What I am Thankful for

As we all know today is Thanksgiving (El dia del accion de gracias) in the United States. I was going to make a normal Thanksgiving dinner for Inma (my host mom for those of you who have not read before this blog), but I decided that I would not. There are three reasons; One, for those of you who know me, I do not cook often and when I do it doesn't usually turn out good (chocolate chip cookies). Two, I think it would have made me more upset. and Three, they do not have the same stuff that we have back home. So instead, I decided to make Inma Chili, one of my favorite foods, and an added bonus, that is easy to cook.

Also, as this is a day that we usually spend time with our family I am homesick. This would have probably been the first time I went home for the semester, I would have had a week long break, and this year a lot of people I know who moved or go to school far away are home for the holiday. These all combined together and have made me super-Paige for the last two days. I have made an extensive to-do list to complete and have stayed on task and today I have more to do as well as I am trying not to dwell on what I am missing (as you can see I am doing so well in this blog).

Anyways, the point of this blog was for me to tell everyone (and to remind myself) what I am thankful for this year.

1. I am thankful for all of the support of my family and friends. Without them I would not be here today and would not be staying in Spain for 9 months.

2. I am thankful for a wonderful host mom who has helped me so much these first two months in Spain. She truly is a lifesaver.

3. I am thankful that I have the oppurtunity to be here and that it is an option for me to leave my home for 9 months and imerse myself in a new culture.

4. I am thankful for my Fiance, who has supported me, listened to me cry, laugh, and complain for these past two months and who has encouraged me the entire time.

5. I am thankful for my American friends, Anna and Vanessa, who are here in Spain as well. They are there when I need to talk and be completely understood.

6. I am thankful that I finally have my residence card for Spain (it was actually today that I got it). I no longer have any paperwork or legal stuff to do in Spain.

7. I am thankful that I am attending college to get an education and that nothing less was expected of me. So many people are put down and do not go to college because it is not expected of them and they don't think they are worthy.

Lastly 8. I am thankful that I have family and friends that are worth missing back home. It is my motivation to make everyone back home, and myself, proud that keeps me going even on days like this. It may be hard and I may miss everyone everyday but I atleast I have you all to miss.

Alright now everyone, enjoy your Turkey, Pie, Stuffing, Football, Family and all that Jazz today. And Tomorrow enjoy Shopping, Christmas Music, Christmas decorations, Christmas movies, and all the joys of the Holidays. Please be safe and be thankful that you are with your families this holiday season!

Hugs and kisses filled with love,

Paige