I just finished my finals and last day of class yesterday. Today is Thanksgiving and it is weird not being in Michigan for our annual family reunion. However, the staff at my program center have been extremely kind in helping us gringos and gringas in preparing our own goodbye/Thanksgiving festivities. I’d like to take a minute to reflect on everything for which I am thankful, like any good little United Stater would do on this fine day of feasting (and celebrating almost completely wiping out the Native American population).

1. My parents – I cannot thank them enough for making this semester possible, financially and otherwise. From dealing with poking fun at them on my blog, to staying up past there bedtime every week so I can Skype with them, they have been incredibly supportive and I cannot thank them enough.
2. Did I mention my parents?
3. IES Staff – Thank you. Just thank you. From me crying in your office because I was sick and did not want to go to the doctor to all of us laughing in Chiloé at an asado to just helping me adjust to my new life in Chile. Thank you.
4. My host Mom – While living with a host family is not exactly what I expected, my host mom has been very kind in opening up her home to me. She has invited me to little excursions to the grocery store with her and her friends and shopping. This might not seem like a big deal to anyone else, but when it means sitting in your room studying by yourself, or practicing Spanish in the real world, it makes all of the difference.  She also hes been extremely patient with me and my exercise schedule. If I am at the gym, she will make sure to wait for me to get home before eating so that I can sit with the family and have every opportunity to listen and speak Spanish.
5. Exercise – I always knew I loved exercising, but I never realized how essential it was to my happiness until coming to Chile. Joining Crossfit Korua has been one of the best decisions I have made. I was looking for a way to stay active while abroad and ended up realizing how much happier I was when I was exercising on a regular basis again. Plus the coaches there have been extremely patient as I cannot count the number of times I have asked them to demonstrate skills because I have no idea what they are asking me to do. And I have to thank them for dealing with my awkwardness when saying goodbye and hello. Do I kiss them on the cheek, do I not? Is a wave sufficient?
6. This video – A big thank you to my gringa-crossfit buddy, Katie, for showing it to me. It still makes me crack up even though I joined a crossfit gym myself.
7. Laughter – Laughter in general. Super important. Super thankful for everyone who has even just made me smile during my time here in Chile.
8. Friends – To all of the new friends I have made here in Chile and to all of my friends back at home in the US, thank you. I know I’m weird, so thanks for putting up with me. I question your sanity because you are friends with me.
9. Surfing and trekking – I suck at both, but I have a new found love for those two activities. Shout out to my Chilepo friends! Surfs up brah.
10. My parents
11. …12…13…

…100. And one more time…my parents.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Location: Providencia, Santiago, Chile