Today's the 26th of November, and it's my first time to celebrate Thanksgiving. The pilgrims never visited the Philippines, so we don't have that there.

Anyway, I had my first turkey dinner ever, with mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries, and pumpkin pie. We also went to church, and Pastor Gene gave us the chance to reflect on the things we are thankful for.

Personally, I'm thankful to God because he allowed me to come here. Despite the fact that I was homesick, I am still grateful because the Lord gave me the privilege to become an American Citizen instantly, the privilege that others cannot have.

Because of the prayers and my dad's citizenship, I am no longer an immigrant, but a blue passport owner. God opened my eyes and I realized that I do not want to return to the Philippines. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I really do want to live here.

The people here are extremely accommodating, and rights are respected. Pedestrians can cross the streets without crazy drivers honking their cars. Rules are followed, and the food is just great. The schools are absolutely stellar.

(With Jan in Central Park, by the Hudson River, NY, in Princeton with Mom & Dad)

More importantly, I made new friends. Remember that blue-eyed dreamboat? He and I got to know each other, and we were able to spend time together too, even if it was only for four days. His name is Richard "Rich" Finland, and he was able to take me to the mall and invite me to dinner with his parents, such wonderful people.

(With Rich Finland aka blue-eyed dreamboat & Family)

I will definitely miss him, because I learned so much about him in just a span of 4 days. Turns out, he was bullied all his life, which is hard to believe because he's such a good-looking person. I guess he did not meet the standards of 'clique-tatorship'. I told him about my experience with the mean girls in school, and hopefully I was able to encourage him, even just a bit.

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