From the time we woke up Thursday morning until the time we went to bed Friday night, Thanksgiving was on our minds. We woke up with exceeding joy and excitement for the celebration of this holiday. We spent time on Thursday reaching out to loved ones, sharing stories of memories past and preparing for our own version of this feast. We listened to lots and lots of Christmas music as we baked and cooked and shared special moments in the kitchen.

Friday, we celebrated as a whole squad, each of us putting a piece of giving on the table. We had many of the staples of home with a little Ecuadorian twist, since most ingredients are just a little bit different. We shared lots of laughs and reasons to be thankful. We turkey trotted, played volleyball and ate until our stomachs hurt. It was a Thanksgiving we all will remember and cherish for the years to come.

This year, I’m so thankful for the opportunity to experience family, love and community in a new way with incredibly amazing new friends.

The table was set, with greenery and care, in hopes that soon, turkey and family would be there. Friends gathered to read, and to chat and to eat. To turkey trot and volleyball before the feast.

For more photos please visit: Thanksgiving Photos & More From Ecuador