Grateful in Galicia

"Teacher Haylie, what is Thanksgiving?"

11-year-old Manuel looks up at me with his inquisitive brown eyes as I pass out a thanksgiving-themed crossword puzzle and stand illuminated by my holiday powerpoint presentation that aims to tackle the relevance of cranberry sauce, family, American football, and Native American genocide all in fifty minutes.

I laugh to myself as I think about how to best respond to Manuel's seemingly simple question. Possible responses: a.) the forth Thursday of November, b.) a day in 1621 when the pilgrims and Native Americans came together in Plymouth, Massachusetts to give thanks for the blessing of the first harvest c.) a complicated holiday that should encourage conversation regarding the rampant Native American genocide and King Philip's war that took place after the first Thanksgiving, and d.) umm, ya know...only one of the best US holidays of the year where we basically eat until we can't move.

But considering the level of english I'm working with, I opt for option e: "turkey...pavo", I say, and Immediately his face lights up with recognition."Ahhh, hoy se come un montón de pavo!"

"Haha, yes Manuel. Today we eat A LOT of turkey."

Part of my "job" here is to be a cultural ambassador--to share my U.S. culture in creative and engaging ways as I meaningfully engage with theirs. However, I'd be lying if I said I was thrilled to be standing in front of a classroom of 11-year-olds at 9am on Thanksgiving morning. I wanted more than anything to be surrounded by my family in Wapakoneta, Ohio (a yearly tradition), watching the parade on TV and enjoying an omelette made by Uncle Jim. But such is life and as I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate those new traditions just as much as the old...and realized that often what brings me the greatest joy is sharing old traditions with new people.

So I cut out turkey-hands with my first-graders, baked a heaping batch of sweet potato casserole, put up a christmas tree way too early, and celebrated my 23rd Thanksgiving dinner while I helped some experience their very first. Turkey was replaced with chicken, Spanish mixed with English, and tarta de santiago enjoyed with pumpkin pie. Yet the familial comforts of this holiday remained--seemed to be left untouched as I looked around to find the living room of my apartment filled with smiles, laughter, full bellies, and even fuller hearts.

I have a million and one reasons to be grateful this Thanksgiving...and a family here in Santiago is one of them.

Today is one of those wonderful days where it feels like I'm exactly where I am supposed to be.

Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias, Haylie