Happy Thanksgiving!

It has come to the first holiday I'll not be home for, and what a dandy to miss! My Thursday is over half finished, and my family at home hasn't even woken to their Thursday yet. I know they'll be heading to Grams house for a very large turkey, mashed 'tatoes and gravy, stuffing, veggies, and cheeses… Then, once they're full to the brim they'll dish up the pie. MmmmMmm. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Luckily, we're having a version of that menu here in the Far East. (or West depending on which direction you choose) In a couple hours I'll be heading over to Joe's house. He ordered a turkey online, and all of us are bringing a dish for the table. It has the makings of being quite delicious.

There are many strange happenings with this holiday - mostly because I'm in China, not at home, and not going shopping into the wee hours of morning. But one stand out strangeness is that today I went to school to teach. For the first time in 22 years, I went to school on Thanksgiving. I know, its odd.

I will admit that being away from home has been hard, and missing this holiday isn't easy. But there are three things that are helping me. First, the weather in China is weird. It has just gotten cold, so it doesn't feel like holiday season already. I imagine Christmas will sneak up on me too with the lack of snow. Second, I've come to realize in the last few weeks that I chose to be here. I wasn't forced into this. And because of that fact, I really have no reason to complain. Now, I will say I miss home, because I do have a heart. It just doesn't bring me down as much. Being here has been amazing so far, and I wouldn't trade these experiences for anything. Even my favorite meal of the year. (Plus, Gram said she'd make me turkey in July) And third, because of the wonders of technology and a little help from coffee to help me stay awake, I'll be able to talk to my family. It's not the same as being there in person, but it's pretty fabulous. To wrap up this post, I just want to say to my people back in the Fox Cities of WI that I miss you guys. I thought about saying I wish I was there… but the truth is, I wish you were here. I can't even think of one specific thing I want you to see or experience, I just want you to see this place. Nevertheless, sending all my love and have a piece of pumpkin pie for me!!

Until next time.