giving thanks

My voice traveled across the ocean and was broad casted on my family's cell phone, speaker phone style, on Thanksgiving. We exchanged thoughts on things for which we are most grateful, but I couldn't think clearly. All day long I had tallied for myself all the small wonderful things I noticed during the day: squishy bread, sunglasses, remembering somebody's name- but I blanked on the big whopper.

I didn't say the thing for which I am most thankful, that I would share with the family before taking a bite of turkey. The part of my life that most amazes me and bowls me over and I feel blessed blessed blessed and could mull over it while inhaling pumpkin pie- I hadn't put my finger on it for the crucial moment during the international holiday phone call.

But I know it now. I am most thankful this year for the support from America.

Letters full of rambling thoughts and encouragement. Facebook pokes and messages of missing me. Encouragement in an out-of-the-blue e-mail. Carefully prepared packages that feel like Christmas and a surprise birthday party all in one. Monetary donations for projects and people asking my parents how I am doing. For people working hard on not worrying too much. For those exercising patience for my return. My faithful blog readers and an elementary school in New York who mailed me art supplies.

Thank you so much. Thank you, you wonderful unconditionally supportive and encouraging people. Without you there would be no list of tiny pleasures to be thankful for in Garly, because without you all rooting for me in America I could not be here.

Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for being the biggest blessing in my life.