Being Thankful

Thanksgiving has arrived. While I do wish I were at home mashing potatoes (the extent of my turkey day responsibilities) there are so many things to be thankful for in Malawi.

1) My family. They are flying around the world to go to the bathroom in a hole in the ground and eat nsima. That is love.

2) My friends. In Malawi and in America. Emails, letters, packages of encouragement and support make me believe I have the best friends in the whole world.

3) Health. Maybe it was the chemical burn in eye or watching Sarah's courageous battle with cancer but out health is so precious. You never know when you might misread a contact solution label or go through a scary doctors appointment.

4) The rains. Rainy season is here in Malawi. While it will soon become a swampy, muggy mess I am currently thankful for the reprieve it gives from the heat. I am also thankful for the reminder that all seasons are temporary.

5) My Malawian family. I am thankful for the hugs I get from Dennis and Derrick every morning before I go to school, watching Derrick's body explode into a crazy wild spasm when he is so happy he can't control himself, for Vinny's songs when I come home from a trip, for Innocent's earnestness and perceptiveness, my Amayi's constant concern. Well, sometimes I am not thankful for that but it is really nice to have someone to make sure I am okay. Or, to let me know when I am getting fat.

6) Malawi. While it has taken my patience and occasionally my sanity and made me speak in an awkward bizarre accent constantly misusing words and switching my 'l's and 'r's while writing and speaking it has the lake. And millions of smiling faces and generous spirits, and crazy adventures, beautiful sunsets, hundreds of lessons, and a lifetime of memories. Fair trade.

7) The future. I am currently applying to graduate school. I have no idea where I will end up but I am so excited that next year at this time my life will be completely different. That is awesome.

8) Cold Fanta

9) My students. I love teaching again. My form 4s (senior year) are witty and clever, and hardworking and make me laugh every day. I will miss them. a lot.

10) Learning how to live alone. In a village in Malawi in Africa. This was and continues to be the toughest lesson. Being alone can be a scary thing-I am learning to embrace it and even crave it. I am thankful for that.

There are lots of other things I am thankful for like nutella, post-it notes, good books, Glee, etc but these are the big things this year. I am hope you take this time to be thankful too.

loads of love,
e