My friend Melanie and I had a really good time going to Leyden for the Thanksgiving Service. It too, however, was a learning experience. Leyden is so far away that basically we had time to get there, attend the service, turn around the come back. Next year, we think we'll leave after school on Wednesday and take the kids out of school on Thursday. The town on Leyden (or Leiden, depending on who is spelling it) is really beautiful. There's a Pilgrim's Museum and also a Rembrandt museum with quite an extensive collection. There are canals that run through the town. Lots of people on bikes.
It was really neat to be in a foreign country and gather together with 500 other Americans to worship on Thanksgiving. It was especially moving to be in a church that operated on a "everyone is welcome" basis 500 years ago. That's kind of novel even for today.
We had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the home of Melanie, Brad, Zoe and Paige Roberts. Friends Susan and Michael Poszar and their kids Zach and Nicolas were also there. Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, cranberries, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cake, apple pie and even Paula Deen's gooey butter cake were all on the menu.
We felt very blessed, even as strangers in a strange land, to be able to gather around such an abundant table with good friends.
1 comment:
Thanks so much for the photos. Almost like a visit. John is still asleep. We went to a Tech game last night and got home late. Before that we watched Arkansas and LSU. Such a shame Arkansas and Tech both lost...(:
Nancy spent the night with Linda and is expected back here before breakfast. They are going back to L. Rock today. I'm hoping I can talk Marie into staying until at least tomorrow morning.
Am glad you had a good Thanksgiving. We will see you soon.
Aunt Carole
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