Thanksgiving in a Far Away Land

Being in Korea for Thanksgiving is such a strange experience. It doesn't really feel like it should be that time of year again, since the weather isn't too cold yet. Plus, there is nothing in the stores or on the streets telling me of the holiday coming up.  If it weren't for Facebook, I could easily blow right past the holiday without even realizing it.
Since I know that it's Thanksgiving time, I'll be honest and say that I would really love some turkey (and everything else that comes with it) right now! I think around here the closest thing I will get is some mashed potatoes. Mmm:)
Well family, since I have been here, I have told many people about the wonderful family that I come from. I tell them that we are always together for every holiday. I tell them that we get along and that everybody comes of our gatherings if they can. If someone doesn't show up, it's not because of a disagreement, it's simply because they can't be there. I also tell them that I come from a family that is committed to each other. Whether it's to their spouse or to the whole family. This is true on both sides of the family.
The more I talk about my family to others the more thankful I become. It really is an amazing family that I grew up in. I haven't really meet anyone that can say the same. Divorce and arguing has damaged so many family relationships and broken up so many families that it has become a rare commodity to have a family that all stays together.  I have the family that everybody wants to have, the ideal situation. I mean, what a wonderful thing to be able to only say good things about my family and actually mean it.
There is no mistaking the reason why my family has turned out like this. It is simply because we follow the teaching of the Bible and follow Jesus with our whole lives. I believe that if it weren't for the work of our God , my family would look just like any other family. I'm not saying that my family is perfect. Of course we have problems and conflict and have hurt one another, but I am saying that Jesus has been the one to work in our hearts to solve the problems and to see the bigger picture that he has for us. God loves the family and he created it to stay together and to never give up on each other. So for this thanksgiving, I don't want to have empty meaning behind my saying "I'm thankful for my family." I am sincerely saying "I am thankful for my family."
I love you and miss you all! I hope you enjoy each others company this Thanksgiving and remember what a blessing it is just to all be together and have a Savior who has kept us together!