Thanksgiving

Well I have now had my first Thanksgiving away from home. On Thursday I had simply a regular work day, and honestly it was kind of weird. I thankfully got to talk to my family though and also got a wonderful package from my amazing friends to brighten my day! And I did have my first grade boys make Turkey hands...just like I did back in about first grade.

Today (Sunday) we had a delicious, all-American Thanksgiving meal though! Madre Cindy made it all...she refused to have any help. She is a great cook and really made an awesome meal. We had turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes (kind of), cranberries, etc. Also pumpkin pie and apple pie with ice cream! Yum! There were other Americans (basically former volunteers who live in Quito) here as well for the festivities. Unfortunately no football and tv specials though...but I am currently watching Love Actually for the second time in 2 days!

Being Thanksgiving, it also got me thinking of all the things I'm thankful for. I really do have a pretty good life. I am so thankful for all of you, my family and friends. You guys are the ones who are sending me emails and notes, listening to me in the hard times, and always there to brighten my spirits. I am also so thankful for people here in Quito. I have definitely been challenged in the last couple months, but also been able to experience such genuine love and an opportunity to understand different ways of life. I know that this month will definitely be hard at times, but I am thankful for a such a huge, loving God that I know will provide me ways to keep my head and positive!

On another note, my soccer team, LIGA, is about to win the South American Cup on Wednesday. They played their first leg here in Quito on Wednesday and won 5-1 making it nearly impossible to lose in Rio de Janiero on Wednesday. Woo hoo. It was awesome as someone at the Center gave me a ticket to the game, because they knew I loved going to the games so much, and I got to experience the hysteria and fun! It was amazing!

Love you all! Happy Thanksgiving (a little late)!
Taylor