by D.A. Marshall

Created on: August 13, 2009   Last Updated: August 14, 2009

A memorable Thanksgiving is absolutely possible, no matter what country your dining room table sits in.

Several years ago, my husband, daughter, and I had recently arrived in England to live while my husband set up an office at his company's European main location. We had been there since early November of that year, and the moving truck loaded with our furniture, winter clothing, household goods, and miscellaneous items had finally arrived. We had been without all these things since mid-September, so it was a wonderful sight when that truck lumbered up our driveway. I remember our daughter saying how it seemed like Christmas to have all these things to unpack.

Our landlady had graciously left many of her furnishings in the house, knowing it would be some time before our own things arrived. Having our belongings with us, though, finally gave us a sense of being at home in our new town, and we were very grateful. Getting adjusted to a new home is difficult enough, but moving to a foreign country increases that level of difficulty considerably.

Thanksgiving was the next week. Although our daughter would be in school all day and my husband would be at work, we were determined to have Thanksgiving dinner in our home that Thursday evening. Shopping for the meal was certainly different than I was expecting, but I managed to pick out a turkey and as many of the other foods as possible that are traditional in our family gatherings. I had to adjust my menu somewhat, but I was able to get pretty close to our usual meal.

The turkey I purchased was fresh, and still had the stiff, short quills of feathers intact. I got a pair of pliers and tried to yank them out, but was unsuccessful with most of them. I finally gave up, hoping that the heat during baking time would singe them to the point of being unnoticeable when we ate it.

I remember as we held hands at the table to bless our meal how especially intimate the atmosphere was that evening. Our usual celebrations consisted of lots of people, lots of noise and laughter, and football on the television in the other room. This particular Thanksgiving was the best experience I had ever had. I believe that one evening began our family's growth toward extreme closeness. We were four thousand miles away from our other family members, and all we had was each other.

Several months prior to our first English Thanksgiving, my husband had called me at work and asked if I was up for an adventure. When he revealed what his company wanted our family to do, I felt no hesitation when I answered with an emphatic "Yes!" Our England adventure gave us an appreciation of the rich history, the wonderful people, and the glorious landscapes that are part of what makes that country unique. Most of all, it helped us discover who we truly are, and what we are capable of doing. I am forever thankful for the lasting friendships we acquired, the church family we are still a part of, and the memories we will always have.

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