Happy Thanksgiving, Americans :]
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I didn't dwell on being over here for it too much (considering my other option was studying here in -35 degree January when, as we learned today, people's eyelashes freeze their eyes shut.) But today had the potential to be very sad. I miss my family (love you mom and dad, who I know are reading!), I miss getting out-of-school for three days, staying in North Carolina with my relatives - and I miss my mom's sweet potato dish.
Credit to CIEE, our program here, for sponsoring a Thanksgiving lunch in the hallway of our university! Jarlath somehow cooked up four turkeys, and a lot of kids (the ones with ovens and liberal host moms in their apartments) scrounged up some of the basic dishes. We had macaroni, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casseroles, gravy, pumpkin bread, cookies, and lots and lots of pies (Russians do pies cheaply and well.) Standing towards the back of a line of 72 hungry Americans, 8 teachers, and some odd Russians, we fretted about getting enough food. However, in true Thanksgiving style, there was plenty! And though we don't get three days off of school, one class was canceled for the celebration today!
The big SURPRISE to my day was actually dinner. I noticed I got called in to sit down a lot later, but I did not expect to find such a touching meal! My host mom had laid out three plates of mashed potatoes, chicken breast, pumpkin (which I had never had outside of a pie!), some random cucumbers (Russia), and hot red wine, which I had never had before. We ate together and had a really good conversation (and some laughs after my first try at "I've never had hot red wine" came out as "I never drink hot red wine", which I of course corrected). Mom- they thought your turkey card was adorable so I set it up as a table decoration. I randomly thought to bring home some yellow flowers (in odd number, of course) - they were so appropriate; I am so glad I did! Divine intervention.
Anyway, Thanksgiving is nothing like home but it was still special enough to get through! I miss everyone and am so grateful both for this amazing opportunity to live and study in Russia and for my family and friends who have supported me and await my return. Love you all!!!
Wishing love, blessings, and good turkey,
Эмили
Oh sweet girl, our Thanksgiving was not complete until we talked/saw you on skype. But, I am so very thankful that you had the "real" thing . . .TURKEY! And, we all thought reverantly of you as we ate our sweet potato ~ Love and miss you, Mom
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