Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was beginning to look pretty grim for us Americans living in a country where people have never even seen a turkey before let alone stuffing. We were going to make the best with what we had, until we were invited by our American friend who works at the Shang ri La to a western buffet. The seven of us and the two Seamens took the trip across the river to this really nice hotel. We were the first group there, I like to Christen buffets, and we just walked aroud in awe of the spread. The best was the cheese. I have only been to one other Thanksgiving buffet in my life, last year in Disneyworld and there was a lot of cheese there too (frosted cheese ;)) Anyway, we had chicken, lamb chops, fish, cream of pumpkin soup, cheese, crab, casseroles, pizza, french fries, chinese dishes. But the best was the large turkeys they carved right there for us. It was so fresh and juicy and there was a cranberry sauce to spread over the top. there weren't mashed potatoes or stuffing but the rest of the food made up for that. The dessert table was a meal in itself. there was cheesecake, pie, custard, cake, brownies, pastries, but the best part of the dessert tablewas the chocolate fountain. there was fruit and marshmallows on sticks that we dipped in the fountain. the whole buffet was very well put together.
I wanted to continue a tradition from my family with my newest family, so I asked everyone to say what they are thankful for. All of us were so thankful to have such a supportive group that is family to each of us. David and Barbara said they were thankful to have met us because we keep them young as their 'kids' here in china. It was a great moment and I dont think it was until then, when I started to cry, that I realized how deep our friendships are after just three months. These people are my family because I dont have groups of people to fall on for support here it is just the other 5 people. We have gotten to know each others pasts, presents, and plans for the future. These people know me as well as my family does even all of my faults, and they still love me. I am truly thankful for this experience with this group because it shapes my life and helps me to understand myself better. I am also so thankful for the students I have and the opportunity I have been given to embrace a culture I have been so fascinated with for years. It was a great time to think of all the blessings in my life and I have many to count.

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