a time to be grateful

This Thanksgiving, like always, was special.

I have English Club on Thursdays and my colleague Boris was preparing to celebrate his last day of work before retirement this same day.

I baked a pumpkin pie and carrot cake for my students and we talked about Thanksgiving Day history and what we were thankful for. They thought it was funny that I could be thankful for such simple things as my new favorite soup, Russian borsht, or pumpkin pie. They love crossword puzzles and UNO so we ended our little party with that.

At the mayor's office Boris had prepared dinner for all of us-- duck, fish, meats and bread. I also brought some cheeses and bread to add to the table. The bread was crucial, as I surprised Boris with a bottle of Jack Daniels that I bought for him on my visit to America. My mayor was excited to try it and Boris kept commenting on how well the aroma and taste was. The ladies however, like me, made faces at the first shot. I then offered Coca Cola to mix, but since mixing your drink isn't really common here, only one drank the cola, but as a chaser. This whole situation was quite funny, because I could see how immediate the whiskey's effect on everyone was. Boris also had brought a bottle of champagne but no one wanted him to open it since they had work the next day. I have NEVER seen anyone decline champagne at a celebration.

We finished with the pumpkin pie and carrot cake I made and several toasted to things they were thankful for: family, friendship, their work relationships with each other, for us, the delicious meal Boris offered. Overall it was a nice joint Thanksgiving and retirement party for all. I will miss not having Boris at work, as he was the one person here I have met who had the patience to sit with me for three hours at a time, when I first arrived, and try and correct my horrible pronunciation. He still corrects my grammar, but fortunately I hear less of him mocking my accent.

That Saturday we had a giant volunteer celebration with several turkeys in the capital. It was great to catch back up with everyone since many I had not seen before I left for my vacation to America. So many people wanted to know how the trip was, if it was shock to be there (it wasn't), and of course what I ate! In the evening my program group that I arrived to Moldova with a year and a half ago had our own intimate gathering and we went around toasting to what we were thankful for. Last year I remember lots of jokes being told; this year everything had a bit more meaning and sentiment. When it was my turn I also was emotional. I said that life over the past week in the village had been tough (one of my toughest) and that this weekend I was just so very thankful for a small break, and for these people to share it with. I have been fortunate to have made such great relationships with my fellow volunteers, who not only are colleagues and I call upon for support and advice, but who have become wonderful friends.

I know I am posting this late, but I am always very thankful for this opportunity and experience; the new tastes and flavors, personalities, challenges, and friends who have become family.