Impression, Argentina: Thanksgiving Day: Family Gratitude

Hey folks,

I'd like to share my gratitude this Thanksgiving day here on my blog. Living far away from home for a year was an amazing experience and I'd like to send words of love and encouragement to everyone who wishes to live a similar experience, or whoever is living abroad right now.

My first year in Argentina allowed me to see myself more clearly, and become more attuned to the clockwork of my mind. Many problems and difficult situations presented themselves, and without the proximity of family I found it could be quite difficult to fight through some of them. I believe, however, that the challenges I encountered during my first year abroad have given me a sharper understanding of who I am as a person, including my beliefs and values.

Beautiful golden bird looking mighty fine in the oven!

Missing Thanksgiving last year placed into focus the very real importance of the holiday for me. I recall cooking up a few chicken breasts with apple and caramelized onion, a delicious meal but not quite up to the standards of a turkey, stuffing, and copious amounts of gravy. But the best part is being surrounded by a loving family and seeing the expressions of joy that everyone gives.

This year we all pitched in to make the day a successful one, and in doing so it helped strengthen the family bonds, bringing all of us closer together. For example, my sister Heidi prepared a homemade pumpkin pie out of a real pumpkin. Nancy, my mother, prepared the turkey and marshmallow salad. I helped out with the cooking and played football with my brother and dad, while my dad helped manage my super energizer little brother.

I'll finish with my gratitude for all the love and joyful expressions given on Thanksgiving. I realized during my year abroad just how important family is in my life. The eternal love expressed by friends and family is a strong foundation which everyone should have the opportunity to share in.

I like to think of every good act, whether towards friends, family, or complete strangers, helps to build and strengthen this familial foundation that continues to bring joy and light, even as the autumn days darken and winter knocks on the door.