Happy Thanksgiving!

I love Thanksgiving! My family is gathered in Oregon with my aunts, uncles and cousins. Of course, I wish I was with them. I woke up this morning thinking of past Thanksgivings with my DeKorte relations. Kim, Matt and I used to write, produce, and act in Thanksgiving plays. Kim and I were always Pilgrims and Matt would represent the Native. Then, there was exploding giant marshmallows on the candied yams incident. Not a Thanksgiving goes by that I don't think of that spectacular moment! I just made a new memory of Thanksgiving with the DeKortes. I got to talk to them over Skype and see all their familiar faces. It seriously has made my day!
We did have school today, though we get the next four days off for Albanian Liberation and Independence Day (s). Most of my students have no background knowledge of Thanksgiving. It was really a challenge to break it down for them. Today, we beaded necklaces in patterns and ate popcorn. This past Monday, we did this fun crafty project. Marcie, kindergarten teacher extraordinaire, emailed me this idea. Thanks, Marcie, for helping to build a Thanksgiving memory for my students! It's amazing what you can do with a toilet paper role...

Here's how I spent my Thanksgiving! It was an International Thanksgiving with 4 Albanians, 3 Canadians, and 2 Americans. We dined at Stephen's Center which is a hotel/ restaurant opened by Christian missionaries back in the early 90s. They specialize in American cuisine. We had a yummy Thanksgiving dinner followed by pumpkin pie! It was Entela, Berti, Florian and Anila's first Thanksgiving. Entela told me that she had walked by a man who looked lonely and it made her recognize how lucky she is to have us as friends...the feeling is mutual! I'm so thankful for my friends (who are very much like my family).
Two of the three Canadians! And no, Demetra is not Tracey's mom, although they look a lot alike. Here you can also see the good old fashioned pumpkin pie with whipped cream. You might be wondering why I'm making such a big deal about pumpkin pie with whipped cream. It's because neither of these items are readily available. I'm still excited about the dessert!

I have a lot to be thankful for. I know, with out a doubt, that Albania is where I need to be for this season of my life. It's good to reflect on God's grace that has brought me to this point. Hope every one's Thanksgiving was as joyful as mine!