Being Thankful for It All

I have so many things in my life to be thankful for.... a wonderful husband, beautiful, healthy children, amazing immediate and extended family, good friends all over the world, and the adventure that Dan's job has allowed us to live for the past 16 years. There are days that I get caught in the moment and tend to forget so many of these positives. Life in India is a roller coaster to say the least. I have developed a love/hate relationship with the country. Most days it is more love but every so often those "grrrrr get me home days" creep in.

So, along comes the holiday season. Halloween was all about the kids. I was nervous about having seven families with a total of seventeen children at our place, but it went off with a bang. Friends included us in their Diwali celebration showing us the traditions and joy of this important Indian holiday. Then along comes Thanksgiving. A truly American holiday that I have always loved. Growing up, Thanksgiving was full of aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends. We would eat at lunchtime, then play games, watch football, and pull out the leftovers at dinnertime. Great memories. When we lived in China, most of our friends were American. This meant that Thanksgiving was similar to the way we would celebrate it in the US. Close friends with good food, getting together, being thankful for everything God has given us and creating more precious memories. Our first Thanksgiving in India comes along without any plans. Sadness sets in while thinking of the four of us eating fried rice at home just like any other mealtime. An American friend, who was feeling the same way as I, came along and and bam....let the celebration begin.

We used the clubhouse at our complex which opens onto the playground. We rented a bounce house for the kiddos. No Indian celebration seems complete without a bounce house.

I ordered a turkey with the fixings from the club at the American Embassy and everyone brought their favorite dish. Yummy!! We even had apple pie and a gingerbread house. There were families from all over the world....America, Canada, India, Denmark, UK, Germany, Australia, Sweden and probably one or two more that I forgot.

I think Rachel and her friends put a little of each type of dessert on their plates.

The kids had their own area to sit and eat.

And...the men found a corner to sit in and discuss "man stuff."

I am so thankful for where we live, our friends and neighbors. Every time I am on the hate side of my relationship with India, one of my friends comes along with a smile, an offer to join them for dinner, some much needed advice, and/or a shoulder to lean on. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Rachel and school

Rachel and some of her friends on the school playground. Five of the sixteen girls in her class.

Yesterday, I had Rachel's parent-teacher conference for the end of third quarter. What a joy it is to hear someone gush over our little girl. My apologies if that comes across as sounding overly proud. It's just that in my eyes, totally biased of course, she is perfect. Well....not perfect but at least the smartest, prettiest, funniest, and friendliest six year old ever. It is nice to hear that she is right on target for first graders. Average for math skills and above average in reading and phonics. She has lots of friends, both boys and girls and tends to play with whoever is having the most fun. Her strengths seem to be when she is in front of people. Singing, acting, and reading out loud all tend to be her cup of tea. So different from me in this way. I am comfortable with people and able to talk to almost anyone. (most of you are saying....and talk, and talk, and talk.) I do not like to be by myself in front of a group though. Rachel loves it and can't wait for the next opportunity.

An anecdote from this quarter. The first graders had a field trip to St Mary's hospital. There was a role playing experience about taking someone to the emergency room. They were given the scenario but the words and actions were impromptu, on the spot. Rachel was chosen to play the part of "Mom" taking a little one to ER. Chairs were set up to be the car. "Dad" got in the driver's seat while Rachel buckled in little one. She then went to the driver's side and said, "Move over Dad, I'm driving." At this point the teachers and chaperones in the back of the room started giggling which just pumped her up more. I guess from this point on, she took over the play and had them all in tears with her comments. For example, the "Nurse" asks if they have other children and Rachel says, "No, but we are seriously considering it." She loved it and can't wait to get on a stage again. Could it be possible that she has found her calling at an early age. No, but it is fun to see her enjoying life so much.

Rebekah and I have been volunteering at lunch and recess two days a week this month. It is nice to get a "fly on the wall" type of view of the class and its dynamics. At first, Rachel thought it was cool to have her little sister visit. She is now so "over it." Thankfully, the other girls in first grade love having Rebekah around and always ask her to come sit with them or play on the playground with them. I am also thankful that she still loves to have me come to school. Hmmmm....wonder what age this will become uncool??? Sooner than I will be ready for so I'm loving every opportunity I have now.