll was my favorite.

We sometimes have to hunt for ingredients (it becomes kind of a game!), but each of the dishes tasted so good. It's fun to share recipes and then also share which market carries the needed items. These ladies have such ingenuity...

We sang a group song before dinner - David was right next to me so he is the easiest to hear. I wanted to capture the song, but also pan around the interior of the house.

Each person who is leaving Ghana had a turn to share his/her feelings. We've been here almost 6 weeks, and I can't believe how close we feel to everyone; even though we are sad at the changes, we are really excited for these friends to return to their families.

The rest of Ghana carried on with their normal work day, after all it was a regular Thursday for them. But for us, it felt like we had transported a little parcel of America to Africa. It was fun to eat, laugh, and hug. We all miss our families, but in a few years after this is all over, we realize we will look back at this time and miss these cute people with whom we have made such fast friendships.