Christine- Bringing the tradition to Chile

Thanksgiving is always a special time to gather with family and friends. Since the volunteers are not able to be with their family this Thanksgiving, Kristina (volunteer) hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for several us. She went above and beyond in her self appointed task and really put together a beautiful dinner. She made esparagus, zucchini, green beans, mashed potatoes, cornbread, black beans, and one of the most delicious turkey's I have ever eaten! For dessert she made a pumpkin pie and pumpkin pie bread. It was perfect! She couldn't have done a better job.

Here's the table:

Here's my first plate:

This is Jennifer and I after a great meal!

Joe and Paul enjoying dessert.

Cheers to an American style Thanksgiving in a Chilean culture.

As we all sat around the table talking, reminiscing, and laughing, one had the idea of going around the table and sharing something we are thankful for.

My list of things I am thankful for this year:

• I'm thankful for my very supportive family.
• I'm thankful for the cards and packages that my mom and family sent me while I have been in Chile.
• I'm thankful for the friends and relationships I have made in Chile.
• I'm thankful for the great host family I have here.
• I'm thankful for the opportunity to have traveled throughout Chile to see the various types of landscapes this beautiful country offers.
• I'm thankful for my parents help in tending to some of my ongoing responsibilities in the US.
• I'm thankful for alfajores.
• I'm thankful that Antofagasta has a salsa dancing scene. It is how I met some of the great people I know here.
• I'm thankful for my brother's visit in May.
• I'm thankful for the million "hello's" and hugs I gave and received from my students.
• I'm thankful to live by the ocean.
• I'm thankful for the ride to school I got from a fellow teacher every morning.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

CW