Indians and Pilgrims (well not quite)

I love Thanksgiving. Maybe because my one true love in life just happens to be food. And since I don't see that changing anytime soon, I am living up this holiday season and all of its calorie-laden glory. (I am hiding my scale till february.... seriously though)

But this Thanksgiving was extra special for me.

1. Because I was in Arizona
2. Because ALL of my fam was there (minus sammy on the mish)

3. We had some very interesting AND foreign visitors

My dad's job at Intel requires him to travel to India a few times a year, and in reverse a few Indian employees also travel to the states. Well, my dad being the guy he is, heard some of his Indian employees were in town over the holiday.... and so opened his house to them.

To be honest, despite initial apprehensions about our "exotic" friends, it actually turned out to be one of the nicest Thanksgivings we have had. The Indians struggled with our accents and we with theirs, they didn't eat any of the meat, and they seemed initially slightly uncomfortable in our house full of family and noise. But despite it all, conversations came easily, commonalities were found, and 6 Indians played RockBand and Basketball for the first time in their lives.

And while my family are no pilgrims, and these Indians were not the "Indians" in the American understanding of the word; Thanksgiving 2008 brought together two very different cultures and backgrounds on a historic day for the Nielsen Clan. And as we embarked on the monstrous task of Thanksgiving dishes, my mom noted, "That of all the Thanksgivings we have had, this will be one we will always remember."

And on this Thanksgiving I will remember and be thankful for two parents who believe in giving to more than just their family and friends. They see an opportunity to extend a hand and they do it. And now today, I feel like "thanks" just doesn't say enough.