Giving thanks in a different kind of way...

So, let's just say that Thanksgiving here WAS NOT the turkey day that we North Americans know and love! To put it simply, I talked to all my family via the wonderful internet and Skype... watched that Macy's Day parade online, and ended up making pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hash browns (thanks to the american style grocery store I've found near my new apartment) for dinner for my friends... two of whom thought pancakes and syrup were way too sweet of a combination and should only be considered desert! :)

My friends attempted to find a restaurant that offered a turkey dinner, but to no avail.

If there is one thing I can say for my first Thanksgiving out of the country, it's that I remembered what the day is REALLY supposed to be about. Afterall, it's not turkey, pie, shopping, or time off of work. It's supposed to remind us of the things in our lives that we are blessed with! All I had to do was stop a few minutes and think... I'm SO blessed! I'm fortunate God has allowed me this opportunity and blessed me with so many wonderful friends, families, co-workers, and WATER (which came back to all of Arequipa on no other day than Thursday)!!!! For this and many other things (like my first normal shower in three days) I definitely remembered to give thanks! Not to mention the wonderful reminder that in reality this day is not about turkey or pie or shopping... while explaining to people about our holiday, I realized it has nothing to do with any of these things! In reality it's about thankfulness and family. I got to speak with all of my family thanks to the internet and the amazing skype program with cameras and all... a real treat. And, if possible, I think I was able to realize more here all that I am truly thankful for...