Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope it was a time of blessings spent with family and friends. While I missed my mother's cooking this year, I was lucky enough to be invited to a Thanksgiving celebration hosted by the Maryknoll community here in Cochabamba. It was quite the spread!
We ate turkey and mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce, pies and ice cream, Vietnamese spring rolls and guacamole, and sweet potato casserole and banana bread. The guests included Maryknoll missionaries, Salesian missionaries, Franciscan missionaries, and guests from the community. We started with an English mass, which I haven't attended in almost a year, before settling down for a feast. I am grateful that I got to spend time with some of the friends I have made since coming to Bolivia as well as eat traditional American food.
But most of all, I was glad to have the time to reflect on all of the blessing in my life this past year. Here of some of the things I am grateful for:
My family. Although I haven't been able to spend time with my family this year, I value their support and how they have helped me become who I am today. I value all of the time I have been able to spend with them up to this point and look forward to seeing them again soon.
My friends. For my friends back in the states and the friends I have made since coming to Bolivia. For friendships that give me strength and help me be a better person.
My time in Bolivia. For the chance to experience new cultures and places. To learn and grow in confidence and speaking another language. To view God's grand creation.
The girls I care for. For their unique talents and their joyful smiles. For their never-ending hugs and kisses. For their laughter and their tears. For the times that they test my patience and make me grow.
For hot showers, especially when it is cold or when I am sick, tired, or stressed.
For clean water to drink.
For internet that works.
For delicious food.
For every moment that we are given on this Earth.
P.S. Thanksgiving photo credit goes to Olivia.
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