What does 'gobble gobble' translate to in Hausa?

Well it’s Thanksgiving Day in Niger and I must say that as someone who thrives on tradition, I wasn’t expecting much for my first major holiday away from home. However, it is impossible not to get caught up in the excitement of and holiday spirit that has taken over our little piece of America here in Zinder, trying to create our own Thanksgiving extravaganza.

Most of our team is here to celebrate and share in our creative, if not traditional Thanksgiving meal. Everyone has signed up to share a dish. Squash has replaced pumpkin (in four different dishes no less), dankali (a slightly sweet potato) has replaced the yams, and we’ve even managed to locate a turkey, of which will be prepared in the most traditional way possible (either side of the Atlantic). Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like plucking the feathers from a freshly harvested bird…gobble gobb…

While there are a few things that will not be gracing our table (Nigeriens have yet to discover the majesty of a good Wisconsin cranberry), we make up for it in creativity, as there will be mojitos and empinadas at our lovely little gathering. (And as I so keenly noticed at 5 am this morning, nothing says Thanksgiving quite like a heart shaped ice cube.)

So, even though I am thousands of miles away from the place I would love to be to kick of the season I love most, I have lots to be thankful for, and I am so glad that so many people here have put in so much effort to make this a great day for everyone, even though deep down inside I’m sure we all wished we could be with our families today. (Thanksgiving just isn’t the same, not sitting on the steps with Chelsea, and passing babies around Aunt Molly’s, and no one, not a single person could recreate the rolls that Thanksgiving at Aunt Molly’s would not be complete with out.)

It is just about 1pm here but the day of preparation and planning is just getting into full swing. There is no Macy’s parade or drive through Amish country, but we’ve been in the kitchen and have had the oven going since 5am, and we are even anticipating the arrival of family members Henry and Emily, who are making the long trek back from Niamey to be in Zinder with us. (Lucky for them they don’t have to worry about the threat of snow!) So while there are distinct differences it seems it will be a good Thanksgiving after all.

So in addition to being thankful to spend this family holiday with my American-Nigerien family, I’ve had a lot to be thankful for this year. I would be lying if I didn’t say that readjusting to life in Niger has been difficult, following an amazing visit back home. I will always treasure those three weeks, and how much it meant to me to be able to see and spend time with the people I love so much. Even though it is cliché, sometimes you definitely don’t realize how much people mean to you until they are (or you are) gone.

Realizing how much home means to me is something in and of itself to be thankful for, and upon completion of my service here in Niger, I am all too excited to return. I cannot begin to express how thankful I am for the support from everyone at home, who has given me your encouragement and support, of which I would not have been able to pursue this dream and endeavor without. On the really tough days when I question my strength and ability to continue on here, I know that there are people back home who believe in me and my ability to do good here, and on those days that makes all the difference in the world.

I also could not be more thankful for my Peace Corps experiences thus far. Being home and having the opportunity to be able to share what I have learned about the world and myself, has really made me realize how I am changing and growing as a person; that in and of itself is a blessing. I have also been blessed with many Nigerien friends and family who look out for me and support me as I try to find my way in their community. I realize how truly luck I am to have them in my life, if only for a short time.

And even more recently I am thankful for the events of the past few weeks that have gotten me back up on my feet here in Niger. The effort my villagers have demonstrated in holding meetings to discuss what we will take on together during the remainder of my service is encouraging. I have begun successfully tackling the challenging endeavor of introducing science to the kids of my village with Hamissou (my cooperating teacher)…one day soon those kids will be able to also identify which continent they live on, I’m sure of it. I have also had the opportunity to share my village with visitors from America, and it was such a rewarding experience seeing Niger and my community from a fresh perspective (it makes me even more excited to share it with Chelsea in a few short weeks!). And maybe more trivially, but seriously enough, being able to say I’m a horse owner tomorrow, puts a big ol’ grin on my face.

While it shouldn’t take a holiday of giving thanks to realize how truly blessed or thankful I am, I am grateful to have the opportunity to reflect on the blessings in my life, today and everyday.

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and the very best for the coming holiday season. Enjoy the cold weather, cutting down and trimming the Christmas Trees, and all the joy that comes with the magic and wonder that Christmastime brings.

With all of my love,

Jamie