IDEM Dinner

Friday night we had a "farewell" dinner for our IDEM group leaders, Ryan and Keeley Blackstock.  While they're not leaving the country, they are changing churches.  Ryan accepted an assistant pastor position with Iglesia Bautista Nueva Esperanza (New Hope Baptist Church.)  

Stephen's had a really bad cold so he didn't go.  Of course, I went so I could take the dessert!  It was at Salvador and Roxana's house in Santa Techla, not far from where we used to live, so I knew the way.  Dinner was great--grilled steak, rice, beans, salad, fruit and cheesecake for dessert.  

We all agreed that we will work hard to maintain our friendship with the Blackstock family so I expect we'll be having more dinners together in the future.  To end the evening each of us shared how we felt about them and then had a group prayer.  We know that they are following God's will for their lives, but will miss seeing them on a weekly basis.

Thanksgiving in El Salvador

A room full of American missionaries celebrated Thanksgiving today and it was an awesome day of food and fellowship.  Steve and Pam Kern invited us, the Blackstock family, the Vasquez family and Tiffany Lewis to have dinner with them.  More than that, Pam wouldn't let us bring anything--she did it all by herself, including homemade rolls and three pies (pumpkin, pecan and apple.)  The rest of the menu was the typical turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green been casserole, sweet potatoes, etc.

So thankful to spend Thanksgiving day giving thanks with our ministry family here in El Salvador.  Sorry I didn't stop eating long enough to get any good pictures.

An IDEM Thanksgiving

For the second year, our IDEM (discipleship small group) celebrated Thanksgiving together. There are 8 couples in our group and all but 2 couples are Salvadorans.  So, we and the Blackstocks (our group leaders) are thrilled that the group wants to share this part of our culture.

Last night's traditional menu (prepared by the gringas) included:  turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green been casserole, sweet potato casserole, cranberries, pumpkin pie and pecan pie.  We also had salad, corn, typical Salvadoran red salsa and bread.

After dinner we all shared the things for which we are thankful.  Topping the list:  God's faithfulness and love, family and friends.  This is a group with the right priorities!

Later we played a Bible version of the Taboo game in Spanish, of course.  What a riot!  

 Keeley carves the turkey.

Typical Salvadoran red sauce for the turkey.

Whipped cream and ice cream not pictured.