Thankful.

THANKFUL: adj. 1: conscious of benefit received; 2: expressive of thanks; 3: well pleased, glad

Well it seems as though another year has passed and I truly wonder if that in the last 365 days since the previous Thanksgiving, I've stopped to think about how unbelievably lucky and blessed I am. I've been thinking so much about my family since I've been here and today especially is just one of those days where I really miss home. I miss the warm familiarity and comfort of my family and close friends that can not be duplicated anywhere else. I am so thankful for them and for their immense support and love that seems infinite despite incidents in the past and rough patches we've been through. Even from across the World, I feel the complete opposite of alone and so loved. I am so blessed to have such an amazing family and I would love nothing more than to be able to teleport home and be able to sit in the dining room table and listen to our crazy family conversations, eat the Barbara family's traditional Cajun Thanksgiving, gossip with my sisters and mom, watch football with my dad, and quite possibly make up ridiculous and gross songs (a tradition since Barbara family roadtrip 1994?...;) ).

While I do miss home more than words can describe, I am so thankful for this experience and opportunity in my life. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by a wonderful family in Italy and wonderful friends as well. I get to spend my days with three of the most loving children who's perspective on life is so honest and untainted by the monetary and standard things that "grown ups" need to make them feel happy. They mean the world to me and teach me more about life than they will ever know. This Saturday the family here is even doing a Thanksgiving dinner for me and the other Americans here which means so much. (I'll post pictures from the meal after!) Being here in Torino has brought so many wonderful people in my life who I am more than gracious for. I am learning much about myself and others in an experience that most people don't get to have and for that I am truly, truly thankful.

The chalkboard that the kids and I did this week for Thanksgiving!

So thankful to have Martina, Gabriele, Matilde (and Francesco, the friend of Gabri's) in my life!

So from 2,000+ miles away, Happy Thanksgiving. :)

and WHO DAT!