Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is a great day to be reminded of all of the things I have to be thankful for...mostly because i'm experiencing a bit of a slump!

Here's the list thus far:
1. I have a great family who will Skype me despite preparing for this evening's festivities.
2. I have a challenging job, that I love (most of the time).
3. I am living a new and incredible part of the world.
4. I have a comfortable apartment, food in my fridge, and a really great friend just downstairs who doesn't mind giving me a pep talk every once in a while, when I need it.
5. I have a phone which allows me to connect to the rest of my friends, all over the world.
6. I'm educated, free, and healthy.
7. I can play ultimate frisbee twice a week.
8. I have access to running water and A/C when I need it.
9. I am earning enough to pay off student loans and still have a social life!
10. I live in a country where I can use my french, every day, and it comes in handy!

Now for the things that I miss:
1. My great family!
2. Shopping for Thanksgiving dinner at the IGA in Wilson Creek, listening to Mum lecture us about how we need to learn how to cook a turkey (for the 7th year in a row)
3. Getting dressed up for the occasion, even if it's just us at the table!
4. Watching Mum do the moon walk, after one too many glasses of wine.
5. The view from our back porch, looking out onto the Strait of Georgia
6. The fall colours and temperate weather
7. Camp and friends!

It's amazing to be here in Haiti, experiencing a new lifestyle, country, and career. I'm glad to have the privilege to be able to do so, and to meet new and interesting people. As I was telling a few people recently, the shininess is beginning to wear off and I'm finding myself staring at the weeks on the calendar until I get to come home to visit all the people and places that I love. I know this phase won't last and that it's a common stage in the expat experience, but I'm feeling the true brunt of it right now. With two long weekends coming up in November, I have many possibilities for travel to look forward to. In terms of my job, my routines can only become more familiar, more refined, and more efficient. Right?! I look forward to a time when I am a disciplined and seasoned professional...