Thanksgiving in Finland

I figured before Christmas is in full swing (which, at our place, it already is), I should reflect on Thanksgiving. This year- like every year- has flown by, and through it all, it's easy to just go about my days, taking things for granted. While I don't mind other peoples' "#soblessed" posts, I'm not usually one to post things like that, but I couldn't let Thanksgiving pass by without counting my blessings.

This Thanksgiving was a great one. We were lucky enough to have Kirsten come visit for it! I was so excited just to have her in Finland, but that she was here to celebrate Thanksgiving with us, was just perfect. Not only was it fun having her here, but she was also so much help preparing for Thanksgiving dinner. We were busy in the kitchen all day making turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin chocolate chip cake with cream cheese frosting, and salted caramel apple crisp- for about 20 people. We hosted it at our apartment, which is European sized (aka small), so Kirsten helped me set up extra seating arrangements and cleaned up before and after dinner. If it weren't for Kris and Rusty, there's no way I could have done it all!

I am grateful for the friends we have made out here. I have to admit, Finns aren't as open and welcoming as Greeks or Americans. Mostly just because they are quiet, but the guys on Rusty's team are great, and have included us since we arrived. I am grateful that they came to our Thanksgiving dinner and they came bearing gifts- chocolates, bread, crackers, cheese, cookies, wine, and glogi, a Christmas drink. It was so nice of them! They really are such great guys! And of course the girls we have met here are great too! The other American on the team, Josh, is married, which I am so happy about! Josh and his wife, Tehane, came and had made delicious macaroni and cheese and vegetables. Another one of Rusty's teammate's brought his fiance, who I was excited to meet- I always love meeting new girl friends.

I am grateful for family. My family (the Whittaker's and the Lavaja's) are the best! Rusty and I get to go home to Utah and Chicago this Christmas, which makes me so happy, I could cry! And I'm not even exaggerating. Since October, when we got our tickets home, not a day has gone by without me thinking about how grateful/excited I am to see our family this Christmas! Many professional volleyball teams have games within a week of Christmas- some even within a couple days, so it is pointless to fly home, but Etta gets a three week break between games!! How lucky is that?! We didn't get to go home last year, which was hard for me, but it has given me such a greater appreciation of getting to be with family for Christmas!...Now that we get to go home, I don't know how I will handle not being able to in the future...I guess we will have to ask about the team's Christmas break before signing any contracts ;)

I am grateful for Rusty. He can be so mature and understanding and supportive, and yet silly and crazy and fun- he's like a giant kid! I have said this before about him and I know it's a little cheesy, but he seriously never ceases to amaze me. He has the biggest heart of anyone I know and he makes everyone around him feel comfortable- his cheerful personality really is contagious.

I am grateful for the opportunity I have to travel the world with Rusty. I feel like I'm on a permanent vacation. I am grateful to be here in Finland. I was nervous for the winter, but I am so happy we came because I have enjoyed every day so far.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Now it's full speed ahead to Christmas! Yay!

Kris' Masterpiece