Dear People,
Orange!
Finally, after the long wait, I get to make orange things again! HK doesn't believe in orange leaves, but they sure have pumpkins! And, at $15 for one that is the PERFECT size for a pie, I am SO making one for our Thanksgiving feast! And of course, you all know that I, the overly-Irish-for-how-Welsh-I-am chef, will be providing the mashed potatoes.
Right?
Wrong!
People have it in their heads that I'm the best cook in Tolo Harbor Zone (which, judging by how horribly I butchered Mac N Cheese from a box last night, I hope isn't the case) so I got assigned to do the turkey! I'm extremely excited, only slightly nervous, and REALLY glad my loving Dad taught me how to do poultry (sorry, Mom, there are no big paper bags to cook birds using your method), and that I've had ample chances to practice chickens and ducks!
ANYWAYS
That being said, let's have some Missionary-like words about Thanksgiving Day.
So, we all have many many many things to be grateful for, but this video put into perspective for me why I ought to be grateful for these things.
http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-01-002-earthly-father-heavenly-father
Ya see, I was taught to say "Thank you, Mommy", or "Thank you, Daddy", or "Thanks, Mrs. Wilson", whenever anyone did anything for me. However, as a kid I had no clue what at all went on in the world around me. The small home that was provided was indeed my world, and I truly believed that everything in it was for my own use, and all my needs would unquestionably be provided for, without hesitation. I was so unaware of how it all came to be.
Now, as a young adult, I'm starting to have that awakening, thanks to this amazing experience I'm having out here on my Mission.
I know how hard it was for my mom to keep an interesting amount and variety of food in the pantry and fridge. I'm painfully aware of how much it costs to replace a can of chocolate syrup that was supposed to last two months until someone drank the whole thing in one sitting. I'm aware of how long it takes to do laundry, and how expensive detergent and bleach are. I've had glimpses at electrical, gas, plumbing, rent, and repair bills, all of which are more than I can quite process.
I'm on the threshold of the oblivious world of childhood and the responsibilities of adulthood. The reality of providing is pressing upon me fast; I'm learning how much of a struggle it is to teach people the Gospel clearly, and can barely fathom the feat it must be to raise them at the same time. I'm more and more conscious of the pressure that's coming my way as I prepare to go home, get married, and have children.
And I am so excited to get there.
But I'm mostly looking forward to the 4 1/2 months I have left to forget myself, forget everything that lies ahead, and worry, ponder, and pray about the salvation of the people I teach. I'm glad that I have this time to be out here serving, and I'm more than happy to give up participating in the happiness going on in my family; because I know I'm doing something of Eternal worth.
That's what I'm most grateful for.
Love,
Elder O'Gara
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