Self-Analysis and the Thankgiving that isn't Thanksgiving

There are certain things I have come to realize during this time I have been here in Brazil. One of which is that I have something in common with the Brazilian culture. In this certain case, that's not a good thing. haha

In general, saying that you will do something here, doesn't mean you will actually do it. This is something I regularly do (man, I REALLY can't stand that I do this). On the other hand, it's kind of nice in a really wrong way. Some examples: "Yeah, I'll send you that email tomorrow morning". "Sure, when I get home I'll call you" "I'll pay you back as soon as I get paid". These are the type of things that are said here that you can completely get away with not doing. Hardly anyone will get angry with you because it's such a normal thing. It's annoying that this is so common here; but at the same time I also do this exact thing, just not as much. It's  all so comfortable. (not in the good sense of the word) P.S. my mom would label all this as flakiness and very buggy ;)

Well, today is Thanksgiving in the good ol' U.S.A. They don't celebrate it here in Brazil obviously. Still, I have learned to be more grateful living here in Fortaleza than I have ever been in my life.

 So without further ado, here are some things I am thankful for:

My family that loves and supports me even though they are thousands of miles away. Love you guys.
My job. So thankful to have the opportunity to provide for my family.
My amazing wife, Géssica, who loves and cares for me, and who works so hard every day.

Things that I took for granted in the U.S. that are blessings:

Shower heads. (never though I'd put this on a thanksgiving list)
Cars. Man. I miss my car. Such a luxury.
Pillows. no comment.
Peanut butter
Being surrounded by people who live the gospel.
Living in a safe neighborhood
Air conditioning
My parent's house (enormous compared to the houses here)
Pantry that always had food (magically)
Dish washer, and washer and dryer (technology is amazing)
Libraries (basically nonexistent here)
Trees

I could go on, but you get the idea. There are so many little things that I never thought of as blessings. I am grateful for this experience to be down here in Brazil. I wouldn't trade this past year for anything. I've learned so much.

Oh, and one last blessing I am grateful for. This morning I looked at my email (site hahaha couldn't resist Dad) and I had received an email saying that the Feds have starting working on Géssica's visa!!!!! Finally. Also, that within 60 days we should have the second Notice of Action. Which means after that, there's just one more part of waiting and then the interview. Happy Thanksgiving!!