Our little mobile home in rural Bridgton, Maine, is abuzz with activity and chatter right now.  I drove down to Sturbridge, Massachusetts this afternoon to pick up our two oldest daughters (Jo, age 21 and Naomi, age 19) from college for Thanksgiving vacation.  They brought two friends with them who live too far away to go home for the week.  Amy is from Alberta, Canada and Becky is from Texas.  We've all had some supper, and now everyone is trying to tell each other a semester's worth of news while Rose, our 12 year old, is showing everyone her newly mastered juggling skills.

It amazes me that so many people feel so at home in our house.  We've had several couch surfing young people live with us for periods of time, as well as a middle aged woman trying to get out of a desperate relationship.  We have students and families and church members dropping in on various days for various reasons.  We've had out of town guests, in one case from as far away as Uganda, stay with us for one night or several. 

In our house.

The house with the tiles that are chipped and have shifted out of place.  The house with the toilet that has never quite worked right.  The house with leak stains in the ceiling from winters past. 

Don't get me wrong, we are very comfortable and we love our home, but it's small.

And it's seen better days.

And I'm not very handy with repairs.

But the people keep coming.  and they keep laughing and talking and eating and telling stories.  I guess that's why it's not just a house, it's a home.  My friend, Josh, who himself lived with us on and off when he was single, says that there's an atmosphere in our home that is very special for him, and, in more recent days, for his wife as well. 

 I take little to no credit for this pleasant atmosphere in our home.  My wife, Sue, however, deserves much of the credit.  As humble as our abode is, there's always a quaint center piece on our table, candles burning on the hearth, hot water for tea, and a warm welcome. 

So, presently it's two additional college girls here through Thanksgiving (in fact, there's a third co-ed driving up from New Jersey Tuesday).  The door, as always, is open.

I guess I have a lot to be thankful for.