I am thankful for.....

Hello!!
I have been a slacker with this whole blogging thing. I find that it is a lot like my journaling. I do great and keep everything updated but then I stop and it is forever until the next entry. I want to promise that I will be better at writing in my blog but let's face it...I will break that promise quickly so let's not even go there.
I have four weeks left in this great country. It feels like I just got here yesterday, except for the fact that when I got here it was summer and now it is the middle of a freezing autumn. I look back at all the fun I've had so far and all the memories I have accumulated and I just want them to keep coming. But I have to keep moving and learn to appreciate everything I have been given.
Since it is almost Thanksgiving back in America (this is my first time being away during Thanksgiving), I feel inclined to share the things I am thankful for while being here in Ukraine.
This is not in any particular order.
1- I am thankful to be in Ukraine. It is not where I thought I was going but now I can't imagine being anywhere else.
2-PEANUT BUTTER!!! I finally got a jar of pb and it is so good. They don't sell peanut butter here and I have had the biggest craving. One might think I was pregnant because of how badly I wanted it.
3-The Welty's. They are the Institute missionaries and they have helped me adjust to this country, mainly because they are Americans and I am able to speak to them. I always have the most insightful and uplifting conversations with them.
4-The Stuart's. They are temple missionaries and every month they invite me and a few other girls over for lunch. They make American dishes and so once a month, it is like I am back home even if it is just for 1 hour. I love the food and I love the Stuart's.
5-Galina. She is my host mom and she makes me breakfast and dinner every day. And she does my laundry. I don't even ask her. I come home and it is hanging. Though, it is always awkward coming home to my underwear hanging on some antlers. And she is so sweet. I am glad I have the opportunity to live with her.
6-My family. I miss them dearly and without them I wouldn't have financially survived living here. When I need money, they are so willing to put it in my account.
7-My passport. I had a hard time providing my citizenship but I got one! For once, being born in the Philippines was not cool. If I was born in the states, I wouldn't have had such a hard time. But I still love the fact that I was born in the Philippines! Go Philippines!!!!! I will see you one day!
8-And where would I be without the International Language Program...actually, I would be in Rexburg. But because of ILP, I am in Ukraine, having the time of my life.
9-My Ukrainian friends. They speak English!! Some better than others but that is okay. I can still talk to them and laugh with them. And when I am in a bind, they are willing to help me. A girl can't ask for better friends than ones who have your back. I will miss you all so much. Let's keep in touch! Thank goodness for Facebook. :)
10-My children. My cute and adorable Ukrainian children. They have made this experience the best! I love hearing the little pitter-patters as they walk up to my classroom and when they say Miss Erika with their cute little accents. My heart melts every time. I will cry the hardest when I have to leave.
11-My friends back home. I am looking forward to all the fun we will have. We're gonna tear up the town!
12-The girls I work with at my school. I work with two other girls and we clicked from the first day. They are so willing to help. Thank you Hanna and Taia. I am grateful to work with you, ladies. And my friends who cover for me when I am unable to go into work. Thank you for your selflessness.
13-my head teacher, Samantha. She gives me helpful pointers to improve so I can be the best teacher for my students.
14-Idaho. If I didn't live in Idaho, I don't think I would have appreciated all the potatoes I have eaten while being here. I thought Idahoans ate a lot of potatoes....you guys got nothin' against Ukrainians! :)
15-I am a world traveler...ok..I have only explored Eastern Europe but still, it is outside of America and it has helped me to be grateful for every little thing we take advantage of in our country.
16-free restrooms... America...you are so spoiled.
17-Benedict. My guitar. I brought him here and I am glad I did. When I strum those strings, it is like all my stress just melt away.
18-Institute and FHE. I admit it was weird that FHE was on Fridays instead of Mondays, but I got used to it and I made so many friends. And Institute has helped me gain a greater understanding of Christ's mininstry when he was on the earth. I get home later on those nights but it is definitely worth it.
19-The church. Never again will I complain about driving 15-20 minutes to church ever again! It is a sacrifice to get to church every week but it is worth it. It is like going home every week because I am in an international branch and we all speak English. And I feel so loved. And the Spirit....My first Sunday, I couldn't hold back the tears because the spirit was so strong. I am so blessed.
20-My temple recommend. My full use recommend expired here and because my records are back home, they weren't able to issue me a new one but I was able to get a limited use one. So I am able to do baptisms. I don't like the feeling of being without a temple recommend. I will never let my recommend expire ever again!
21-the temple. I love being able to go to the temple. I am grateful to be in a country where there is a temple. I know I wouldn't have been able to survive all the hard times if I weren't for the strength I received from the temple.
22- The Holy Ghost. I think I am a pretty good teacher but the Holy Ghost is the real teacher and without him helping me teach my lesson, I wouldn't have the relationship I have with my children.
23-My Savior. None of this would be possible without him. I can't imagine my life without him. And I don't even want to. My life has been filled with such happiness and joy and even the darkest of days has a glimmer of hope.