Giving thanks

When we first arrived in the Philippines on November 15, I had a blonde moment.  Christmas decorations were everywhere and I thought, "It happens here, too!  They get ready for Christmas before Thanksgiving!"  And then I remembered that the fourth Thursday in November is just celebrated in the States.  While there was no turkey for us, we did celebrate in spirit as we chowed down on tocino, Filipino beef steak, fresh fruit shakes, and adobo!

The last few months have driven home just how much we have to be thankful for, both tangible and intangible.  

First, the support from everyone is overwhelming.  Friends and family are looking after our precious pup, serving as power of attorney to help us take care of business stateside, connecting us with their friends and family overseas, emailing us so that we can stay up to date with their lives, and opening up their homes to us.   It is humbling and inspiring to be blessed with such loving family and friends.

Our travels have also helped me realize what I take for granted.  We've walked through slums, been without electricity and hot water on freezing cold days, witnessed the devastation of natural disasters on communities & of communities on nature.  Walking by a row of shanties or learning that the few dollars we spend on lunch is equivalent to a day's wages for most people of a town puts my "problems" into perspective.

And last, I am incredibly thankful to have this opportunity to explore the world, to discover myself, and to grow closer to my amazing travel partner.  Every day I see beauty and goodness in unexpected places and I better appreciate the depths of my husband's love (he did sacrifice his butt so that I wouldn't get attacked by monkeys-that's pretty spectacular). 

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.   Much love.