Thanksgiving was just around the corner. The menu had been set. The shopping list was made. Everything seemed perfect. I could taste turkey and mashed potatoes. Pictures of different pies, fruit and vegetables came into my mind. I couldn't1!
The day before Thanksgiving my dad called a family meeting. He said we needed to practise being2."We are going to help out at a homeless shelter (收容所) on Thanksgiving Day." I couldn't believe this was happening. So we wouldn't cook our own Thanksgiving dinner. The holiday wouldn't be the same. I thought the day would be ruined (糟蹋).
The next morning, we got up3.I followed my father to the shelter with my sleepy eyes. I had no great expectations and felt4all the way. As soon as we arrived, we got to work. There was so much to be done. But all I could think about was the dinner I couldn't enjoy.
However, those thoughts soon5. Over the next few hours, watched hundreds of people come through the shelter. For some, this was the only hot meal they would eat that week. For others, it was the first time to eat a Thanksgiving meal. The shelter was filled with6.
Through this experience, I learned that Thanksgiving is a time to think about your blessings (祝福) and look for ways to bless others. When I gave up what I had wanted, I discovered how much I have. It is much better to7than to receive. In the end, that Thanksgiving became an8experience.
