Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings from Sacramento, CA! Belated Happy Thanksgiving day as we praise and appreciate God’s generosity and kindness for all the graces – good health, peace, joy, among many others! Thanksgiving Day also means the start of the holiday season for shopping, sharing and giving.

On our monthly Catholic Lunch Club held on November 13 at the Radisson, the guest speaker was Mr. Pat McCaskey, co-owner Chicago Bears Football team and Founder, Sports Faith International. His discussion included the connection between faith and football, the Vatican has a sports office, growing up in the world of professional football, being one of 11 children, how the apostles made a great ‘football team’ with its great team spirit obedient to their great Coach, among others. Pat has gained unique insights into the importance of religion and athletics at all levels, and he shared them all during the forum – what amazing life experiences, and the deep connections between our faith and the sports we play!

Consistent with my culture immersion goals, November highlights were:
• Nov. 10 – completion of our Bible study “Journey with Christ” (through old and New Testament timelines) culminated with group lunch at the home of our leader Claude R.
• Nov. 21 – Sean and I attended the Appreciation dinner for all religious clergy (priests, deacons, nuns, etc.) of St. Mel’s parish held at the Doheny Hall. It was also an occasion for the parish priest to present the on-going major project for a new parish center and other fund-raisers. The good thing about ‘tithing’ in America is that everything you give is properly acknowledged and receipted for, since you have a registration number and accounted in the tax returns. Even for transient contributions like when I visited the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in D.C. and I made a donation in an envelope, it was promptly acknowledged, with enclosed petition envelope and choir music CD, and I had been networked continuously with them since then. I actually feel being part of the Church - the Mystical Body of Christ.

• Nov. 26 – Thanksgiving Day! As our 1st year citizenship year, we ordered a complete Turkey dinner with all the sidings the day before. Following the recipe instructions, we turned out an excellent crispy turkey expected to last through the Christmas season since we got several invitations for the day. We had lunch at the Elk Grove home of Tess and Russell R. together with two other Pinoy couples and their kids. The husbands of the two ladies are brothers who are from Bohol, so I truly enjoyed bonding with them till 5:00pm. Then we had to move to our dinner appointment with Beth G and family at their home in Gold River (she is originally from Lipa, Batangas whom I befriended at St. Mel’s church). They had a feast of Turkey and Filipino foods; likewise, the guests were a mix of whites and Pinoys, culminated with the usual Karaoke session. Sean did the singing turn for us while I enjoyed chatting with new friends, some with connections to my NPC network – yes, we live in a small inter-connected world!

• Nov. 27 – the big Friday shopping day! Even while we were at dinner, Sean’s friends were calling for us to go to Folsom outlets by midnight but I could not stand the cold so decided to go by daytime instead. While I attended Mass and my adoration commitment first, Sean went to the Mall to choose his stuff. After he fetched me, we went back to pay for them, before we proceeded to the outlet stores of Coach and Naturalizer. Sean’s friends made a queue for me so I can get into those stores, before they went to watch the movie New Moon. By the way, I had finished reading the 4 books of the Twilight series (out of curiosity, since I am not into fiction) but I refuse to watch the movies (could not stand the screaming of Team Jacob / Team Edward fans).
• Nov. 28 – Amidst very strong winds and cold climate, we watched the traditional Santa parade in downtown Sacramento from 10:00 am to 2pm, joining the local folks and kids ogle at participants in their colorful holiday floats and costumes, before going for more shopping, then to Mass; This parade marks the start of the Christmas season here in CA (unlike in Pinas which started early in Sept.);
• Nov. 29 – brought out the Christmas decors from the closet to start home decorating to imbibe the spirit of this joyful season.

Attached are 4 photos of: Thanksgiving get-together and parade. Let us continue to pray for our country and people. Peace and Joy to You and God Bless Us All!

Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG