Happy Thanksgiving

Friends and Family,

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm heading to bed soon, but thought I'd write from location in Hampswaite, England (Yorkshire). I hopped on a Jet2.com plane earlier this afternoon and made my way to Leeds where my good friend from Penn, Leah, met me. We had a lovely dinner: roast duck, rice pilaf, and sweet potatoes, topped off with pumpkin mousse. But, more than the food, it was simply wonderful to reconnect with this friend who has been with me since university days. Leah was randomly (or unrandomly :)) assigned to me as my roommate and she has been like a sister ever since.

Northern England is really quaint. I don't think I've ever seen so many stone cottages. The weather is a challenge that's for sure. It get's dark around 4:30 at present and the wind at night howls something fierce, which is why I'm probably up and online! I'm very happy to be here though.... And, I really hope Leah and I will be able to take a walk/hike in the countryside one of the days I'm here. She claims that having nature and the countryside at her doorstep is one of the best things about living here. I'll let you know what I find out!

But, back to Thanksgiving musings... it has been a special week. Not only did I get to celebrate with Leah today, but at work we had a special Thanksgiving meal with all the festive trappings, and even had a special word from the Ambassador and our Director of Broadcasting. Sitting in a room probably only half full of Americans and the rest representing countries as far away as Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Bosnia, and other lands, it was a really neat feeling to introduce and share this day with colleagues. Breaking bread with people from all parts of the world is definitely pretty nifty.

Miss you all very much. There's something about the holiday season that makes me crave home. Funny, but I can't wait to get into my mother's kitchen with my sisters to bake until our hearts are content and we've exhausted the sugar supply :) That will come.

Before I sign off... I just want to say I'm so glad and very blessed to have such a loving family and amazing group of friends such as yourselves :) Yes, pat yourself on the back :) I send a great, big cyber hug to you all.