Thanksgiving Thankfulness

(This was set to automatically publish but didn't, so my apologies. Please enjoy my week's late post!)

Of course, there are so many people to thank, the list would go on forever. You may be mentioned, you may not, but everyone has a special place in my heart and means something to me. If I ever met you and ever got to know you, then you are also someone I have to thank.

Firstly I thank God. I don't consider myself strictly religious. I do have a strong faith and stand strong next to the things I believe in. Clearly, there is a higher force governing my life and watching out for me. I thank that the highest, most powerful governing force...

I have so many people to thank and so many things I'm thankful for. Without Rachel, I wouldn't have been able to come to Germany. She was the one to encourage me to take the scholarship opportunity. She gave me the confidence I needed to even apply because we both knew it was extremely competitive.

I thank CBYX and the people who fund, run, and ensure the existence of the organization. I'm so thankful for AFS. It's a well-organized and strong standing organization. I'm thankful for the host family that so graciously allowed me to stay in their home for the duration of the program. They've had so much patience with me and truly care for my well-being. I'm happy to know them and to get to know them for the rest of my time here in Germany.

I'm thankful for my friends from the Leipzig chapter; Andrea, Ajda, Sunniva, Shota, and the newest addition, Anastasia. I'm happy that my language teacher works very hard to ensure that I learn German, plus Magdalene is so fun, nice, and even a little cool! I'm overjoyed to have a mentor here in Germany as well and that she is an American from such a cool place, Alaska! Eliza's kind, fun, and laid back. She may be the boss and watches over everyone to make sure they're following rules, but she also makes sure we're having a good time too.

I'm thankful that my school had the courage to allow a student that doesn't speak German into classes. I'm even happier that the students are excepting of me. I'm happy Judith's okay with me in her class. I'm glad to have finally made some friends who are willing to help me out and let me stick with them! I look forward to being great friends with the people I have met.

Back in the USA, I had many people who supported my travels. I'm thankful that my school back home is willing to work with me to ensure I apply to colleges on time, in the correct grade upon my return, and to help me out with all things academic. It was a huge sigh of relief knowing the folks back home were ready to help me out when I returned.

I'm happy my family allowed me to come and leave the country for the year; My dad and my siblings, my mom, my stepdad, and my step-siblings. I miss them very much, and I know they're doing well. I am happy that my family and family friends supported me by funding my travels. It helped to make my stay here easier. I'm happy for all those, my mentor Ellen, my grandparents, the supportive collection of adults I love, my friends, and all of those who supported and encouraged me to go abroad.

I'm thankful to have been able to even partake in this adventure. I look forward to the growth I know I'm doing. I look forward to seeing all the things I worked hard on to pay off. I have no idea what the rest of the year shall bring. I know I'm happy and thankful now, and that's what really matters. I shall continue to remain humble and grateful, for this experience is beautiful and shall be amazing, and I shall remember just that.

So this holiday, I encourage you to remember what it is you're thankful for. I ask that you reflect on the better side of life and thank those you are thankful for. Share in more sweet memories and happiness. You DONT live once. You live EVERY DAY. You die once. Ensure before that day comes, you live exactly the way you are intended to. I also challenge you to give this season. I ask that you give the best way you can in any way you can. For help, start here or here.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone, and spread the love!