Happy Thanksgiving!

      Thanksgiving has already come and gone but the sentiments of giving thanks have not left. There are many things that I am truly thankful for this year. Last week, I spent time reviewing the year. What a year it has been; I graduated from college, was fortunate to live with John and Abby while adjusting to the "real world," worked as a personal care assistance for mentally ill adults (I think they taught me the most), lead a transformative Canuck, shared a month of teaching at Sacred Heart with my mother, and lastly moved to Korea. Phew.... a world wind!! Thinking about all of these moments I am filled with gratitude for the people that have accompanied me along the way. Many people have been there through all of the great and not so great moments.
      My Thanksgiving Day was spent at Wonderland. Natalie and I shared Thanksgiving with our co-workers by making individual hand turkeys, and bringing in bread/jam for a morning treat. I also brought Thanksgiving into the classroom. We talked about being thankful and made more hand turkeys. At the end of the day Natalie, Rachel (another co-worker) and I went to a Sushi buffet to share a meal. The buffet was incredible, all you could eat sushi, real salad, cream of broccoli soup and of course some kimchi. It was a delicious dinner with fantastic conversation. It took the edge off the week of work and prepared us for Friday.

       On Saturday we celebrated a tried and true Thanksgiving. Friday evening I made my first trip to the often raved about Costco. It is the "only place" where you can get "real cheese" and other western comforts. The trip quickly taught me that I don't miss western food. I guess my repetitive diet over the past year has made me need a change. On Saturday, Natalie, Judy, Christian, and I went to Gayeon's house. We spent the whole day making our part of the feast; two turkeys, caramelized sweet potatoes, cheese cake, salad and the list goes on. In the evening we gathered with friends at And the Twelve. The evening was great. Everyone brought food to pass, conversation was plentiful and a Thanksgiving episode of "Friends."  I didn't want the evening to end. In two short months I have been welcomed by a very special community. I bottled up Thanksgiving memories to think about as I travel to China for Christmas. I don't think it will be the same!
      Thanksgiving is now over and Sunday welcomed Advent, a period of waiting for the light. On Sunday I started Advent with my friends at Sangdang International Church. Although I find the community welcoming and spiritually involved I have discovered that I am more Catholic than I thought. I guess... I have been involved in the church since I was born, and spent the past 2 years working as a Youth Minister. The calling to attend a Catholic service wouldn't leave so, I went to a Catholic mass in the evening. The church was exactly like any older Catholic Church. A tall brick building, red carpet, Jesus and Mary in place. It felt right. I believe I will continue attending Catholic Mass. The calling for the Eucharistic and unity with the traditions that have become a part of me over the years is very strong.
      As the weekend drew to a close I went to a concert put on by the children from the Jirani Project. It a combination of traditional African music, Christmas Carols and worship music. Here is a poorly cut video from the event.

This is my first global connection since I have been in Korea. My calling towards social justice started my head reeling about all of the opportunities in the future. I must pull myself back to Korea.

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