I had heard that Thanksgiving was one of the harder holidays to spend away from the family, and after having done it I can say that I agree. It was hard to be away from everyone during that time of the year and missing that holiday that is so specific to the US. There really is nothing else quite like it.
Thankfully, I have an awesome host family. Early in the week, I had mentioned briefly that Thanksgiving was that coming Thursday. Curiously, my host mom asked what we did that day, what we ate, why it's a holiday, etc. I think she was surprised to learn that the main activity of the day was just eating dinner, but she doesn't judge :) To my surprise, when Thursday's lunchtime came, I found my plate filled with it's normal spoils, but piled into the mix were mashed potatoes with a sweet potato on the side. She even shaped my rice like she does for fancy meals. I looked up to her watching me and quickly explaining that she didn't want me to be sad on Thanksgiving, so she made me some of the things I told her I would be missing that day. So touching. Damn, I'm spoiled.
The next day I went to Huanchaco (beach town just outside of my regional capital) to find most of the Peru 17 youth volunteers. We had a week long training event starting that following Sunday so most people came through Trujillo a few days early, to celebrate the T-giving weekend on the beach. Saturday was spent preparing a giant feast for all to share. I can easily say I have not been that full since arriving in Peru. And for all of the huge Peruvian meals or double lunches I have had in the past six months, that's saying something. I was walking around rubbing my inflated belly like a bear ready for hibernation for at least 24 hours. Perfect. Now that's Thanksgiving. While the food was astounding, the company was better. If I couldn't have my family, at least I could have my Peace Corps family. Not complaining about that at all. Good people.
My Thanksgiving surprise from Maggie :)
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