Giving Thanks

Today I’m thankful for countless of things.  First and foremost, I’m thankful that my family and I are healthy.

I’m thankful for small things…that the train conductor was so kind to give us a private room on the overnight train from Istanbul to Ankara so that happy guy and I could get some sleep.  I’m thankful for the sunlight in Ankara that made the cold air more bearable, and that we were able to check-in early to our hotel room.  I’m also thankful for the fact that we are traveling around the world, that we were able to save enough to do so, and we are fortunate enough to live these experiences during our youth.  I’m thankful to Stanford Pathology for giving me a year leave of absence, thankful for the understanding of my colleagues and friends, and thankful for the support of my mother and brother during this time of instability and nearly infinite opportunity.  I’m most thankful to my life partner, who tells me this morning how beautiful I am even though my scent is slightly unpleasant, my skin is dry, and my hair is in a messy ponytail.  I’m thankful for his patience, his sense of curiosity, and his strong desire to explore the world with me by his side.  I’m thankful for his family that raised him with so much love.  And I’m thankful for our friends with whom we share laughs, delicious food, and memorable moments.

And even though we are in Ankara, Turkey today where few people speak English and we probably won’t find turkey and mashed potatoes anywhere (how ironic), we are content and thankful for each day of this remarkable journey. =)