I am thankful for...

In lieu of eating til I am sick with my family, I am going to write down who I am thankful for. I find this may be easier working from today back to one year ago. Don´t feel like you have to read it all. It might get boring.

I am thankful for being able to live and study here in Brazil. Not eveyone has this opportunity. I am thankful that my host family is so amazing, and I cannot wait to live another 6 months with them.

I am thankful for old friends, always, but for new friends I have made here, esp. Brazilian friends. And my new best friend, Cristal (who cant speak english...but ya know its the thought that counts.) então vou dizer que menina, tô com muito sorte porque você é minha melhora amiga.

I am thankful for the CIEE staff, who have become my new family and friends here- Flavia, Matteus, Jeferson, Luize and yes even that argentine kid, Rodrigue (i know, killed the spelling. what can i say, its spanish.)

I am thankful that even through my some of my worst experiences here (getting mugged....) I can always look left or right and remember just how much I have.

I am thankful for my loving grandparents, parents, brothers (yes ALL 4 of you) and other relatives. No matter what, I can always look to yall, and know I will have someone to go to.

I am thankful for my health, and that God giving I shall be this healthy to the end of my days.

I am thankful for all of my (old) friends from columbus. It has been dificult living so far apart, but not even time or distance can make us forget how lucky were are to have each other.

I am thankful for all of my tulane/NOLA friends. Yall have only made me grow to love this incredible city even more.

I am thankful for all of our military service men who cannot be their families today. I only know a little bit of that feeling, but trust me, yall are prayed for and loved beyond all you believe. Yall have my utmost respect.

I am thankful for my Roots of Music kids, whom have no idea how inspired they, allison, derrick, or any of the other volunteers have inspired me.

Let me not forget the importants. Dear Lord, I am beyond grateful to have a roof over my head, clothes to wear, food to eat, and a bed to sleep in EVERY day of my life.

Mom and Dad, i don´t think I can express enough just what yall mean to me. You are two of the best parents any kid could have every asked for. I love yall very much, and am SO thankful and grateful. I miss yall every day of my life, and no matter where I go or do, I always shall.

there you have it. kinda a tearjerker at some points, at least it was for me. I LOVE YALL!!!
te amo e feliz dia de agradecimentos.