Thanksgiving

For me, it is already Thanksgiving...yes, it may have just turned midnight, but that still means it's Thursday and I just got a vision of my family eating Thanksgiving dinner without me tomorrow...today. Mom cooking up a storm, my brothers fighting, the dog being kicked outside for begging too much. The thought made me really sad, but it's only my favorite meal of the whole year that I'm missing out on...being eaten by my favorite people. :)
What a strange thing to be away from home for the holidays and here it won't feel any different than just another Thursday. It's hard to believe that it's already turkey day really, there are still leaves on the trees here and no snow in sight...and even though I don't like it, no american football either. But as always, I have so much to be thankful for today and everyday, which is what we need to celebrate. So here are some things I am remembering to be thankful for today:

1) A good home to return to, with loving family and friends, people who have supported me though everything and whom I could never thank enough.

2) The food that I will put on my table today; it may not be a Thanksgiving feast, but my eating habits are more privileged than the majority of the people in the world.

3) A solid roof over my head. I may not like living in the residence hall, but at least I'm not out in almost freezing temperatures tonight. I have blankets, a heater and hot running water and I will be so thankful for warmth tonight.

4) My experience here in Spain. It may seem like I don't realize how blessed and lucky I am to be here since I'm leaving early, but that is far from true. This adventure has taught me more about life and myself than I could have ever imagined. I will always be thankful for this opportunity and even though it hasn't worked out as the best place for me to be, I'm thankful that I had guidance in making that decision and support when I was at my worst.

I hope everyone, no matter what country they live in, will take some time, especially today, to remember what life has gifted them.
Writing this was not much of a cure for homesickness, but at least I have a place to miss, and I'm so grateful for that!

Love Always.