Secondly, This is the time it hits you hard that you are away from family. And for me, that this is the last Thanksgiving I will spend with my parents, and brothers.
Since we are in a city that have Americans, they of course celebrate and try to go all out (with the limited supplies we have). I am very thankful for that. It made it a lot easier.
The reality that we are missing all the traditions hit Tuesday. See Its a tradition that my grandmothers side of the family meet each other halfway at the good ole Cracker Barrel. They were there and we were logging on to Skype and this overwhelming sadness hit. It was so good to see everybody and see them all at once, we even got to see my two new little cousin's! But... All I kept thinking is we are not there. As we logged off, we were rushing to get out the door and go to school. It all happened so fast. It was over in 5 minutes. All I could do was cry. It was beginning to be hard.
On Wednesday, the five of us, had our own little meal. It was a nice meal. My mom made roast, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and macaroni and cheese. She also made some yummy desert, brownies and chess squares. One of our traditions is to go around and each person say at least two things that they are thankful for. When it came to me, I realized that I have a lot to be thankful for. I have a wonderful family that is willing to give up everything to serve HIM. And part of everything is the holidays, and family get together. I am thankful I can call them my parents and brothers.
Well Thursday was just like any other day, worked at the school, and got to hang out with friends it was nice.
On Friday afternoon we had a big lunch with a few new friends. It was such a blessing to be able to celebrate with other people. The food was yummy, and the fellowship was nice. I am so thankful we got to do that.
Well since we are in Asia there are no Black Fridays. So we decided to go to the "city" and go shopping all day Saturday! We got a lot of Christmas presents for each other. Ate McDonald's :). It was a fun day.
Now another tradition my family has is we have a weekend celebration with my papaw's side of the family. We rotate every other year to three different cities in Tennessee. It is such a fun weekend with lots of food and laughter. Some of my funniest memories are from those weekends. That morning on Saturday we got to Skype with them. And again it was very nice to see everyone and talk to them for a few minutes, but it was a reminder we are missing all that.
An added bonus is we got to Skype my mom's family that night and see my great-grandparents, grandmother. It was nice to see them and hear their voices!
And lastly today. We had our last Thanksgiving celebration. A big one to say the least. I got to meet new people, and eat yummy food once again. My mom made this amazing potato casserole. It was a very good meal!
Thanksgiving has a whole new meaning to me. I have had a lot of things on my mind this week. It was a big week, first holiday overseas, and I got my ticket home. Which has made me really think about my family. I am so thankful for them. I have parents who love me very much, and who are a clear example in my life of giving everything up for HIM. I have two awesome brothers who just brighten up my life everyday. I can't imagine life without them. I love my family. As, we were going around the table telling things we were thankful for, I once again was reminded of how lucky am, and that I am really going to miss them. I can't imagine life without them there beside me.
I am so excited to see the rest of my family and friends. I just wish I didn't have to leave my family. If I have no chance to visit them before they come back for a few months, it will be a total of 2 1/2 -3 1/2 years till I see them again. It hard to put that in reality.
Now its time to list a few of the things i am thankful for.
I am thankful that I am here in Asia. Experiencing culture, and a new way of life with my family.
I am so glad I have gotten to see the way they will be living, and what life is like. And be able to be with them for a few of the firsts. It's totally different here and now I can relate with them when we talk about the culture and stuff.
I am also thankful for the rest of my family. They have been so supportive throughout everything. I love that we get to talk often and see their face. I love them all very much!
I am also thankful for the friends I have. Here and there. I love talking to people back at home and telling them all my adventures, and I love hearing theirs as well. I am sooo thankful that HE has given me friends here! I have gotten to do a lot and have lots of fun here!
Once, again my family. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!!! :)
Lastly, I am thankful that HE has been there for me, and will always be there for me. I am so thankful for the gift HE gave, and for the unconditional love HE has for HIS children. I am also thankful that HE has let me see the world from a different angle. I now understand how important that gift is, and it shouldn't be taken lightly.
So even though I have had some sadness here and there, at the end of the day, I AM BLESSED and VERY THANKFUL!!!
