We've had some rain this week. Its been cold and there is a lot of mud in Tirana. Just walking around town you'll get some mud on your shoes and pants. But Thursday, November 27, 2008 was a gorgeous Thanksgiving Day. The sun was out, temperatures mid-day were mild, and we had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal at the mission home.  Picture above is from our balcony as rain was coming down early in week.

The above two pictures are taken from the 4th floor of the mission home looking east towards Mt. Dajti on Thanksgiving Day.
Over 36 missionaries were fed at the mission home, but before we ate we all sang. "Come, Ye Thankful People" and "For the Beauty of the Earth".  Mom had a hard time getting through "For the Beauty.... " because we sang it last year at home. Thoughts of home are very close to the heart on days like Thanksgiving. Above picture is of missionaries singing.
Elders Smith, Lindsey, Owens, Maddox, Hamilton and Flack waiting for the feast to begin.
Shoes are left outside in Albania because they tend to get pretty dirty from the dirt and mud. Picture is of missionary shoes, well worn and a little muddy left outside mission home.
Mom enjoying the moment.

Mom with Sister Liz Neil. Sister Neil is the mission "Mom". She is a great cook and the Thanksgiving meal was spectacular. I had two helpings of everything and was came before dessert.
After the meal the missionaries were allowed to watch "Remember the Titans" down stairs before we all returned to the Neil's upstairs apartment for dessert. The meal, company and dessert were all wonderful. This Thanksgiving day in Tirana, Albania made me even more thankful for all my blessings. 

"For the beauty of the earth, For beauty of the skies,

For the love which from our birth, Over and around us lies

Lord of all, to thee we raise, This our hymn of grateful praise.