Thanksgiving In Romania

I was caught by surprise when I was told that I was going to plan Thanksgiving this past week. Not because I do not like planning, (I absolutely love it) but because I did not expect Thanksgiving to come so quickly. I almost forgot it was a holiday because unlike in Romania, in America I am used to seeing turkey decorations, talking of the feasting with my family, and relaxing during the school break. 

After schedule planning, decoration shopping, and last minute errand running, Thanksgiving eve approached and the Gap G cooks, including myself, did the kind of ministry I enjoy most: cooking ministry. I took charge of the homemade mac and cheese casserole, apple cobbler, and brownies. 

Thanksgiving morning was filled with more cooking but not before my morning walk to the tea shop with my teammates. We shared a laugh at the fact that places are open on Thanksgiving as they generally aren’t back home. We had a lovely Thanksgiving worship session before heading to the church for our Romanian feast.

It was nice having a family style dinner and dressing up. All the Romanian missionaries and staff joined us on what they kept referring to as “America Day”. After we gave a brief history lesson of Thanksgiving we dug into the mix of American holiday food and Romanian buffet. 

While the day was so wonderful I must say I did share some tears at the table as I missed my family back home even though I am so thankful for my family here. I spent the majority of the afternoon calling back home and giving thanks for all the incredible people God has placed in my life.  

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” -1Thessalonians 5:16-18 

This year’s Thanksgiving, while not traditional, was perfect because we got to live out this verse. Thank Him without thinking about our circumstances. Although it was unconventional, I will never forget celebrating Thanksgiving in Romania.