Today Americans in a symbol of solidarity celebrate Thanksgiving. As they prepare that turkey/chicken, make that stuffing and gather with friends and family, the one thing that most will do is give thanks. They will give thanks for their blessings and their family and friends.

Today, I too want to join in that age old tradition. Thanksgiving was a very foreign concept to me. It was not something that I knew of or celebrated till I went to America 9 years ago. Then it became a symbol for all the things I had and all the things I could share with those foreigners that did not have as much as I did. Every year for the last 6 years, Yeah and I were honored to host Thanksgiving at our home. We have been blessed. Our family is healthy and happy. I hope we can continue to share those blessings with those around us.

I am also thankful for our families. They have made the dreams we are seeking to achieve seem possible.  I can’t think of anyone that is more blessed than I am. I have a wonderful husband that never settles for anything other than the best. I have two healthy, happy children. I have amazing parents that loved me, gave me the best education and prepared me for a successful future. I have a gazillion in-laws through Yeah who care. I have food on the table and a warm bed at night.

I am grateful for all the families that similarly welcomed us into their homes and hearts as we found our way in America. Thank you to Mom and Dad Allen, the Arringtons, Yodit Solomon, the Dixon family, Grandma Moser and Lo, the Illes’, Mia Chase, the Greens, the Bohns, the Graves, the Ferrells, the Sorbonnes, the Winstons, the Strattons, the Palmers, the Lymans, the Fritzsches, the Durtschis and many many others.

You all have impacted our lives in so many ways. You have made it possible for us to think big and achieve what we have set our hearts on. Happy Thanksgiving!