Thanksgiving is Upon Us in Canada

Hi readers, in a few days Thanksgiving will be upon us. What are we to be thankful of in Canada? There are so many things: a peaceful country; relatively clean air to breathe; plenty of water to drink, bathe and wash; food to eat, and if you are homeless, places to feed you and help you enjoy Thanksgiving with traditional turkey and dressing...I could go on with my list but I think you get the idea.

Sometimes it is easy to take for granted those things that we have and easier yet to complain when things are not perfect in our eyes. Despite the issues of the day here in our own country and the variety of issues that some of us face, there are so many things I've grown to appreciate and love about Canada: homeless shelters and food banks, the old age pension plan, the assistance for the mentally challenged, the numerous agencies that help care for and support those that need it, and the charitable and compassionate nature of Canadians. I know we can do more for those in need here at home, but life is very rich compared to many other countries, including African nations like Kenya.

At this time of year, I would ask you to consider those in Africa who have no change of clothes; no running water; no indoor toilet; no regular food; no shoes to wear despite the rain; no bedding to lie down on at night and no assurance of an education; no money to see the doctor when sick and no funds for medicines even if you can see the doctor. These are things that most of us here in Canada will never have to experience, let alone experience them on a daily basis. For that, we can be truly thankful. Even with these hardships, my friends in Kenya do not want pity or a hand out, they simply want a hand up, a hand of support as they strive toward building better lives which are self-sustaining and God centered.

As you spend time this weekend reflecting on the ways in which you give thanks, may you take a few moments to consider what you might do to assist those in Africa, and in particular through Kericho, Kenya's Missions of Hope. Much Love xoxox Sister Penny Joy