Giving Thanks

Emily and I like to give the Show Me state a shout out during every holiday

Thanksgiving was truly amazing this year. We got to celebrate with our team and some other friends in a much warmer place! Highlights included TURKEY, college football, and golf. Yes, after not playing in 13 months I stepped foot on a golf course again. The best part was that my whole team came with me. Besides Kyle and myself, no one had ever played before. The girls were excited to learn, but I'm sure part of the reason they came was because they knew how excited I was...which meant a lot to me. My swing was a little off, but my putting was ok and that's usually the worst part of my game. It was so much fun teaching the girls and I was beyond excited to see everyone making solid contact with the ball after 5 holes (that was all we had time to play with seven people). OH--and we watched the OSU-Michigan game (downloaded from itunes) and it was such a great game! I avoided espn.com for days just so I wouldn't know who won.

I also got to talk with my family, and apparently the holidays are much quieter without me. That's not really surprising since I'm a huge source of entertainment at family events. No worries, familia, I'll be back to liven things up next year. Seriously, living in India has made me look at holidays much differently. When there are no signs of the 'season' anywhere around it forces you to think about why you're really celebrating. I really miss being with my family during these times, but I'm grateful to live in a third world country where I'm reminded on a daily basis of how important it is to be thankful and to give back. We had this one day to sort of feel like Americans again, but what will we do about the suffering around us the rest of the time? True thankfulness and generosity go hand in hand.

Kyle, me, and April eating turkey


the whole group watching football

Kyle with the 'caddies'


Melissa in action. Her golf name should be Killer because she hacked at that ball like it was her ex-boyfriend's face

I'm helping April line up her swing. She wanted to use her driver for every shot, but was finally convinced to use a club with more loft in the fairway. Her shots drastically improved after that!

Beki was our official caddie and Angie was just an all around natural

Emily demonstrating some nice form. Notice her head is down



Here I am putting from the fringe

April and me on the last hole with the gurdwara behind us

Speed Racer Beki and her sidekick, Side Saddle Kyle

My team in our local pahari caps, representing different districts in our state

Things I'm thankful for:

The hope, joy, peace, and purpose in my life

Family and friends who write me, call me, send me things, pray for me, think about me....

India--all the friends I have here and all the lessons I've learned here

Electricity, heaters, geysers, gas cylinders, the internet, and everything else that makes life here just a little bit easier

Shelter, food, and clean water

YOU--yes if you are reading this then you have some interest in my life and the country I love, for which I am truly thankful

The Christmas season and what it means for all of us

Happy Holidays everyone!