La Fête pour rendre grace à Dieu: AKA Thanksgiving

Hello Everyone,Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. And in case we missed anyone back in November, Happy Thanksgiving! Ok so our pictures aren't as interesting as usual, but we have been getting ready for and taking exams over the last month, so we haven't had a lot of time to do anything but study and go to school and of course all the other things in "normal" everyday life. I have to ask myself the question though, is our life really "normal"? I think not! However, normal or unnormal, we are grateful to God for all he has done in our lives and all that he blesses us with. He is so faithful even when we are faithless. And by the way, we did pass our exams. Kristen got a "good", and I got a "good enough" grade. I was a little annoyed, that I didn't do as good as I wanted to, but maybe next time will go a little better. Our proffessor is very pleased with everyone in class, and their effort on the exams, so I guess that means something.

Anyways, we spent a nice Thanksgiving here in Albertville with all of the other missionary families. We had a huge "Turkey Day" known to the french as an American holiday by the name of "La fête pour rendre grace à Dieu" which translates to The festival for giving thanks to God. And yes, they do drag everything out here. Even the names of our American holidays. But it's not so bad, the french people are very kind and usually open to American traditions. It is true that a lot of people here need Jesus, but the people here are not as rude as they are made out to be. I am not speaking about the Government that is a whole different issue!

Here are a few pics of our Turkey day, and also a couple of pics of our early Christmas presents. If anyone knows Kristen very well, you'll know how important a Christmas tree is to her. So this year I went all out and got her the biggest and best Christmas tree I could find!

Later,

Joel and Kristen


Ok, so it's not the biggest or best tree you've ever seen, but I say it's the thought that counts and it gets the job done but Kristen begs to differ with me on the subject. Hey, at least it's decorated! Along with her beloved Tree, Kristen is sporting her old Navy gifts from her Mom and dad, and you may also notice the bag of Hershey's chocolate chips she is holding sent from her sister Tammy. Yum, yum, chocolate chip cookies here we come! I know, we are a little too excited about chocolate chips.

Here is one of the sacrificial Turkeys that we enjoyed so much. There were probably around 75 people in total. So I think this guy had about 8 more cousins hit the chopping block at Le Boucherie. (aka: the Butcher)

Kristen says that this is my early Christmas, birthday, next Christmas and next birthday present. I really don't think she's kidding either! She's hoping she will not regret it now that she's been hearing me play Feliz Navidad a couple of times during the Holidays. Thanks Kristen!


Here we are right after our Turkey Day meal. I think the tryptophan from the "turkey boy" and his cousins is starting to kick in. It looks like we were struggling to keep our eyes open. Oh yes, and please, no fat comments!
Thanks to Larry and Cathy (aka Mom and dad, the inlaws, the outlaws, etc) I am able to sport the latest Old Navy Fashion while being in the heart of France. Another early Merry Christmas present to us. Thanks! We love ya'll.