Giving Thanks

With the coming of Thanksgiving comes the familiar increase in the pace of life for most American homes, mine is no exception. What is unique about this year, is that I am now living in a place that does not celebrate Thanksgiving. In fact, I am surrounded by a whole diverse population who do not celebrate Thanksgiving. For example, I ran into a Scottish woman I know, at the grocery store as I was looking to complete my list of ingredients for a pumpkin and pecan pie. You see there is no one stop shopping in China, it may take you four different stores to gather all of the items needed. I mentioned to her that I was trying to find all the things I need for Thanksgiving. "Oh righty, it's your Thanksgiving already, good luck with that." Actually, I am impressed with how many of the non-American expats were even familiar with the holiday. I was not impressed with the expense of some of the coveted items on the menu. The turkey... over 700 RMB , which is $100 US dollars, for the darn bird. Needless to say, I did not prepare a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. First of all, my kids did not have Thursday off from school. They did get Friday off. Second the cost of the bird seems excessive. Third, getting everything you need for proper meal, seems next to impossible here. Fourth, my oven is to small for any of the oversized items we feel compelled to prepare for our traditional feast. So, I made a pumpkin pie instead.

Thanksgiving is about being thankful for all that we have and being with family and friends. Since, I am on the other side of the the planet, I can't be with family and long time friends. The unique thing about living overseas, is that there are a lot of people in the same situation and we are all craving a little familiarity and friendship. So, a wonderful family in our neighborhood has organized a traditional all day feast. We are all chipping in for the catering of the the guest of honor ...the bird, and we are all bringing something to share. The celebration will be on Saturday, instead of Thursday, but the idea of a large group of Americans coming together to break bread, share stories and let the children run, is absolutely appealing.

So, with that, I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. I have a lot to be thankful for, more than I knew before moving to China. I am thankful for my freedom, my rights to speak and worship as I choose. I am blessed for my 3 healthy children and wonderful husband. I am fortunate to have a phenomenal education and access to knowledge. I am thankful for being in a host country that is relatively safe from crime. I am thankful for the friends I have met and experiences had thus far.