Giving Thanks

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A couple weekends ago, Justin and I hosted a good ‘ol American Thanksgiving. Our fellow teachers made the trek to Xi’an on planes, trains, and busses— some came from the Southwestern Guizhou province, while others made the journey from cities near Xi’an. In total, we had 12 other teachers join us for the festivities. And celebrate, we did.

Our toaster oven, microwave, and two-burner stovetop surely limited our cooking abilities, so we (and by we, I mean Justin) spent most of the week prepping and cooking.

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We had to do without a turkey (no turkeys in China) so we compromised with 5 pre-cooked (small) chickens and 1 pre-cooked duck. Along with the meat, we whipped up several green bean casseroles, dishes of roasted root vegetables, bowls on bowls of mashed potatoes, and a large apple cabbage salad.

Two of our guests graciously prepared many delicious hors d'oeuvres to compliment the meal: 3 french baguettes, several varieties of cheese (hello brie), fruit, tortilla chips, and salsa. They also brought along two cakes (sorry, no pies in China either): one chocolate-mousse and one vanilla-fruit.

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Needless to say, we feasted.

Like most American Thanksgivings, many glasses of wine, cans of beer, and tumblers of whiskey were consumed. We laughed, we sang, we chatted, we played musical chairs. A little fight even broke out between an Australian and an American... But what Thanksgiving would be complete without one?

For some, it was their first Thanksgiving celebration. For others, it was their twentieth. Whether we were novices or experts, we all shared a wonderful memory together: our first Thanksgiving in China.

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The holidays always leave me feeling nostalgic. This year, being far away from friends and family in a country so different than my own has turned that nostalgia level up a few notches, to say the least. I’ve spent some time jotting down a long list of things I'm grateful for and I thought it would be fitting to share 10 of them here. As we come into the last month of 2016, I hope it inspires you to do the same.

I’m thankful for...

  1. The support and love from my family, especially my parents— I know my decision to move halfway across the world wasn’t the greatest news, but I thank my family for giving me roots and understanding my need for wings. 

  2. Justin, for everything— for love, support, understanding, strength, fun... My partner on this wild journey.

  3. My friends—new and old, here in China and at home in the States— for the laughs and wonderful times we’ve shared together. 

  4. My entire experience in China— to be teaching in a great school in a bustling city, what more could I ask for? Although some days are harder than others, I’m thankful to be here.

  5. Technology— despite the technical difficulties and slow internet, I’m grateful it allows me to stay in touch with those I love.

  6. My health— for allowing me to travel, to experience, to live.

  7. My home yoga practice— what I turn to, what I find solace in. Even while I’m thousands of miles away from home, I still try to get on my mat. And I always feel better for it.

  8. The time I have to write and read— two of my favorite pastimes. I’m grateful my job gives me the time (and energy) to write and read every day.

  9. Instant coffee— I had to throw it in here. Living in a country where ground coffee either doesn’t exist or is too expensive, I’m thankful to have my single-serving Nescafé packets every morning.

  10. My students— for their energy, enthusiasm, joy, and love of learning. They never fail to put a smile on my face.

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As always, I'm grateful for you, my reader. I hope you shared many wonderful memories with your family and friends this Thanksgiving. Thank you again for taking the time to read this— I truly do appreciate it. Namaste!

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