from my home, to my other home

Happy Thanksgiving to all-

I thought it would be interesting to take a look back at my past blogs written around the Thanksgiving time and see what I was thankful for then, and then state what it is I am thankful for now.

Thanksgiving 2012 (spent in Gorongoza, Sofala Province with friends)

How to spend Thanksgiving in Mozambique:

First you have to decide last minute (two days beforehand) to travel halfway across the country. Secondly you can only take a backpack because you will be hitchhiking and can’t carry a lot of things. Thirdly I suggest bringing sunscreen or a baseball hat (both is advisable) because more than likely you will be sitting in the bed of a pickup truck for countless hours.

I am thankful for my family and friends, my amazing colleagues here in Mozambique, to be in Africa, capulana’s, hard-boiled eggs (a staple here when traveling), clouds, nice people who give boleia’s, Obama winning the election, music and movies, and the fact that I now have two homes –one here in beautiful Quissico, and one back in the states where my friends and family will always be.

Remembering my travel to Gorongoza in the central part of Mozambique made me smile. It was a fantastic adventure that found myself and other volunteers in (literally) the middle of nowhere sleeping in a tent, and drinking warm beer because we had no energy. I was still so new in my Peace Corps service, that this was a fantastic opportunity to travel and see parts of the country that I otherwise would not have gotten to see.

Thanksgiving 2013 (spent in Bilene, Gaza Province with friends)

This week is Thanksgiving – what is everyone thankful for?

I am thankful that my dad is healthy.

I’m thankful that my family and friends are healthy, happy, and are still very supportive of my life decisions.

I am thankful that I have a beautiful life here in Mozambique, which has introduced me to so many incredible people, Mozambican and others.

I am thankful for real coffee.

I am thankful for you, the faithful blog readers, that make this silly website meaningful.

I am thankful for this life, which has led me on some incredible journeys so far, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

Reading this took me back to the realization that just a year ago my family went through a rather difficult and scary time regarding my fathers health. I am thankful that he continues to get better on a daily basis, and that he remains a positive and encouraging presence in my life. I also remember just how wonderful my friends and family in Quissico (locals and PCV’s) were during the day, and the time leading up to it and am ever grateful for them. The holiday itself was spent with fantastic people, and a beautiful location, eating delicious food. I could not have asked for a better holiday if I tried. 

Thanksgiving 2014 (spent in Queliamne, Zambezia Province)

This Thanksgiving, finds me hard at work here in Quelimane. I decided to not travel anywhere (though I did have some options to do so) because I have been gone for about 3 weeks from site, and this work week has pretty busy. However, with that said, I have taken the time to explain to my coworkers and supervisors what Thanksgiving is, and what my family and friends usually do. The cultural exchange has been lovely, and they have seemed genuinely interested in it. 

Thanks to internet, and social media outlets, I have been able to talk with friends and family members to express my thanks. I even have a skype date set up with my family for late this evening Moz time, around dinnertime for those stateside.

So although I am not officially celebrating today in any traditional way, I would like to take a moment on to express my awareness and thankfulness for all the wonderful things I have had, have and will have, in my life.

To all the people who have made the adventures I have had in my travels, my education, my friendships, family and love, worthwhile, I say “thank you”.