Thanksgiving

You know it is funny to celebrate a holiday that is unique only to the US in another country. I remember the first time this happened to me was while I was in London such that right after Halloween the Christmas decorations started coming out. Makes you think about people who think that right after Thanksgiving is to soon for Christmas stuff, but the point I was getting at is that I remember asking myself what about Thanksgiving. Of course I realized that the holiday is an American creation and so that only we would celebrate it just as other countries celebrate their own Independence. But Thanksgiving here in Ghana at the US ambassadors house was great just like I had never left the states eating a turkey leg and pecan pie(no whip cream)mashed potatoes, and stuffing. The weird thing is that while yes all these things made me miss home and feel nostalgic I also realized what things I am giving up for these two years. This did not depress me but rather remind me of what I came here to do and that is the important thing because the world goes on life goes on and I know when I get back Thanksgiving will be there for me. So the real funny thing is that later that night I go and play trivia and drink a margarita as if it was cinco de mayo so really no matter the holiday what truly matters is the people you are with and despite not being with family I was surrounded by friends and really who could ask for a better Thanksgiving than that? So I hope that everyone had a great turkey day I know that the one turkey who got Obama's pardon did.

my local name

So while I have been in Ghana I have pick up some names so as of know I may be known as Austin Auzansoma Kofi Wesley McCain. So you may ask what are the meanings of these names and so here it is "Auzansoma" means all is well, all is good, with God all is good, or all is well with God. Basically all is good but with the many different variations. Kofi is simply Friday meaning that I was born on a Friday which actually I was born on Thursday but because of the time difference when I was born in Ghana it was Friday, plus I didn't like the name for Thursday. So life is good I remain in good health and have been playing soccer almost everyday since receiving a ball in the mail thanks dad. I am excited about the projects that I will start and as always my community is great they make it feel like home. I miss all of you and hope that things are well back home and sorry for no pictures this time.

Peace,

Austin