Thanksgiving International Cafe

On Saturday, the 21st of Nov., we had an International Cafe outreach event with the theme of Thanksgiving. Attendance to the previously monthly International Cafe dropped in the beginning of the year, so it was eventually changed to a "Movie Night" outreach, so this was the first International Cafe in months. Our English ministry teachers, Washiela and Miki, headed up the Cafe. This time they asked that people make reservations so they'd know how many to cook for, setting an initial limit of 40 people. Well, that eventually turned into 60! Washiela's eyes got bigger and bigger as she heard the number increasing. With thanks & prayers we decided it was a good "problem" to have and Washiela was able to find someone to pick up 2 more turkeys (from a Costco that's a 2-hour drive from here). It was nice to see many people come whom we haven't seen in a long time, many new faces, and it was also really encouraging that many (probably the most ever) church members came to help. One of my students came with his wife and daughter and another student brought her daughter and 2 of her friends. The meal was wonderful and everyone enjoyed it. I had to leave early b/c of Mika's bedtime, but the dinner was followed by dessert & Miki sharing the history of Thanksgiving, and Washiela shared about to Whom we are thankful to, and especially thankful for the indescribable gift of Jesus. Taka translated for the evening. The 23rd was "Labor Thanksgiving Day" in Japan. I looked up the holiday on Wikipedia and it says "The law establishing this holiday cites it as an occasion for commemorating labor and production and giving thanks to one another." We are thankful that so many could come and hear about God, from whom all blessings flow & whose "love endures forever." Oh, & 5 people came to our church service the next day! PHOTOS: First 3 are of the "getting to know you" game that was played as an icebreaker (you may be able to spot Taka all the way at the front as he was trying to help explain the game:)...Mika & Nodoka, a girl from church who I used to teach...Picture of people taking pictures of the turkey. It was the first time for many to eat/see cooked turkey, so many gathered around it to take pics....2 shots of Mika was one of my students, her daughter & friends...Hitomi, who is originally from Thailand came for the first time in a long time...and finally MY turkeys posing with the turkey:)