I own a nearshore contact center (aka a call center) in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico (Located in Northern Mexico). Four years ago over lunch in early November, one of my managers said to me "I am going to celebrate Thanksgiving this year at my home, and with my family." I said to him, "Really! Thanksgiving is not a holiday in Mexico, right?" He simply said "no, but it should be."
He went on to share how much he admires America for this holiday. To simply be thankful. Once again, he said, "Mexico needs to have this same holiday!" Since that day four years ago, he has celebrated Thanksgiving in his home every year, at the same time as we do in the U.S.!
On that first Thanksgiving in his home, he emailed (and texted) invitations to his family and close friends, inviting them to his home for a traditional U.S./American Thanksgiving meal (He shared how hard it was to source a Turkey, and to cook a Turkey!). Most of his family, and many of his friends, criticized him, saying "what are you doing, celebrating a U.S. holiday?" They were literally irritated, or downright angry with him. He simply explained that regardless of how you feel about the U.S.A. or Americans, we (Mexican citizens) have so much to be thankful for. He researched what takes place during a traditional American Thanksgiving meal, and he asked all invited to be prepared to share something you are thankful for during dinner. When he and I visited later in December, he said that despite feeling awkward, all of them did share something they were thankful for! And after dinner, he said the atmosphere in our home was wonderful. We were all very happy, enjoying each others company and families. He said he had never felt that during family Christmas or birthday celebrations.
In conclusion, during this Thanksgiving week, I am blessed to live in such a wonderful and diverse country. I am thankful for everyone I know (in business, family and friends), and pray that we as a country will, like my colleague in Mexico, appreciate how much God has blessed us, and to always gives thanks for everyone who has sacrificed so much, so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have.
Happy Thanksgiving to All! (In the U.S., Mexico, and world-wide!)
- Steve
Steve Shefveland, Founder
Emerging Global Services, LLC
602-312-8900 / steve@emergingglobal.com
www.emergingglobal.com
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