happy Thanksgiving!

Had to wait an hour and a half for the Internet today (part of which I spent running errands) while the two young men ahead of me looked at pornography. This irks me on multiple levels.

Funny moment that happened while waiting: I was sitting in the post office, reading my mail, and opened my Christmas card from Aunt Rebecca and Uncle Ross...only to hear the beginning of "Joy to the World". I shut the card very quickly and decided to wait until I get home to finish reading it. :)

PST Unveristy was pretty good. My sessions went well, I was able to share a lot of info about being a current PCV with the trainees, and it looks like we have a good group coming in. I also had the chance to hang out with some PCV friends, do a group crossword puzzle (our English has deteriorated to the point where we need to work together!), and played two awesome games of Catchphrase. I love the fact that my Ukrainian is good enough that I can chat with the PC staff in Ukrainian this year.

Mom and Aunt Rebecca: one of the girls I roomed with (I was in with 3 trainees) has personally met Tom Tierney of paper doll fame. Her mom worked with him or something. Small world.

I work tomorrow, but then I have Friday off for Thanksgiving. The current count expected for dinner is 4 plus me, including one person I've never met (a PCV friend of one of the girls). I've bought a tablecloth and some of the food, and am very excited.

[The guy who is waiting for the Internet after me is ticked off that I have 40 more minutes. He apparently does not realize that when I told him I was going to be on the 'Net an hour, I would have to wait for the pornography-viewing guys to finish. I think we need two computers with good Internet access in this town.]

And, in honor of Thanksgiving, some things/people that I am thankful for (in no particular order):

~The Yukhemets (usually "Y" for short) family...although I just said that this list isn't in any real order, they deserve the top spot. If it wasn't for them, there have been times it would have been a lot easier to quit and go home. But instead, I have a large, crazy, Christian family who has taken me into their hearts and lives. I love them so much!

~My family back home, who love me and support me, who call me when I'm down and pray for me daily.

~Jason. 5 more weeks!

~My church here in Balaklia, as well as the people at Brockway and Riverview who still keep in touch and let me know they're praying for me.

~Lots and lots of friends...if I start to list you all, I'm sure I'd forget someone. If you wonder if you're on the list or not, you are. :)

~Internet. Cell phones. Stamps.

~Commentary on DVDs, so you can watch them again. I swear that directors' commentaries were created especially for PCVs.

~My own apartment.