Wednesday, November 25, 2009 — Today marks my fourth month in Millsberry—as well as a very special American holiday. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving!

We don't celebrate Thanksgiving in France, so I'm really excited to take part in the holiday's traditions with the Wrights, my host family. Let me tell you what we're up to.

I have to wake up early tomorrow morning to help Mrs. Wright prepare the turkey. She bought a 20-pound turkey, which she said will take about five hours to make! I've never had turkey before, or seen it made, so I can't wait to see how it's prepared and how it will taste! In France, we eat a lot of chicken (poulet in French, pronounced poo-lay) and duck (canard in French, pronounced kuh-nahrd).

My job will be measuring and mixing the ingredients for the chestnut-apple stuffing, which will be placed inside the turkey! I'm also going to help set the table for the 20 guests that will be arriving in the afternoon. Plus, I'm going to assemble the cornucopia centerpiece for the dining-room table. A cornucopia—an animal's horn overflowing with food—symbolizes an abundant harvest and plentiful feast. I'm going to fill this one with grapes, oranges, and flowers. I hope it looks festive!

I'm also very excited for fondue! The Wrights surprised me today with a fondue pot so we can dip cut-up bits of bread, vegetables, and turkey into delicious bubbling cheese and spices! Fondue is a popular dish in France—and a fun way to eat as a group. It made me feel right at home, and I can't wait for everyone to try it. You can even get your own fondue pot at the Furniture Store.

As for the main meal? For starters, there will be vegetable soup and warm cornbread. Mr. Wright will then carve the juicy turkey filled with that savory chestnut-and-apple stuffing. The side dishes are cranberries, sweet potatoes with spinach, and corn croquettes. And for dessert? Pumpkin pie of course! I can't wait.

After we digest the Wrights promise we can all go to Peabody Park to throw a football around. After all that rich food I can't wait to be a little active. Plus, tossing the ball will get us excited to watch some of the many professional football games on television on Thanksgiving Day. American football is a lot of fun!

I have so much to be thankful for, like the Wright family and their kindness, and learning something new everyday, and going home to my own family in France, in just a few weeks! Hope you all have a happy holiday too! Au revoir!*

*Goodbye! in French