Thanksgiving in Rotorua
November 27, 2017
I am writing this on what is Friday here but still Thanksgiving where you are. By the time it is posted the holiday will be over and the turkey finished. I flew back to Rotorua yesterday so my dinner was a burger and fries at the airport. When I arrived at my hotel I discovered there was a night market going on a block away. About 30 different food vendors were set up, so chicken curry filled in for the traditional cold turkey sandwich.
I woke early this morning to the rings and buzzes of my phone, carrying text messages, emails, Facebook greetings and Thanksgiving wishes. I began to feel sorry for myself, so far from family and friends, alone in a strange place. The feeling disappeared quickly as I continued by on going gratitude list.
I am so very grateful, thankful, and blessed. Thanks to:
* The Lilly endowment and the grant to do this trip
* Northminster for the time to go
* Staff and leaders and Carol and Jim for taking care of everything
* My grandma Mitchell who taught me to love travel
* Friendly and interesting people I have met along the way
* Olive trees and fresh pressed oil
* Kiwi fruit picked right off the tree
* Challenging mountain hikes and the ability to walk them
* Beautiful lakes and waterfalls
* Laundromats with free detergent
* Amazing birds and wildlife like I have never seen before
* Lamb cooked 1001 different ways...all yummy
* Countries and governments who really care about the environment and are doing things to make a difference
* The sun that burns off the morning fog
* Brewed coffee
* This amazing, wonderful, unbelievable, pilgrimage.
Happy thanksgiving, even if it is belated.