And be thankful.

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17

Sometimes I forget that the real world is still going on without me. I honestly don't even feel like today is Thanksgiving. I'm used to spending the morning at Dad's, indulging myself in pancakes and sticky buns - then going up to Mom's to further stuff myself with spinach dip, baked corn, turkey, and mashed potatoes. Today is a day to be filled with food and surrounded by family and family friends. To be filled with thanksgiving and surrounded by love.

But this semester I can't sit down at the table with you for dinner. I can't hang out on the couch watching the parade. However, I still want to take the time to reflect on all the blessings I've been given. And I want to share with you all a few things I am particularly thankful for this semester.

Technology. Facebook, skype, e-mail: I've never really been far from home. Throughout the semester I have been able to stay updated on everything: from the chapels at Hope College to the play-by-play of my little sister's soccer games, video chats with my parents to conversations with with future employers. I'm thankful that I have been able to leave without losing contact with those who are most important to me.

Good food. Croquetas, pastries, salmoreja: I have become truly interested in food this semester. I have entirely enjoyed trying so many new things and learning about the cultural foods of each city and country I have visited so far.

Lamb chops in olive oil and garlic with broiled potatoes and tomatoes.

CIEE. Honestly, I don't think this program could get any better. They helped us get oriented in the city and have kept us active throughout the semester without being overbearing. We've had optional excursions around Sevilla every week in addition to 5 day/overnight trips to other cities around Spain. I really felt like they helped us become educated about the culture of Andalusia and allowed us to have fun along the way.

Dance. To quote the Little Mermaid, "Dancing is a language that is felt instead of heard." It breaks language barriers and has provided an opportunity for me to yet again meet and connect with new people. Although the dance studios are tiny and my teacher thinks Brittany Spears in current pop music, I love the opportunity to dance every week in Sevilla.

New friends. I couldn't have asked for a better American friend for the semester - someone with whom I can joke and have serious conversations. I've enjoyed having someone I could depend on but who is also independent so that we could both really get involved this semester. I was also lucky enough to get to know some great Spaniards. Both Nadia (from my jazz class at the Dance Center of Sevilla) and Gabri (friend of Ramón, Molly's intercambio) have been so welcoming and willing to deal with my fumbles through the language to really get to know me. All semester I have fully enjoyed my exploration of Sevilla and the Andalusian culture with such great company.

Molly and I in Morocco

Old friends. I'm thankful for the notes, facebook messages, and skype dates from my friends from Hope and Hershey. It feels good to know I am in your thoughts, despite being 6 time zones away. I have learned the love of friends who care about me and am thankful I have you all to return home to in December.

Curiosity. I am young and eager to explore life. I am willing to make mistakes but learn from them. I willing to try new things and not be afraid that I won't like it. I am thankful to be experiencing such a different culture during this season of my life. I'm not always sure who I am or who I will be but I believe my curiosity is allowing me to experience all there is to offer to make the best decisions possible for my future.

Home... Family. Having my mom here has made me realize that no matter what, I have a wonderful home and family to come back to. There are some comforts of home that can never be replaced and although I am not eager to leave Sevilla, I know I am going back to loving environment that will welcome me with open arms.

Mom and Dad. I have no idea how you did it. You raised four children and I think we all turned out pretty well :) You have made me into the lady I am today and have always encouraged me to try new things with all my might. You've always made me feel like I could succeed at whatever I attempted and have provided the means for me to try again and again. There's not much more I can say than thanks. And I love you.

This week has been wonderful - I am thankful to have gotten to experience my worlds combined. It was amazing to see my mom meet my host mom and friends, wait for me after class, and eat at my favorite restaurants. But at this point, I am also thankful that I have three more weeks. Because who knows what adventures that time will bring?

Me with both my señora with my mom :)