"I'm thankful for every moment." -Al Green

Happy Thanksgiving America! This is the first time I've been absent from my grandparents' Thanksgiving table and it is a bittersweet event. I miss my family, the food, and the love that comes with being together with people who love me. However, when one of the little girls ran into my arms the second I arrived to New Light, I was reminded that I am loved here too and I have a lot to be thankful for. So in honor of this lovely holiday, here are 31 things with I am thankful for in Calcutta.

1. Coco and all the New Light babies who make my days in India worth it

2. Beholding beauty and poverty side by side every day

3. Street puppies and kitties who just really want to cuddle despite their fleas

4. Street dogs who use chairs

5. Street goats who kind of almost use chairs

6. Seeing high school girls gain the knowledge and ability to get clean drinking water for their whole school

7. That cuddles with Piyal happen on the daily. Just LOOK at her! Her nickname is marshmallow and she is the one who runs to me as soon as she arrives at New Light. 

8. For birthday parties with super cool birthday hats. Thanks Maria!

9. Mother Teresa friends from all over the world who have hearts for those in need. There are so many more that aren't in this picture, but I am grateful for all the relationships I have made here.

10. Jennifer and Sunnie, for being my support system, for listening to my homesickness, for playing with the New Light kiddos, and for fixing my saris for me. 

11. My newfound respect/desire for/ appreciation of the existence of dishwashers and washing machines. Technology is amazing.

12. Sleepy babies! Because who couldn't be thankful for sleepy babies!?

13. Having a better understanding of special needs, education, and care. Both the teachers and other volunteers are showing me what compassion really means

14. The fact that ice cream and hot chocolate exist in this country too

15. Volunteering in a ministry I have wanted to be a part of for years. The love and sacrifice of these women and men encourages me daily and words can't describe the ways it is reforming me and teaching me every moment

16. Pizza. Also known as edible joy. 

Dominos is GLOBAL!

17. The local coffee shop across from my apartment and my manager friends who let me blast American music as they are closing/cleaning

18. Henna! Cause it's pretty

19. Pool parties with good friends!

20. Care packages containing magical American goodies!

21. Going to concerts where it is socially acceptable for the lead singer to be shirtless and in a lungi (man skirt!) Bold move sir....

22. Buying fresh fruits and vegetables every day for nickels and dimes. I can feel myself becoming healthier

23. Music and the happiness that it brings. Bollywood music is growing on me as well.

24. Life's little achievements... because I'm learning it's the little things that matter

25. My newfound ability to operate an Indian kitchen. Also, that I am able to cook for people I love every week. It really is one of my favorite things

26. The flood of cards I have received from FBC and everyone back home. They really really really make a difference guys and I am so lucky to have so much support

27. The many holidays that are celebrated here. I know there is an excess of holidays  in India but it reminds me of the basic fact that life should be celebrated!

28. Cows who know they are more important than  you are

29. The fact that my standards of hygiene, cleanliness, and self sufficiency are drastically more resilient than when I left. Sometimes, you are going to walk through ankle-deep poopy water, there might be a cockroach in your fridge, or a fly/hair/mystery thing will be in you food... no problem. Deal with it.

30. I'm thankful for the chance to better understand the poverty and need here in India. Providing aid and care will not always be successful. It may not be wanted. It will not be fluffy or a good story sometimes. It is hard, messy, tiring, frustrating, and very overwhelming. However, I have found motivation for not giving up and a reason for hope in the faces and smiles of the children I serve. I am thankful for the chance to help inspire change and in turn a lot of change has been inspired in me.

31. Above all, I am thankful for a God who gave me a passion for service. Without God's calling I would not be here. Without God's patience I would have given up months ago. And without God's love, there would be no way I could get through many of my days here. Often, people are hard to love, but I think that is our calling as Christians and our purpose as people. I'm thankful for this year and the opportunity to love better and more completely.

Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. -Micah 6:8