i'm thankful...

That six months ago, I made the best decision of my life. I can distinctly remember spring break of 2010 sitting in my living room and trying to decide: Italy/South Africa, Italy/South Africa. My friends at school had made a poll, and South Africa was winning by a landslide. I had just spent January there, and I think really everyone was expecting me to go back and do the civil justice work I am so passionate about it.

But then, sitting there in that living room, I started dreaming in another direction. My mom asked me to simply talk about these two countries, talk about what was drawing me in either direction, to see if that might help. I myself didn't feel I was truly swayed in one direction or the other, but to my parents it was clear. "Your face just lights up when you talk about Italy!" Once I heard her say that, I had to admit it was true. I had always loved the idea of getting back to that particular part of my ancestry, and the more I thought about it, the bigger my smile became. It was decided: go with what makes you happy.

The next six months I kept wondering if I'd made the right choice, not knowing if this meant I'd never again get to see South Africa. I was terrified the day I got on the plane, and was practically sobbing when I said goodbye to my mom at the airport.

But now, during the week that my home country gives thanks, I'd like to shout from the rooftops that I am thankful for ITALY and its presence in my life. Sitting around a thanksgiving table in a tennis club in Florence with wonderful new friends, and a woman who has truly become my Italian Mamma, I couldn't stop smiling.

This is absolutely the place for me. When I decided to go to St. Olaf, I told everyone I wanted to try the midwest because I didn't want to live in the same town my whole life and then one day, at 65 be on a train through the midwest and think "wow, I should have lived here!". Little did I know that when I chose to stretch myself by going to St. Olaf, I'd be opening up a world of opportunity. Not only was I able to experience the midwest, I was also able to find a whole new country that in every way feels like home.

I sort of wish this experience could go on forever, even though there are of course things and people I miss back home. I really hope that this isn't my final taste of Italy, because now, after 3 and a half months, it really feels like home.

I'm also thankful for all of YOU who read my blog, send me emails, and generally send good thoughts. I miss you all and I hope your thanksgivings were as thankful and joy filled as mine!