Thanksgiving in Banepa

A tree and fields in the early morning.

Field and haystack right outside our training institute.


A view from our classroom...

It's Thanksgiving today back home. :-) All of the volunteers in my group have decided that an American Thanksgiving is an excellent reason to have a party tonight. They have no idea what Thanksgiving is, but that doesn't seem to matter. They are, however, concerned that I have people to spend the evening with. So, we'll all gather in our room this evening, have some drinks and snacks, and who knows what will transpire. We've asked Johnathan to bring his Mandolin to play. And I bet there will be folks willing to dance. Thanksgiving, after all, is about being with people, enjoying food and drink, and thinking about what there is to be grateful for, yes? So while I will miss my family dearly and some of our regular traditions, I figure there is no reason I can't celebrate Thanksgiving here also.

I got up with my friend, Helen, from London early this morning to take a walk. To get a bit of exercise, to explore the land around our training institute (Chetana Kendra), and also, because it is so peaceful and tranquil in the early mornings here.

We walked along dirt roads, said hello to the crows, sheep, goats, chicken, small children, and the women who get up early to work.

There was a mist that enveloped the fields and that small valley that we found ourselves in. This place is quite magical at times...

All day I've been thinking about what I have to be grateful for. The simple things. Water for a hot shower. Water to wash my clothes with (I hand washed all my clothes today during our lunch break). Healthy food. Good company. And teachers who are willing to share their time, cultural and language traditions with us. None of this to take for granted.

Tonight we get something new and different for dinner (usually we have rice and lentils every day for both lunch and dinner). Special for the American for Thanksgiving. Yeah!!! I'm not going to lie - something different tonight is also something to be grateful for. Even if it's not Turkey and Cranberries.