Because I don’t team teach in any of my classes, I usually am giving quite a bit of freedom as far as lessons go. I’m usually given a topic like “Protecting the Nature” or “Knowledge for the Sake of Knowledge, not for Marks” but the actual content of the lesson is up to me. I really enjoy this, as much work as it is a week. Especially when I let the department know that a holiday is approaching and I need to focus all of the lessons that week on the holiday. So last week, I regaled every single one of my students with the glory that is Thanksgiving.
I gave a very basic history of the holiday and taught them that the most important parts of the holiday are: being thankful for all the good things in your life and spending the whole day alternating between binge-eating and sleeping. We made hand-turkeys in all of our classes to hang up on the walls in the English classroom. Most of them were really sweet, with the kids writing things like “I am thankful for love, my family, live [life], animals.” This is the second coloring assignment my students have had and I’m super impressed. They’re so creative. Pictures of some of my favorites will be up shortly! (This includes the boy’s turkey that says “I am thankful for Michael Jackson, Harry Potter, and hens.”)
Although I worked on Thursday, I had a chance on the weekend to get together with other volunteers to celebrate. I don’t think I’ve ever been that excited for Thanksgiving before. Being a really picky eater means that before Saturday it had been maybe 5 years since I last tried turkey, and at least 10 since I last tried gravy. In all honesty, Thanksgiving just used to upset me. I mean, I love the traditions of the day (watching the Macy’s Parade, being with family) but the food made me nervous. So this will come as a shock to my family: I don’t hate turkey or gravy. I don’t know why I used to associate the smell of turkey with cat urine, but turkey’s alright. After talking to Dad about this, I’ve decided that I like gravy, but would prefer it on biscuits.
Anyway, it was magnificent. We had 9 Americans and 3 Ukrainians all together at Jessica’s apartment by the Asov Sea. She did a stellar job of starting preparations for the meal. I think the oven was on the entire day! We ended up having: turkey, mashed potatoes, twice-baked potatoes, stuffing, glazed carrots, green beans with onions, buttermilk biscuits, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, and apple pie. I don’t think I’ve eaten that much in years. We alternated eating, laying down, and playing cards for the rest of the night.
I missed my family, but it wasn’t as sad as some might think, being far away on such a family-oriented day. I realized how much my friends here have become my family. We squabble and get annoyed with each other, and just about everyone complains at least a little about each other once in a while. At the end of it all though, we love to play together and to be around each other whether we’re working or partying or just hanging out talking. I simply can’t imagine this experience without them.
What I am thankful for this year?
The usual things of course- kitties, flowers, Barbara Kingsolver, poetry, strawberries and Glee. But this year, more than ever, I’m thankful for my family and friends.
Family – Your support and love gets me through every day and reminds me to be hopeful. I wouldn’t have been able to leave if I didn’t know that I always have such a loving home to return to.
Friends – Everyone, both here in the U.S. and in Ukraine – I can’t say enough about how much I love you. Knowing you has helped me grow and change as a person. I wouldn’t be me without you and our friendship.
Oh sweet child, the world is a better place with you in it!
We miss you and are thankful for you, sometimes the family snarking at each other just happens. Fact of life that drives all of us nuts.
I agree with Daddy!