Written by Elli Grapp
In what many historians regard as the original Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe engaged in a mutually beneficial relationship for about 50 years. The Pilgrims, having arrived in America weeks before winter with no food, learned valuable lessons from the Wampanoag about how to work the land and survive. In turn, the Wampanoag received protection from warring tribes and had access to goods from Europe.
On November 10, our wonderful community of friends got together to celebrate Thanksgiving together. Like the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, our friends all bring something valuable to the Thanksgiving table. Some are homeless and some have never experienced life on the streets. Our friends come from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. But whatever our backgrounds, we all have something to gain and learn from each other. It’s during times like our Thanksgiving Feast that we are able to truly connect and learn from one another. All that’s really needed is a willingness to come to the table.
A very special thank you to those who helped make this beautiful morning possible!
Melissa Nunley for opening her beautiful home,
Cheryl Erickson and students from Texas Woman’s University for providing the delicious Thanksgiving spread,
…and all those who helped fill this morning with laughter and conversation by simply being present!
Happy Thanksgiving from The Human Impact team!