Happy Thanksgiving!

Celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday this year

was a little different. No turkey. No oven.

No pumpkin. Instead. Chicken strips. Coca Cola. Chopsticks. I’ve yet to cook an entire Thanksgiving meal on my own, nor had I cooked since arriving here on this Asian adventure. So why not try both at the same time!? I’ll say this first, when in the kitchen I’ve learned from a dear friend that creativity is key. The first thing I was thankful for this year was this little bit of advice that saved the day. After this experience I made a

list of things I’m thankful for this year. It’s random, but I hope you enjoy.

Things I’m thankful for this year…

God’s love, Support, Ability to adapt, His grace, Pillows & Blankets, Friends, Peace in uncertainty, Feeling valued, Goodbyes, Hellos, Feeling warm, Scarves, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Wisdom, Hot showers, Jackets, Pizza, Knowledge, Warm clothes, Umbrellas, Understanding, Washing machines, Lattes, Truth, Friendship, Skype, Nice people, The Body of Christ, iChat, Heat, Encouragement, Hoodies, The Holy Spirit, Community, My Mac!, The Sun, Steve Jobs, Coffee, The Bible, Money, Baristas, Pictures, Mr Zhang & Family, Starbucks Via, Good pair of jeans, His guidance, My brain, Coffee shops, God's work in me, Forgiveness, Salvation, His provision, Joy, Redemption, Kindness, Compassion, Ability to walk, The Gym, Fireworks, Language, My hearing, Conversation, Communication, Prayer...just to name a few things.

It's Burrr Cold!

This week began with a rude awakening. Winter has officially arrived here. I didn't expect to bust out the scarves and gloves this quickly. I was aware that very few people have heat in their homes, but I was not nearly prepared mentally or wardrobe wise as I should have been for this winter with NO HEAT! Everyone keeps their jackets on while inside and bundle up even more when heading outside. This is a new way of living that I must embrace or be left out in the cold – literally!

Now on to more important topics like Chinese and coffee, an old love and a new found endeavor. A coffee shop has been located, two in actually. They are in fact right next door to each other. A place to go, drink a warm latte (remember it's freezing!), study and call a second home is a welcomed find for me right now. There are many adjustments to living in a new place. It doesn't matter how far away either...new city, state or country. Finding new places that are apart of everyday life is so valuable. Where will I get coffee and have a home away from home? Where will I shop for food? Where will I buy my hair product (oh I hope I can find mine here)? The list could go on, but you get the idea. All of this to say, I think I’ve found my happy place. Learning Chinese is bound to get better with a latte in hand.

Lastly, I’ve been thinking about Thanksgiving and all the many things I am grateful for in my life. I look forward to sharing more of these thoughts in an upcoming blog. A new video blog will be up next week if I not frozen solid first.

Click here to see the latest photos.

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*If interested in participating financially, simply mail your check payable to New Life Church (indicate “Maggie Turner ” in the memo section of the check). The check should be mailed to: New Life Church Attention: Global Ministries – Maggie Turner 11025 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921. If you prefer, donations may also be made online. Visit the New Life Church website and click on the “Giving” button located on the homepage. Then follow these simple steps - 1.Sign in if you already have an account or create one. 2.Enter your donation amount and choose the type of gift (one-time/recurring). 3.Choose Adult Missions under Fund then select AM-Maggie Turner under “Sub-Fund".

First Video Blog!

Hope you all enjoy this- my first attempt at a video blog. :)

*To join to theMagruder email update send a request to maggiemagruder@gmail.com

*If interested in participating financially, simply mail your check payable to New Life Church (indicate “Maggie Turner ” in the memo section of the check). The check should be mailed to: New Life Church Attention: Global Ministries – Maggie Turner 11025 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921. If you prefer, donations may also be made online. Visit the New Life Church website and click on the “Giving” button located on the homepage. Then follow these simple steps - 1.Sign in if you already have an account or create one. 2.Enter your donation amount and choose the type of gift (one-time/recurring). 3.Choose Adult Missions under Fund then select AM-Maggie Turner under “Sub-Fund".