Thanksgiving: Through the Eyes of an Expat - Living in Another Language

I’ve always loved Thanksgiving. It’s a time to get together with loved ones and reflect on all the blessings the year has given. Last Thanksgiving I wrote this post about the things I DIDN’T like about the holiday (the gluttony, selfishness, and inconsideration), and although I still firmly stand by what I wrote, I can’t help but feel a little more homesick/sentimental about Thanksgiving this year. I only wish I could hand out with my family and friends; forget the turkey, shopping, and football.

Derik and I spend another year as an expat couple abroad, learning to live independently, leaning on each other and God to get us through the silly (and more serious) struggles we face each day. Although we won’t be participating in a thanksgiving celebration (you guys, turkey is a whopping $60-70 dollars at Costco, and there’s only two of us to enjoy it) this year, I will take time to reflect on the things I am thankful for.

1. I am thankful for opportunities. We have been blessed with so many wonderful opportunities that have come our way in the past two years. We have been given amazing jobs that have allowed us to save money and travel in our time off. We have the opportunity to soak up and learn another language and culture! Although I’m not so great at the Korean language, I often find myself responding to Derik’s questions with a Korean phrase or two. Is that terrible? Here’s to hoping I don’t embarrass myself when I go home to the States for a month in January.

2. I am thankful for other cultures. Ok, this is a pretty broad sentence, so I guess I should say I am thankful for being able to experience a way of living completely different than my own. Seeing how someone can live so opposite the way I’m used to opens my eyes up and I begin to realize just how big the world is, and it can be a million times simpler than I ever thought possible. Yet happiness, in all walks of life, can be found anywhere and everywhere. I’m also given a huge slap-in-the-face reality check that 90% of most Americans have it really good and often take what they have for granted.

3. I’m thankful for my husband. I seriously couldn’t have this ‘exciting’ expat life without him. I’d probably be hiding somewhere under a rock waiting for something familiar to appear. Well no, not really-I’m adventurous by myself, just not to the extreme of moving to a country that speaks a foreign language. For all of you who didn’t know, I was actually accepted into a music school in Australia in 2010 before meeting Derik. Marriage changed my plans of course, and I have no regrets.

Derik is my biggest fan, my best friend, my constant support, and my shoulder to cry on. He’s there for me when friendships don’t pan out, when I’m homesick, and when I’m stressed and angry at the world. But he’s been there for good times too; he’s my adventure buddy! Derik and I love to try new things. Although he’s usually a bit more adventurous (eating pickled chicken feet without so much of a hesitation), he pushes me to leap out of my comfort zone. He’s pushed me to pursue my dreams, talents, and passions. Overall he’s encouraged me to be a more well-rounded version of myself than I ever thought possible!

Do I need to mention he’s a ridiculously awesome cook? I thank his Italian genes.

4. I’m thankful for blogging. I know it seems like such a silly thing, but living in an environment where I have more 5 year old friends than ‘kids’ my own age, I am so glad I can have relationships with ladies all over the world! I’ve made some amazing friends through blogging, and I can’t wait to meet them in person someday!

I am so thankful for the support I have received on Living in Another Language! You, my readers, are constant motivation. I’m still blown away by the fact that you think my story is interesting! I seriously love you guys.

Now let’s learn a little bit about Thanksgiving through the eyes of my wonderful sponsors! These ladies are amazing, so please go visit them and share some holiday love.

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?