Squanto 2

(cont'd from yesterday's post)

One of them was Squanto, about 22+ years old. As a boy on the east coast of North America, he had been captured by explorers for slavery. Monks in Spain listened to his story, treated him kindly, and sent him to London, England, where he might find passage back to his home.

Ten years later he did return, only to discover that everyone in his home village had died of disease. He found the surviving Pilgrims in the spring, right where he had lived as a boy. He became a friend and taught them the skills they needed.

Squanto and his friendship and knowledge seemed like a miracle to the Pilgrims. A feast day was held to thank God for their first harvest, the Thanksgiving tradition we still keep. They welcomed 90 braves and their Chief Massasoit to the celebration feast.