Thanks-giving

Yesterday when I picked Niki up from his KiGa one of the other American mothers was waiting too. She asked me if I celebrate Thanksgiving now. I said "Oh course! I am still American!" Then she mumbled something about wondering if my husband supports it. I was annoyed, but explained that in dual-cultural families they usually celebrate holidays from BOTH cultures! With that idea, here is what I am thankful for in my life right now:

*being American--I still think it is the greatest country on earth, despite political issues and leaders. Our country has sacrificed greatly over the years to defend freedom and the causes of freedom. Our country is generous in forgiving debts and supplying humanitarian aid without a thought to having anything in return. Our country has one of the highest standards of livings in the world. We are a well-educated people in general. We have some of the best health care in the world (despite all the complaints).

*being able to talk. This year I have seen how frustrating it can be when you can't communicate and using sign language has a great many limitations, one of the biggests being you can't hold something at the same time as you are "talking".

*our health. That being said, Günter and Niki and I had a blood test to see if the strep virus had infected our blood. Günter's antibodies are increasing--so he is good, and Niki doesn't have it in his blood (big sigh of relief) but it has infected my blood. But I still feel relatively healthy and have a good body and am greatful for that!

*enough money for our needs. I am glad that Günter likes his job and it is stable and provides us enough to meet our needs. We don't and can't live in a huge house or do extravagant things, but we have enough to be generous.

*my membership in my church and the priviledge of being able to worship in my native tongue while living in Germany. I have God that is ever loving, forgiving and kind to me. I have truth and peace.

*I have children when I know many of those that were struggling with fertility issues at the same time I was, have not ended up so fortunately. We had a relatively easy adoption and I am ever grateful that I can be a mother--it pushes me to grow and develop a deeper character (even though I whine about it occasionally).

*I have supportive and loving family and friends. If you are reading this then you are for sure included in this. You must care enough about me to keep up with me and leave comments that give me perspective and support.

Thank you for yet another year of blogging friendship and love!

Posted by Krista at November 22, 2007 03:20 PM