November 27, 2014: The worlds most normal thanksgiving in the least normal way

1 Italian
4 Fins
6 Americans
1 Bahamas
2 Mexican
1 Aussie


So basically add together that mixture of people and the knowledge that all of them lack on how to throw a thanksgiving and the result will wield you the best thanksgiving one has seen

It stated on Wednesday the 26. The ingredients were fetched and the pie was attempted to be baked. I say attempted because we just started dancing and eating apples. But the dough was made so thats a start.

On the morning of Thanksgiving, I woke early and finished the pie before everyone else woke up. And then the day commenced. We first had an American breakfast of real pancakes. Daniel came over to enjoy them with us. He brought the sugar. How sweet.

Anyways, lets get down to business. The turkey. So basically none of us knew how to cook. All we had was the little book my mother created for us and that was it. Also the internet. 

I had to cook the turkey. We named her Kristian. 

Slowly but surely everyone was arriving and cooking in this little kitchen. We had our Flag hung up. There was sweet potatoes going and green bean casserole cooking. Luis made some mexican food to spice up the dinner. Mash potatoes were mashed. Corn bread was made. Everyone was working and cooking something. The house smelled soo good.

When it was time to eat we all gathered around and noticed we forgot drinks! hahah We all talked about how much props we give to the women who make thanksgiving possible. They deserve all the credit. Thank you to all the women in my life which has made thanksgiving what it is. It was so hard but it was worth it. Running a kitchen like my tootsi did.

After we said thanks, the plates were passed over the table and the laughter grew. I swear I have never laughed as hard in my life before Finland. 

This year I found the meaning of thanksgiving. It isn't the food. But the people around the table. Being thankful that everyone is there and you are not alone. That there is family.

Back in the states the table was surrounded by family. 

In Finland my table was surrounded by family. 

not as good as my mothers

can it get more american than this? nope

he mixed up lamb and beef. He's the best friend I could ask for.

shes a special one

desert and coffee

Happy Belated Thanksgiving

A Finnish Thanksgiving

My Finnish Friends at school surprised me with the idea to throw a thanksgiving. It was decided we would. On Sunday we all met up at Miksu's house and started cooking together. The thing which was so special was it all Finnish food- Reindeer, karjalanpiirakka, and rye bread. I added some mac and cheese and chocolate chip cookies to the mix.

karjalanpiirakka and note my customary  measuring cup

oh look at that yankieness

Riita brought me a cookie

rudoph

my plate

famly

So Misku does not like people but she is one of the best people I have met. And after we ate our selves twice over i found her in her bed. She deserves a hug. 

The thing is. Yeah this wasnt the most normal of Thanksgivings. But is was one of the best. We went around the table talking about what we are thankful for and I could talk for ages of being thankful. But in this moment I am so thankful for the people around that table. They went out of their way to give me some bits of home. Thanksgiving is about being with family and friends. being thankful. and being happy. It was truly the best thanksgiving so far. Even if I ate reindeer (its tasty.)

American Pizza or not?

not

but we will get to that later

Friday was a lovely day. It was just a good last day to a nice week. School was lovely but then afterwards my friends (exchange student kiddos) met up to go see Annake perform with her Viola. Anneke is from Colorado and we are really close now. She lives in helsinki also so we see each other fairly often. It is really awesome because she was my roommate all the way back at Karraku!

The school day consisted of me falling asleep with Luis's jacket later realizing he captured the moment on camera. Also, I was super motivated in French. not a big deal but yea. My goal is to be able to order coffee in as many languages as I can. 

I came home after school to find a package from home in front of my door! Inside was everything I would need for thanksgiving. I always held thanksgiving with importance but nothing like I do now. I am realizing, especially since Halloween pasted, holidays are a family time in the States. Whether you realize it or not. But now I have a different family. And my mom wrote me a book basically on how to throw the perfect Halloween.. seriously. I also got some kick butt hats from my aunt, Oberlin Heritage news, and my grandma's cookies. I am a happy kid.

We met up and went to the performance. It was held at this little music school over in Espoo. She performed so well.

Walking out I realized how much we have a life here. Like, we have friends which we visit their performances. We have school and know how to do our banking. We get our medicines and things we need. It's one of those things where sometime you have to stop and realize it is happening.

Afterwards we went out to the American Pizzeria here in Helsinki. It was a let down. It was not american pizza. But at least we were together.

 You could tell by Anneke's stages that she was happy... then very sad.

Liz came back home with me and spent the night. We watched movies, learning along with the Finnish Subtitles. Thank goodness for Netflix. All in all, Friday was a success.