Give Thanks

This is certainly the farthest away from home I’ve ever been on Thanksgiving.  It’s the beginning of the time of year when you should be surrounded by family and close friends to remember where you came from and how much you have to be grateful for.  I find myself feeling very grateful for skype, which has allowed me to keep in contact with my loved ones thousands of miles away these past four months!

In fact, there are a lot of things of which I am grateful this Thanksgiving.  There are silly, little things like the internet and fleece blankets (it’s gotten quite chilly here).  There are also the predictable, yet important things like family, friends, and faith.  But this year I have a few other things of which I am thankful.   I’m thankful for a Sovereign Planner who brought me to this wonderful county and has allowed me such joy and adventure in my life.

 I am also thankful that next year He will be taking me to Britain to study for my master’s.  Just this past week, I received acceptance letters to Durham University and King’s College London, both in England.  I am still waiting to hear back from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland (of Wills and Kate fame).  Regardless of which school I chose, I’ll be studying International Relations and Intelligence, with a focus on the Middle East.  Deciding which school to go to will not be easy and I’m praying for guidance daily.  I promise to keep you updated of the result!

Though I am not able celebrate Thanksgiving in true American fashion, my flatmate and I did host a potluck this past Tuesday.  We had friends from America, England, Japan, and of course China!  Unfortunately there was no Turkey to be had, but we did have mashed potatoes (courteously of yours truly), pumpkin pie and stuffing.  The food was a nice reminder of my home in America and the company was a nice reminder of my new home in China. 

Remember to take a moment this Thanksgiving, reflect on your blessings, and give thanks to the one who blesses!