So much past inside my present..

Happy Thanksgiving, America.

This was the first Thanksgiving that I've spent away from home. I can't imagine what it must have been like today at home. Calling home was very emotional and when I got off the phone and Anna asked me, "How's the fam?" and I said, "Good" out of automatic response, she knew I didn't mean it and asked if I needed a hug and I cried like a baby in her arms. Needless to say the morning and early afternoon were kind of rough. I ate lunch alone and kind of moped and worked on my paper.

Eventually though, I came to a sort of conclusion. Even if I cannot be with my family, the day gave me a lot of time to think about what I'm thankful for this year. The past 3 months have been some of the happiest of my entire life. I've seen more of this country than some Kiwi do in their lifetime. I'm constantly in awe with my surroundings. I've felt tiny and insignificant in the face of towering mountains, endless oceans, and under crystal clear starry night skies. I never thought I would climb an active volcano or swim with dolphins or snorkel in subtropical islands. I've learned more about the world than I could ever learn from a classroom or a book. The friendships I've made are golden. I've met so many amazing people and done so many things. Most importantly, I've learned so much about myself.

This thanksgiving I am thankful that I have a family that supported my decision to move to the other side of the planet for a semester in a quest to find myself. Thank you.