November 2018: Gobble Gobble

Next month will be the half way point of the fellowship and there is so much to be grateful for. For starters, I appreciate the opportunity to be here, to be alive, and acknowledge the many privileges I have as an American. One of the driving forces lately has been waking up with a spirit of gratitude. Perhaps that’s amplified because in the States we celebrate Thanksgiving in November, but whatever the case, its been central to the lens Im operating from. I can’t emphasize this enough. Having boots on the ground opens your eyes to the tragic reality of your limitations and it can get exhausting. Often times when working to achieve even the simplest tasks, we are met with walls and barbed wire with locked gates and it almost feels impossible. But this month, Im just trying stay in that state of thankfulness.

As many of you indulge in the delicious turkey, ham, gravy, cranberries, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes pie, pumpkin pie… man, my mouth is watering just thinking about all that good food, remember to absorb the love around you. Though I didn’t celebrate in the traditional sense, namely because I’m not home and it’s not a holiday in Haiti, Junior (aka ‘Gwo Chef,’ which means big boss), treated us with what he calls “Haitian thanksgiving.”

I had never met a turkey until today, and to be completely honest, I’d be completely fine never encountering one again.

Anyway, I was excited about the spread that was about to be laid out. I’m not hating but It’s been a lot of rice and beans (which I can’t eat. Shocking, I know I’m Latina…how is that even possible???) lately so a little change in pace was nice. So here I am, just finished coming from a meeting at one of our community health centers, working on data analysis, and I’m ready to feast. I lift the cover and what do I find? A measly left over turkey drum with one fried plantain and penne pasta.

You gotta understand something about me fam, I'll always be the first to give my food to someone who needs it more, so this isn't even a thing about being greedy. Before I left, there was hella turkey being made- enough for the staff and then some. So, Im over here like, is it April fools or something? You gotta be kidding me right now. I feel myself getting mad, and to diffuse the internal fire I start telling myself… "stay grateful, stay grateful. At least they left you a little meat on the bone." But then I started thinking more about it and that just made it worse. Why wouldn't they just eat it all of it? Over here taunting me and stuff. Ultimately, I opted for the more rational thought and decided that whoever took the food probably needed it more, so there, Happy Thanksgiving to them.

As for my meal, well, thank God for Starkists chicken packs because those puppies have been life giving and come in clutch when the protein gains are needed. I had myself a nice little 70 calorie chicken pack, with the penne pasta and plantain, and called it a day. Despite not getting to enjoy the turkey, it’s the thought that counts and for that, I’m real thankful. It’s the little things that matter- so go on with your beautiful selves and choose to see the blessings today. They come in different flavors, I didn’t even get to try the flavor this time, but you know what Im saying. Looking forward to sharing more soon.

In love and Solidarity,

AR