Happy Thanksgiving!!

With Thanksgiving fast approaching I just wanted to say be thankful for the little things too. We take for granted the American holiday that comes every November. I know that I always did. Now being in a country, that doesn't have Thanksgiving, I realize how important it is to take time to be with loved ones and give thanks for all the wonderful things in our lives! With everything going on here, I was so focused on the negative. And how it feels like the end of everything, but it's just the beginning of something else.

I was looking through some stuff from Orientation and stumbled across a prayer, by Sr. Joyce Rupp, that my small group leader, Maggie gave me. I find it very fitting for this time of year.

It made me count my blessings, only to realize I still have so much to be thankful for. So I hope it speaks to you as well.

A Prayer For Those Who Have Too Much

To my brothers and sisters in developing countries:

While I was deciding which oat bran cereal to eat this morning,
You were searching the ground for leftover grains from the passing wheat truck.

While I was jogging at the health center,
You were working in the wealthy landowner's fields under a scorching sun.

While I was choosing between diet and regular soda,
Your parched lips were yearning for the touch of water.

While I complained about the poor service in the gourmet restaurant,
You were gratefully receiving a bowl of rice.

While I poured my "Fresh and Better" detergent in the washing machine,
You stood in the riverbank with your bundle of clothes.

While I watched the evening news on my wide screen television set,
You were being terrorized and taunted by a dictatorship government.

While I read the newspaper and drank my cup of steaming coffee,
You walked the dusty, hot mules to the tiny, crowded schoolroom to try and learn how to read.

While I scanned the ads for a bargain on an extra piece of clothing,
You woke up and put on the same shirt and pants that you have worn for many months.

While I built a 14 room house for the three of us,
Your family of 10 found shelter in a one room hut.

While I went to church last Sunday and felt more than slightly bored,
You looked out upon the earth and those around you
And felt gratitude to God for being alive for one more day.

My brothers and sisters, forgive me for my arrogance and my indifference. Forgive me for my greed of always wanting newer, bigger, and better things. Forgive me for not doing my part to change the unjust systems that keep you suffering and impoverished. I offer to you my promise to become more aware of your situation and to change my lifestyle as I work for transformation of our world.

-Sr. Joyce Rupp