Happy Thanksgiving!

I remember the first time I talked about Thanksgiving Day with my friends and family in Greece and the revelation of realizing that not everyone in the world celebrates it. It sounds a bit cultural-centric, but when the millions of people around you have celebrated a holiday for your entire life, you tend to assume that the entire world celebrates it as well. Today I had a true revelation and realization--it's true, not everyone celebrates Thanksgiving.

I woke up to a normal day of work (well, there was another fiesta for the students, so I didn't have afternoon classes...again). I ran to the bus stop only to be left behind by my bus in the rain. Then I had to wait 25 minutes longer than usual for the next bus. I was 15 minutes lat for class. Happy Thanksgiving. (Luckily the Spanish are born to wait, so my students simply applauded when I entered the room.)

Without planning it, for lunch I had leftover homemade curry ground turkey/chicken in my fridge. So here was my turkey today:



However, the day got better as many of my students wished me a Happy Thanksgiving, and my friends were determined to not let me dwell on the day. I met friends at an Irish pub and Spanish tapas bars. They were perfect company for a day that was meant to be spent with loved ones. (I have to admit that when I thought about my friends and family back home sitting down together to a table crowded with abundant food, I became a little nostalgic.)

But don't get me wrong--I'm so thankful for where I am. I'm thankful to be doing what I have been wanting to do for years. I'm thankful for having friends and family back home, loving and supporting me despite the miles. I'm thankful to be making lasting friendships here in Spain. In all, I'm thankful for where God has placed me.

So I want to wish everyone back home a Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope you had a lengthy list of things to be thankful for as well. Happy Thanksgiving!