I never would have considered myself a patriotic person before the World Race. In fact, fed up by political corruption, environmental destruction and mass consumerism, I was pretty cynical at times. However, the longer I have lived overseas the clearer my view of America has become, and the better I understand how fortunate I am to call America my home.
When encouraging the students I worked with in Kyrgystan this April to discuss their dreams many of them listed “go to America”. Questions such as “how can I get to America?” and “my application was rejected, do you know how i can receive an American visa?” are questions I hear every day on the race. To be honest, the odds are stacked against these young people. Opportunities for greatness in the country of Kyrgystan requires knowledge of multiple languages, unlimited financial resources and an influential family. People around the world recognize that a surefire way to success is only a plane ride away in the LAND OF THE FREE.
I never realized the priveledges we possess every day in the states. While working with english students this past May, someone asked me “if you could be born in Mongolia instead of America, would you?” My answer was immediate, “there’s no way I could give up my home.”
I listen to people all around the world trying and failing to get into the United States. Every time I ask someone “would you like to visit the U.S. someday?” The answer never fails to be “yes, of course, but it’s so difficult to get in.” We, on the other hand, have access to almost every country with our American status. While living overseas I have received protection because of where I’m from, governments know not to risk offending or endangering our lives. I have received favor from the military, teachers, and families time after time, and at each small border crossing I see an official’s face light up as they read my passport saying “America, ooooohhh America.”
Other countries do not have that same access. I give up my birthright, I give up the world.
While in Kyrgystan we also attended a “cultural day” held by the faculty and staff at a local university. Different cultures from around the world made an appearance; Korea, Japan, China, Mongolia, the United States, and each played a video before the dances and songs were displayed. I had been gone from my home for 18 months at this point and was sitting in eager anticipation for the American performance. As the movie began to play, beautiful landscapes such as Lady Liberty, golden fields of wheat and the busy streets of NYC were unveiled. My new friend, Nilufar sat next to me and leaning over she whispered in awe “it is very beautiful.”
I have never felt so proud to be an American. My heart seemed to stop as I watched each scene unfold before me, the weight of our freedom sinking in for the first time. “Yes” i said to her, a tear falling down my cheek, “it is”.
Returning home I have been reminded of the many wonderful gifts we are surrounded by each day. These are just 11 I am so thankful to enjoy again this Fourth of July.
1. Showers with nozzles on the wall, (not crouching like Gollum every time I take a shower).
2. Outlets in EVERY room, sometimes multiple!
3. Sitting wherever I want whenever I want (this was a big no no in Asian countries).
4. Toilets that have full length doors (locking doors at that!) and plumbing.
5. The freedom to worship.
6. SO MUCH WATER. Restaurants just keep bringing me refills?!?
7. Not worrying about officials in restaurants overhearing my conversations about Christianity.
8. The food choices. So many brands and types and specialties. Like. SO. MANY.
9. Our access to knowledge is instantaneous and virtually unlimited.
10. Another glass of ice cold milk from a jug please? Cold. Jug. Milk. Not yogurt. Milk.
11. The ability to talk about Jesus anywhere, and feeling no fear of torture because of it.
Can someone say God bless America?! Like FOR REAL, He has.
It’s normal to take for granted everything we’ve always had and get caught up in the minor irritabilities instead. Coming through the airport in San Francisco last week, I was quickly reminded of how efficient (unfriendly) and professional (rude) our customer service can be. I couldn’t help but smile at the employee rolling her eyes as I tried to figure out the self check-in machine. However, this couldn’t bring me down as I breezed through the “U.S. Citizens” line and came to the clerk checking passports. He quickly scanned through the colorfully marked pages and looking at me said, “welcome home, Miss Spencer.”
I met his eyes, knowing he had little idea of the magnitude this statement held for me. Smiling, I responded “thank you, it’s good to be back.”
You have no idea how good.
Be reminded this Independence Day of what it truly means to be a citizen of the greatest nation in the world, the United States of America.
The view of San Francisco from Alcatraz Island
Enjoying time with family in Amish Town- Smicksburg, PA
My sister Shelly and I at “Heritage Days Festival”-Ford City, PA
Thank you to the men and women who have made our freedom possible. Thank you to those who have fought, and have paid the ultimate price. Thank you to those who say this country is worth the sacrifice, and to the families that love and support them every day. Thank you and may God continue to bless America.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”-Galatians 5:1
