Thanksgiving Celebration

I successfully completed my first Thanksgiving in 23 years away from my family and man was it tough. Thankfully there is Skype, where I got to see all my cousins, aunts and uncles huddled around one computer screen in a hotel. It made my Thanksgiving all the much better since I wasn't able to be there with them in person.

As Peace Corps Volunteers we strive to complete three goals:

• Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.

• Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.

• Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Thanksgiving celebration gave us the opportunity to complete goal number two of the Peace Corps mission by introducing traditional foods and customs we celebrate in America. Grenada has a Thanksgiving in October but it is not considered as largely celebrated as the United States does. We invited local counterparts, friends and Peace Corps staff for an afternoon of good food and fellowship. Volunteer Jon explained the history of Thanksgiving to the locals and gave them some insight on what a typical day would consist of, then we went around the room and said what we were all thankful for of course. It was nice to hear the overwhelming gratitude the local Grenadians had for letting them be a part of our special day.

Traditionally this is a day of family, but since we are all out of country we have formed our own sort of Peace Corps family and share special times together. It reminded me that family is really what you make of it and the word can be defined in so many ways.

I was so thankful to be surrounded by good people and share an amazing meal with so many dedicated volunteers, our local counterparts and the Peace Corps staff who takes such good care of us.

We had and hour bus ride and a 1/2 mile walk to our destination. Green bean casserole and celery in tow.

FEAST!!!!

Now THAT is some food.

Peace Corps Volunteers and Peace Corps Staff

Turkeys!!!

I'm Thankful For:

My family- Molly: you inspire me everyday with your hard work and dedication to school and softball. Momma: thank you for always supporting every decision I've made and the awesome care packages!

My best friends: Tressa, Ali, Tia, Sheena, Ashleigh and Katie O.

The days I struggle until I learn something new.

Skype that keeps me connected to my support group.

Grenada, who has taught me so much about myself and the world.

The ability to read and the dedication to teach others.

The global push for equal rights.

My students at St. Paul's Govt School who have taught me love, patience and acceptance.

My coworkers at the school for accepting me with open arms and teaching me all they know, while never being afraid to take some advice.

My coworkers at GNOW, who teach me daily about the culture and struggle for women's rights.

The Peace Corps, "The hardest job you'll ever love", for showing me I can do anything I put my mind to.

Caribbean sunshine that never spares us some shade and paints my skin golden.

The ocean that lends me relaxation when needed and gives me peace from my veranda.

Life: for it is often taken from us to soon as I was reminded of today. RIP BJ.

Little miracles in moments of hopelessness.

Good health that I was blessed with when I arrived in Grenada. Allergies are GONE!

Being an American. I never knew we were so blessed until coming to a third world country.

Momma's home cookin.

Coffee and rain in the morning.

Good music that keeps me sane in an insane world.

Coors Light, that reminds me of good times with great friends.

Iced tea.

Sunday dinners with the landlords.

Children movies that remind me of innocence.

Facebook, for it keeps me occupied in moments of boredom.

Pictures. They freeze a moment for later reminiscing.

Season changes. I'm missing them here in Grenada.