The Real Thanksgiving?

In all honesty, I'm quite tired trying to convince my American brothers and sisters that Canadian Thanksgiving IS a real holiday and celebration. I'm not too fussed about the date I celebrate Thanksgiving. I'm just thankful I get to celebrate at all! 
So, yes, I have already celebrated Thanksgiving last month, but I am in no way complaining about another delicious meal and more dessert than my poor stomach can handle! But I suppose that is not the real reason behind Thanksgiving. It's about being thankful (hello there, Captain Obvious!) So, I thought, what better blog to write than one dedicated entirely to Thankfulness! 

I am Thankful for:
- the shoes currently on my feet which kept my feet incredibly dry whilst in Glasgow (thanks to Jaime and her practical yet incredibly stylish footwear).
- bonfires that leave me reeking of smoke and fingers glued together with marshmallow remnants.
- the Blessing Boutique here on base, where ALL of my clothes come from.
- the sound of my dear friend Caleb practicing music in the lounge ("practice" is a relative term as he is one of the best musicians I know).
- the wonderful sound that begins every Skype call.
- friends who I can goof off with with no fear of judgement or rejection, who don't mind awkward silences or the odd butt-slap every now and again.
- my outreach team, including the amazing staff, the most adorable children ever, and a team of hardcore, God-loving, talented people.
- time to write this blog update (it's been awhile; I'm sorry).
- the provision God has shown me from providing a hiking backpack last year to someone buying me a coffee yesterday. He has never left me in need of anything; how flippin' awesome is that?!
- taste buds that allow me to enjoy wonderful food and beverages.
- the opportunity to come to the United Kingdom and not just visit but live here and fall more and more in love with this nation
- the amazing people who have spoken into my life over the past couple of years, encouraging me to grow in my relationship with God and become the woman He's created me to be.

And last, but in NO way least, my wonderful family whom I love immensely! They have supported me my entire life and loved me, even through my miserable angsty teen years. My mom, who is hilarious and caring and has always pushed me out of myself and instilled in me what it means to be a woman of God. My dad, who, despite the awful Dad Jokes (sorry to out you), is an amazing guy who has always followed God's calling even when it cost great amounts. My sister, Jasmine, who is incredibly talented, loyal, sweet, honest, and about to embark on her own YWAM adventure come January. I love you all so much and could never ask for a better family...simply because I don't know if there is one!
- 

Tartans, Bagpipes, Kilts... OH MY!

Last week, as part of the DTS curriculum, we bussed up to Glasgow, Scotland for a week of evangelism teaching and local outreach in the community. Sounds a lot more glamorous than it is; there is nothing fun about not showering for a week and sleeping in a hall full of females all desperate and queuing for the loo in the morning. However, despite the occasional elbow to the face as twenty girls crowd, trying to apply mascara, it was a great week. 

If any of you have ever watched the film Braveheart, you’ll understand that the Scots love a good fight, love a cause worth fighting for. During one of our prayer sessions for the city of Glasgow, we began to call the men and women of Scotland to arms, so to speak. It’s interesting how you can see the enemy’s grip on people’s lives once you know what they were really made for, who they really are. As a people who were made to fight, made to go forth in action and passion, it’s hugely impactful to see how many gaming/music/entertainment stores there are in the city centre. It just seems obvious that if the Scots are called to be warriors, that the enemy would try to stifle that calling by boxing them into their own lives and a fantasy world. Interesting, and incredibly deep…not just a coincidence, I think. 

Sadly, my days were quite full, to the extent that I was unable to experience true Scottish culture, something that I hope to do in the future, though. Perhaps next time I venture on up, I’ll actually partake in part of my heritage (Go McKinnan Clan!). I look forward to it, truly. I thoroughly enjoyed myself! What’s more, I loved being able to pray and declare who and what Scotland is: a land of the free, a land of the brave, a people who fight for justice and who love mercy, a strong nation!