Thanksgiving.

A time to take a break from college and go back home to your own bed, warm home-made food, and the familiar faces of the people you love and miss the most.

That is, except when you're a foreign college student living 2,000 miles away from home.

Even though Thanksgiving is primarily a North American holiday, due to my high school's American system and my mom's own experiences as a student in Montana, it has been somewhat of a tradition for my family to celebrate it. This is my second year away from home for Thanksgiving, and while I find myself feeling homesick for my family and my home, I am also inevitably reminded about how thankful I am for them.

I know my family is always with me - even when I'm thousands of miles away. After all, they've made me who I am. It is probably even harder for them to let me go this far away to pursue my dreams in another country than it is for me to be here, living this adventure. I am thankful for how much they believe in me. I am thankful for all the support and love they have for me. Dear mom, dad, and little sister, I love you. I want you to know that even though we won't be together this Thanksgiving, I am so very thankful for you. You are the best gift I have.

I want you to know that I'll miss everything about our family gathering, from the hilarious conversations with Grandma, to our "So who is saying the meal prayer?"s, to my least favorite part: helping wash the dishes after dinner. I'll miss mom's deep questions asking each of our family members what we're thankful for. I'll miss napping and watching random tv shows after my grandparents leave. I'll miss you.

I also want you to know that I am never alone. I am very lucky to have different kinds of family away from home. Families made of friendships that I know are always there for me. I am thankful to share Thanksgiving with one of the kindest and biggest hearted families I've ever met. Thank you for having me, and thank you for all the love.

It's also important to highlight last year, when I spent Thanksgiving with my Aunt Suyapa in New York City. It was my first Thanksgiving away from home. Thank you Aunt for such a great Thanksgiving last year. Thank you for always being there for me and supporting me in everything.

While I still feel like the 34 days I have left until I go back home feel like a hundred years, I know I am beyond blessed to be able to spend them with some very special people.

Thank you.