My heart was heavy today. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday in the States. I don't particularly agree with the idea behind the holiday, but it always warms my heart at a time when the weather really starts to become bitter cold. I love the entire day spent at grandma's, with the smells of apple pie and turkey coming from the kitchen. The traditions and the company and the overwhelming love and laughter that fills the house. So it was with a heavy heart that I woke this morning knowing that not only was I spending the holiday on the other side of the world, but I also had to FREAKING GO TO WORK. Such a shame. However, Kaye and Roger had been planning a Thanksgiving feast with a variety of guests and American-style dishes, so I had that to look forward to at the end of the day. I invited Catherine, my mentor teacher, and her husband John and daughter Amelia. We had also invited Lorraine, who is the woman in charge of placing me with Kaye, Roger, and Catherine in Darwin; she flew in from Melbourne the night before to meet me and see how things were going at school, and of course to share a part of the feast. There were 13 guests total. And Kaye went all out. Even though she searched all the stores in Darwin for turkey decorations and found none, she did manage to find some autumn looking leaves to spread across the table and an American flag to hang outside. Not to mention the red, white, and blue napkins. Fran, a family friend, also brought a beautiful centerpiece for the table that fit the holiday nicely. And at the end of the night I even got to FaceTime my mom and dad, as Catherine really wanted to meet my mom. The night was full of laughter and love, and my heart was heavy again for different reasons.It was so full of thankfulness for the people that surrounded me and the love and welcoming that I have received in Darwin.
So on this day when I am so many miles away from all of the people I love and all of the places that feel like home, I am still eternally thankful. Thankful for a life that has been filled with such happiness, love, laughter, and experiences. Thankful for a family that FaceTimes me from Thanksgiving dinner at grandmas. Thankful for parents who have given me the world at my fingertips, literally. Thankful for friends who don't let the time difference change a single thing. Thankful for a new home and a new family in Darwin, for Kaye and Roger for being my Australian mum and dad. Thankful for not only an incredible mentor but a really good friend in Catherine. Thankful for the storm that finally cooled things off a bit today before dinner. Thankful for all the people I've got in my corner and all the corners I've been lucky enough to visit. Thankful for the memories and thankful for this present day. Thankful that tonight reminded me just how good this world can be.
So on this day when I am so many miles away from all of the people I love and all of the places that feel like home, I am still eternally thankful. Thankful for a life that has been filled with such happiness, love, laughter, and experiences. Thankful for a family that FaceTimes me from Thanksgiving dinner at grandmas. Thankful for parents who have given me the world at my fingertips, literally. Thankful for friends who don't let the time difference change a single thing. Thankful for a new home and a new family in Darwin, for Kaye and Roger for being my Australian mum and dad. Thankful for not only an incredible mentor but a really good friend in Catherine. Thankful for the storm that finally cooled things off a bit today before dinner. Thankful for all the people I've got in my corner and all the corners I've been lucky enough to visit. Thankful for the memories and thankful for this present day. Thankful that tonight reminded me just how good this world can be.