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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.

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