Thanksgiving

Saturday the 30th of November dawned refreshed after an evening of rain.  The water pattering on the steel roof of the house had brought soothing and quick sleep.  Now morning broke with a bright blue sky punctuated by fluffy white clouds propelled along by the winds.  Located 7500 feet up on the side of the Great Rift Valley,  the town of Kijabe frequently experiences windy days.  Hence the name Kijabe which means "Place of the Winds".

Food preparation had begun Friday evening and continued Saturday morning.  With 17 people to feed, much food would be needed.  The turkey was put into the oven early in the morning.  While the bird was roasting, side dishes such as stuffing, salads, mashed potatoes, and squash were prepared.  By noon the turkey was ready to come out of the oven.  As this was being accomplished, the Hovingh family arrived from Malewa.  Jason, Joyellen's brother, drove up with Lisa, his wife, and their three children Laura, Andrew, and Aaron.

While the all the children turned to their various amusements, the adults continued with the Thanksgiving feast preparations.  The 24 lb. turkey needed to be carved.  This duty fell to Jeff with the able assistance of Jason.  Pictured left are the two cutting up the bird into white meat and dark meat portions.  The white glove on Jeff's left hand is designed to deflect knife blades.  A smart addition to any cook's carving supplies.  The turkey soon joined a cornucopia of Thanksgiving food ready for consumption.

The large kitchen table was laden with the entree and numerous side dishes comprised of stuffing, salads, mashed potatoes, squash, etc.  The other peninsula counter was covered with scrumptious desserts.  At the appointed time of 1:00 p.m., the food was ready for consumption.  Grandpa asked the blessing by giving thanks to God for His numerous blessing during the past year.  His protection, wisdom, and love were also acknowledged.  Additional supplications were asked for the continued success for the ministry of RVA.

The line of people moved slowly as everyone perused the bounty of food and made carefully thought out selections and additions to their plates.  At one point, Grandpa was spied trying to take the turkey platter.  With plates piled high with delicious food, each guest went outside to sit under the canopy which Jeff and Grandpa had erected earlier that day.  As November begins the period of the "short rains", the canopy was a necessary precaution against sudden showers.  No rain came, but the canopy served to protect against the bright sun warming our day.

The feast continued into the mid-afternoon with everyone enjoying good food and friendly fellowship.  The weather was delightful.  Those of us having newly arrived from Michigan could not help appreciating the sun and comfortable warmth of Kijabe as opposed to the 6 inches of snow back home.  There is method to our madness of traveling half way around the world at this time of year.
After of a period of reflection, everyone reloaded his/her plate with dessert choices and began again to feast.  Soon everyone was sated.

At the conclusion of any meal, especially one of such exaggerated selections comes the time for cleanup.  Most cultures have time-honored duties assigned to various groups.  For example, the children are excused to go play so as not to be an interference with the adults as they carry out their expected social responsibilities.  As pictured, the women are viewed as experienced not only in the preparation of the meal, but also in the clean-up of the various items related to the feast such as dishes, pots & pans. silverware, and left-overs.

Since the dawn of time the male homo sapien has had the responsibility for hunting, gathering, and protecting.  Whether living a solitary life or socializing in groups such as families or tribes, the male has endured the dangers and exhilaration of hunting for food; the battle with the land to bring forth healthy crops; and the perils of protecting self and family/tribal members.  All this is to say that the life of the male of the species is very physical and stressful.  Therefore, at the end of a hearty meal, while the females continue working in the kitchen, the men have traditionally retreated to their man caves as pictured at right...

TO WATCH FOOTBALL!  (RUGBY)

As time moves on in the "Place of the Winds", more is to come.