November Family News

We had a big job to tackle as a family this month. Since we tore down an existing building which housed our stove/heating system and an old barn we used for storage and as a winter area for goats later in the summer than we had hoped to, it took us longer to build the new structure than we had planned. In October we were finally able to get the roof on with the help for a few days of some other missionary men from the area. But, the walls and ceilings still needed to be closed in and sealed up before the winter weather came our way. This winter weather came to us much quicker than usual with temps in the first week of November already reaching -16 to -20 Celsius and temps forecasted to reach -30 Celsius by the middle of November. 

There were several days when the entire family worked to get the walls up and the insulation in place so that the heating system could be connected and the pellet stove could be used to heat our home. We use an electric system when the temperatures are more mild but the pellet stove was already needed this year with the colder temps. 

Then, as the temperatures dropped more, David, our oldest son, and myself were the ones who spent the final hours connecting the stove and installing the chimney.

One day, after working outside until mid-afternoon, the kids and I enjoyed a trip to the city with Dad. He treated us to dinner and a new dessert treat called "Bubble Waffle"! You choose a chocolate, vanilla, or "classic" waffle with 'bubbles', filling for inside the 'bubbles', choose ice cream or whipped cream inside the waffle, a fruit or chocolate topping, and finally sprinkles or no sprinkles. :) It is definitely large enough to share!

We so enjoyed this Thanksgiving at home with our family. 

We were even able to buy our first whole turkey.

This year's holidays are extra special for our family as this is the last time for a while that our daughter will be able to be home with us for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Because of that, we are trying to "spoil" her a little more while we have a chance. So, that meant that she got her wish of goose meat for Thanksgiving. She was happy! 

Our family minus Dad taking the photo.

Thanksgiving Missionary Dinner 2011

Our missionary Thanksgiving celebration began with everyone gathering at the Krasnoyarsk Baptist Church at around 12:30 pm. My morning started a "wee" bit earlier than that with our family arriving at another missionary's apartment around 10 am in order for me to bake the rolls so that they were fresh for the feast! It is always comical to see us driving in from the village with all of our "stuff" crammed in our car along with all of our family for different parties and activities . This time we carried in the deviled eggs (not completely put together to make it easier to transport them), mashed potatoes, container of cracker candy ( a yummy dessert that we love to make), an apple pie and the fixings for homemade rolls (yeast, milk, margarine, and salt). At least it was a bit less difficult than when we drove in for the Harvest party and every family member except my hubby, who was driving, had to hold a tray of caramel apples! Not to mention the bags and bags of other items squeezed in by our feet.

So, like I said, we all gathered together with eleven adults and seventeen children total for the day. I promised all of you that I would post photos but I was very negligent in taking any! Thankfully, one of the missionary wives took a few but when it came down to the food table we were all so busy enjoying the goodies that we sort of forgot the pictures and thought more about our appetites. 

Here we are all working on the last minute preparations to get the food on the tables.

Then it's time for prayer and food for the little ones is served first.

Little ones happily eating means its time for the adults to step up to the table. Yum!

Most of the adults enjoying the meal.

In my opinion, this was one of the best Thanksgiving meals we have ever put together. The food was delicious! By the way, the duck that we prepared was a big hit! Our daughter, Rebekah, was the happiest to find out that our duck meat was good to eat.  With all that time she spends caring for them, at least they taste good on the dinner table!

We pray you and your family had a very blessed Thanksgiving! We are grateful for the Lord's blessings on our family and ministry and for those of you back home who support us faithfully through your prayers and financial support. May the Lord continue to bless you abundantly!

Dreaming of a White Thanksgiving?

This week, on our side of the globe, all of the missionary families from in and around the city of Krasnoyarsk will gather at the Krasnoyarsk Baptist Church in order to enjoy a day of great food that we dream about all year and fellowship that we crave, or is it the other way around? Anyway you say it, we are all looking forward to celebrating the all-American traditional holiday of THANKSGIVING! (Even if there is snow on the ground and the temps are a bit "chilly".)
So, what is on the menu? I am glad you asked. Here is the list...

Thanksgiving Menu 2011

Turkey

Pork Roast

Duck 

(Remember those pretty little ducks I talked about in a previous post about our family pets?) We are bringing some for the Americans to try! I'll let you know how that goes!

Duckies - Before

Three Duckies -  After (ready for the freezer).

Don't worry, we kept some of them (out of the freezer)! That's a whole other post to come!

Stuffing (Stove Top that someone has sent from the States just because we love the taste!)

Mashed potatoes

Sweet Potato Casserole

Green Bean Casserole

Veggies

Pickled beets

Deviled eggs

Cranberry sauce (from the States)

Desserts:

Jello Salad

Brownies

Apple Pie

Pumpkin cheesecake

So, any of you want to join us? We definitely go all out to make those favorite comfort foods we miss from home. One of the biggest blessings of the day for all of us, being able to relax with other families and enjoy the day while speaking in our native language! Might sound pretty profound, but it is a real thing to be thankful for when celebrating Thanksgiving in the middle of Siberia. I promise to post pictures of our celebration!