A cold blast of air met me as I exited the Old City of Jerusalem through Herod’s Gate.  I was making my way up to the Post Office in East Jerusalem where I knew there was an outside telephone I could use to call home to America.  I had been in Israel for only two months, but this would be my first Thanksgiving away from my family.  After some difficulty connecting, I heard the familiar sound of my mothers voice as the sound of a large family dinner filled the background.

The dinner was just about over with the apple and pumpkin pies being served.  In my mind I could picture the warm holiday atmosphere punctuated by the mixed aromas: turkey, pie, coffee.  I shivered both from the cold and from the longing in my heart for company on this special day.

I hung up the phone and stood in the damp darkness.  Not a soul was on the streets.  I had nowhere to go, no one to celebrate with, and in fact it was not even a holiday in Israel.

While walking back to the room I shared with eight other travelers at the Christian hospice, I remembered a cheap restaurant.  I could allay the grumbling in my stomach, warm myself and maybe even speak with some fellow travelers at “Uncle Mustaches” for only $1.

As I approached the establishment I could hear the sound of a crowd of voices.  The windows were so steamy I could not

see clearly but i could see enough to know that this one spot was teeming with activity.  As soon as I entered, a huge Arab man with a mustache the size of Manhattan greeted me with a hearty “Welcome”!  “Come sit here.” He bellowed and seated me next to a group of young Americans.

I quickly ordered from the choice of chicken, fish or liver.  Since it was Thanksgiving I decided that chicken was the closest I would come to a turkey dinner.  Along with the chunks of chicken shish kabob came french fries and a small green salad.  What a deal for only one dollar.  During dinner Uncle Mustache circled around the crowd handing out pieces of deep fried eggplant.

With no money, no family and no friends, I managed to find a place to celebrate even in a land where the holiday didn’t exist.  I spent the next several hours eating and laughing and making new friends.  From that dinner came a new, more permanent place to live, friends for the next several years in Israel and even the best man at my wedding four years later.

No matter what your condition or position this Thanksgiving, let the Lord lead and guide you.  Even those far from home will find peace in the midst of loneliness.  We all truly have much to give thanks for.  Let’s look to God today.

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