So Thankful...

 So many things to be thankful about this week of Thanksgiving.

Started the week with the extension of our work visas..still waiting for the approval which should come this week.

Tuesday Cory and Benson headed to immigration in Choma to check about the work visas, then did shopping. Fritz and I remained behind to work on school.

Cory bought new (to us) fruits and big mushrooms. 

Wednesday morning a bit more school completed before starting cooking for our Thanksgiving meal.

Chicken, green bean casserole, stuffing, squash corn bread and regular corn bread, crescent rolls, mash-potato soup, Chinese cabbage greens, the local favorite shima [firm corn grits] along with pumpkin and apple pie. 

Thursday about 5 we enjoyed our cooking labors having invited the three leaders and our Tonga teachers.

Two of the wives could not attend and Pastor Samson didn't make it due to a vehicle problem, but we enjoyed our time of sharing and being thankful.

I asked Agreena, our Tonga teacher what her favorite food was from her first 'American Thanksgiving'..what did she like best?  The food! All of it. 

Later we called Michigan and were able to talk to Anna, Kris' folks and a few more family.

Work in the garden and yard also continued....

Passion fruit planted by tree; 

ground worked up around the scraggly mango trees for compost and fertilization; 

kiwis and grapes planted;

 dragon fruit supports built and dragon fruit planted, 

papayas planted, planting holes prepared for squash, plants watered, and more.

Bio-char purchased at the market for $1.30 per large bag, along with more chicken wire to put around the nursery to protect the small plants from scratching chickens.

Onion and cabbage were abundant at the market, with a medium head of cabbage selling for only about 12 cents.

A pair of African paradise flycatchers built a nest just outside our kitchen window!

Saturday morning we took a couple hour hike to check out the spring flowers.

We walked past the water tank that holds the water for the campus which was over flowing.

The students completed finals this week and many have left for home for the holiday break so campus is quieter.

We will continue with our Tonga lessons and school a couple more weeks while preparing for Eli's visit!

Anna enjoyed the week in Michigan and will soon head back to California for finals before returning again to Allegan for Christmas.

A few thankfuls:

Salvation and adoption into the Lord's family along with forgiveness and redemption.

Family, friends

Internet for staying connected and learning. 

Rains, good land, trees, plants, fruits, food...

Our wonderful support team who's partnership allows us to live this adventure.

Prayer: connecting with God about concerns and to praise Him.

Being able to share our knowledge and skills with others who in turn can bless more folks.

Experiencing God's wonderful people and creation in Africa.

Staying connected with our Haitian friends.

Good health.