I had a lightbulb realization this past weekend: as a family, this is the first turkey day and major holiday in which our feet won't be on US soil. It's kinda weird. Even with various abroad excursions in our youth, we have typically (not counting the pandemic era) made it "home for the holidays" and are surrounded by extended family in some way. Despite Thanksgiving having layered and rightfully lamentable significance for many communities, I claim it as one of my favorite celebrations. Why? Because I believe pausing and having gratitude matters. I also love how the surrounding expectations are food-centered instead of gift-centered. So, instead of making a to-do list of food prep, hitting the road, or submitting an order with Hy-vee, we are keeping it simple with just the four of us. We picked up a chicken from the rosticeria up the street, whipped up some mashed potatoes, sauteed asparagus (the green vegetable that looked the best), and the kids helped me bake apple pie (see recipe below!) Not that I thought about it. Ha! I also have thought about some people and things that have made our time away from home and being here possible, if not better than it could be. While, of course, healthy bodies & minds, the love and support of family & friends, and our overall ability to do most of the things we want to do, in addition to the need to do, are paramount, I honestly get a little teary (big surprise) about the kindness and generosity of others on our quiet frankly, undeserved, behalf. So, in no particular order or significance, I'm thankful for the following (and much more, but here is a very short non-comprehensive list):
Brad, Becca, June, Josie & George Barnhart - this busy family of five is kindly giving our aging and anxiety-prone dog, Omie, a place to be loved and call home. Jonathan Fell - while we are away, he is using his Renaissance man skills to manage the needs of our house and tenant in Iowa City.
Allie Tank - for being a rockstar cul-de-sac neighbor and the adoptive mom of my cherished plants.
Chip Williams - a Klazura family friend, for generously sharing a dry and uber-clean place for our van to park in Rockford.
WhatsApp - I know, kinda strange, but this text message app is our lifeline to so much here. From school announcements to arranging appointments/services and keeping track of nearly everything, it bridges language and cultural gaps daily.
Memo - short for Guillermo, is the senior-aged instructor for my Zumba class. Whenever I show up, he smiles and yells over the blaring music, "Y mi güera!" which affectionately means, "And my white, blond girl!" It makes me feel seen, and I'm thankful for it.
You! - Yes, you, for reading this little blog filled with family updates and some of my personal musings. All of the likes on social media, the love yous, and the feedback make the heavier moments lighter. It proves that despite the lack of proximity, there is community and support not just when we are in a different place but always. So thank you.
The next entry will be a little update about the kids and Ryan. Stay tuned!
Happy Thanksgiving to you all! Your posts bring light to our lives as well. Such a rich experience for your family . David and I stop and read your posts together, reminisce about our times in Merida so long ago. We are thankful that you have shared this with us Megan! Abrazos!