So it somehow became December already… I’m not quite sure
how that happened. Time is going by so
quickly these days. My sister and I had
a wonderful visit together. We traveled
around Dhaka (Bangladesh) then on to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Astam, Chitwan and
back to Kathmandu (all in Nepal…all in 6 days).
Then it was back to Bangladesh and we took a day train to my home away
from home so she could see my life here.
It was really special to have someone I love and who has known me since
birth to experience what I am experiencing here. Unfortunately, she was only able to stay a
day and a half, but it was great!
When she left, I had to prepare for Thanksgiving. As one of four Americans in my community, I
took on the responsibility of hosting Thanksgiving (also because the house I am
living in belongs to an American who always hosts, except she is on home
assignment in America now). Since was
traveling through Dhaka, I thought it might be possible to buy a turkey (not
normally available in Bangladesh). I
asked around and found out the “German butcher” had turkeys imported from
America for sale. Before leaving for
Nepal I wanted to call to reserve one. I
looked for a phone number online and on Facebook. I was able to find an email address on
Facebook, so my story is that I ordered a Thanksgiving turkey through
Facebook! When I arrived to pick it up I
realized this was the most expensive (due to importing taxes, probably) and the
biggest turkey I’ve ever taken on for Thanksgiving. Also, those of you who know me well know I
only cook once in a blue moon so I’ve only done maybe 3 turkeys in my life. Anyway, needless to say, I was awake at 0530
Thanksgiving morning STRESSING about the turkey: Would it be thawed? Would it
cook in time? Would I figure out the oven? Would it fit in a cooking dish? Would I overcook it? The pressure was on: we
had 25 expats coming and it was an expensive item so it had to work out! Long story short, it worked out. Everyone loved it, and the Americans
especially expressed gratitude saying they never have a turkey. Charlotte even told me, “You’re the type of
person who just gets things done!” What
a nice compliment. 
Since Thanksgiving, I’ve been back to work after my 2-weeks off
and busy again. I had 2 roommates and
they both left (one the day before and the other right after the meal on
Thanksgiving) so I was on my own in the house for 9 days. Rebecca came back yesterday but is leaving
for good (gasp!) very soon. It’s a
little different being all alone in the house, especially at Christmastime, and
has potential to put me into a bit of a funk. I baked Christmas cookies Friday and Rebecca
and I decorated the apartment yesterday so it’s really looking good! Christmas Eve we have a special get together
with the other expats and Christmas day there is a service and meal all
together on the field that everyone dresses up for. So, my time will be spent with my brothers
and sisters in Christ and I feel it will be a Christmas to remember.
As always, thanks for reading and thanks for your continued
prayers. Please pray that I will manage
living alone and the holidays without feeling gloomy
Also please pray for my continued growing friendships with
my Bangladeshi co-workers
Angela