Giving Thanks

Things I am thankful for this year:

1. My work keeps me busy, yet allows me to be independent. Always challenging me with new questions and obstacles, yet no retracting, no rounding, and no note-writing!

2. I am travelling in a country where not only is my country's president admired, but actually revered. Electing a half-Kenyan man to our top office has spoken volumes about the American people to Ghana, and made my travels much easier. Not only that, but I can purchase:
-Obama biscuits
-Obama underwear
-Obama boxers
-Obama earrings
-the services of a taxi driver who has christened himself "Junior Obama"
and counting!

3. I live in a room with an understanding roommate, amazing wireless internet, and a very effective fan. And also that this room is in a coastal (cooler) city in an otherwise sweltering country.

5. My most recent bout of sickness was not malaria, cholera, or anything worse, especially since it came on just 72 hours before my planned trip to South Africa. *knock on wood*

6. I was accepted to present my work at a conference for the first time. *crossing fingers for the presentation next week!*

7. I am able to travel to see friends in East Africa for the holidays, which might otherwise have been pretty lonely at the ISH.

8. I have not been forced to eat any Banku/Fufu/Kenke against my will.

9. I have wonderful friends who write me emails. And fantabulous friends who comment on my blog. *cough* write a comment now *cough*

10. I was able to come to Ghana on a research fellowship for almost a full year, and still have 6 months left!