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Thanksgiving


Thanksgiving seemed to come quickly this year. I've been so involved with the credit union construction project and focused on opening day I haven't had much time to think about the holidays. Now that it's here, I'm glad to slow down and reflect. While the drywall finishers wanted to work on Friday, I decided to take the time off. With all that's going on, the early mornings and late nights, I'm feeling spent and relish some time off and away.

We're headed to the Modesto area to spend the holiday with Melissa's family. Melissa's brother Fabian is hosting the meal at his home. We'll hang out with he and his family for the weekend, returning home Saturday or Sunday. Samuel, as always is excited to see his family. Sometimes I swear that he'll move over there as soon as he can.

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. While consumerism is beginning to creep in (I've been heard it called 'gray Thursday, the day before the big shopping day 'black Friday') - the holiday still remains somewhat unencumbered by the effects of the consumer culture.

We have much to be Thankful for. Melissa and I have fulfilling and exciting jobs. Samuel continues to be the joy of our lives. We're healthy, have a roof over our heads, food, clothes... God is a good God. It's not been the easiest year, but we have much to be thankful for, more than I can ever write here.

The credit union project continues to move along nicely. Below are some progressive photos of the work. It's a little hard to get the true perspective of the project, but you can get the idea. We're pushing toward a goal of opening on 12/19! It's beginning to take shape!

I'm thankful for your prayers and encouragement. Also - thanks for reading this blog! God's blessings and peace to you on this day of reflection and rejoicing.





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