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Chapter 6: Let’s Give Thanks
Jake called the weekly meeting of the Highland Ridge Explorers to order. His Mom had the day off so the group was meeting at his and Benjie’s house. Benjie had left the room but came back to report that their Mom was making popcorn for the group. They could already smell the wonderful aroma from the kitchen. “I really like the idea we came up with for families needing warm winter clothes,” began Jake. “How did the rest of you feel about the Share Fair?”
“It was great!” exclaimed Marissa. “Everyone got to take something away and yet no one had to be embarrassed that they were needy. I mean, you could bring a pair of gloves if that was what you had to donate, and take away a new parka if you needed one. “
“Yes,” said Ellie. “And if you really didn’t need anything, you could donate anyway. I gave away my parka from last year and found a hat to match my new one.” Page 2 of 6 © RCL Benziger
“We donated all my outgrown coats and then my little brother picked out new ones,” said Rodrigo. He was so happy that he didn’t have to wear my old jackets—he got to choose the color he wanted.” “I’m just glad to have a warm coat!” said Tobi, with a smile.
“Well, it looks like it was a great success. Father Marco said we are going to do this every year,” said Jake. “Yes,” replied Keiko. “Wasn’t it nice that he acknowledged the Highland Ridge Explorers at the Fair?”
“It sure was,” said Manuel. “Now I guess we will have to start practicing the virtue of humility after all that praise!” he added.
“So what’s next for us?” asked Jake. “Thanksgiving is coming up soon. Does that give us any ideas?” “What’s Thanksgiving?” asked Tobi. “I don’t understand. Is it a holiday?” Page 3 of 6 © RCL Benziger
“Oh, we keep forgetting, Tobi. Sorry about that,” replied Ellie. “In the United States we celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November. We thank God for all the blessings we have received during the year.” “It comes from the Pilgrims who settled in our country hundreds of years ago,” said Keiko. When they made it through the first cold winter and grew their first crops, they had a big feast at harvest time to thank God for their blessings. It was in 1621, I believe.”
“Oh,” said Tobi. “That makes sense. My ancestors in the Igbo tribe had a big festival every year at the time of the yam harvest. They still do, I think. Even here, we have a big meal and serve yams every year in memory of them. But we pick the day.” “Our relatives in Guatemala do the same thing for the coffee harvest, because they work on the coffee plantations,” said Rodrigo. “We went to a harvest festival in Mexico once,” said Manuel. “The people brought a basket of what they grew to the Mass on Sunday and brought it up at the Presentation of the Gifts. Page 4 of 6 © RCL Benziger
They said prayers to the patron saint of the village and there was a big festival in the courtyard afterwards with dancing and a big feast.” “My friend Sarah is from Canada,” remarked Keiko. “She said they celebrate Thanksgiving in October, because their harvest is earlier than ours. They thank God for their blessings. She said her family always eats turkey and pumpkin pie too!” “Well,” said Jake. “It looks as if we have many cultural traditions related to giving thanks right here in our area. I wonder how we could bring them all together and let everyone know about them.” Benjie piped up. “Why don’t we all organize classroom celebrations at our schools? We could share about all our traditions and maybe each person could bring a food from their culture’s harvest celebration. Yummy!” he exclaimed. Keiko responded, “That’s a nice idea, Benjie. Another way would be to make it parish-wide and connect it with Mass on Thanksgiving. Page 5 of 6 © RCL Benziger
Each family could bring up a symbol of their family celebration at the Presentation of the Gifts. After Mass, we could all gather for donuts and share about our different cultural traditions. We could advertise so that everyone could be prepared to share.”
“Or here’s another idea,” chimed in Marissa. Our families could all gather at one house on Thanksgiving and have like a potluck dinner. I could ask my Mom. We have a really big house but no one is coming for Thanksgiving this year because we just moved. Everyone could bring their family’s favorite dishes, and then we could share our traditions with one another. Or, if some people already have family plans, we could do it on the Saturday after, and have a Thanksgiving Leftovers party!” “We Explorers could even put together a Thanksgiving Blessing Prayer,” added Ellie.
“Here we go again,” said Jake with a smile. It sounds as if it is time to vote!” --------------TIME TO VOTE Exit out of this page turner. Then scroll to the bottom of the web page to place your vote. Page 6 of 6 © RCL Benziger