Proud To Be An American!!

I've been thinking about Independence Day and our country and how there are so many people willing to join the military to protect and defend our country. Then I started thinking about how I felt when I came back to the United States after being in the Philippines for almost three years.

I was comimg back to be in my friend's wedding. I know I was emotional because of my impending divorce and I was very tired from the long trek just to get to LA via the military stand by flights and airports I'd been in for thirty hours, but I truly was elated to be on U.S soil.

I remember I was taking a shuttle bus from the military airport to the civilian airport. I had had enough waiting and sleepless nights. I was listening to a tape in my walkman (yes, I said tape and walkman. Oh how technology has come a long way.)

I was listening to some Christian music. I was looking out the window and I just started to cry. I couldn't stop. It was unusual for me to cry on a bus, but as you read, my situation had my emotions quite frazzled by that point.

I missed the U.S. sooooo much. I loved the U.S.
I had never loved the U.S. before.
This was a good feeling. I actually wanted to kiss the ground
when I got off the bus. I chickened out and just walked proudly on it instead.

I was only out of the U.S. for three years & I had been home once about two years earlier. It was different this time. I was a Christian now and I cared. I missed my family and friends more. I think I can say I had grown up some in the previous 18 months.

I think that missionaries must feel this way. They love the countries they serve in, but they love home too. We are proud to be Americans and I welcome anyone who truly wants to be an American by way of proper immigration.

I don't think you have to leave the country to appreciate it, but for some of us it helps to give us perspective. I admire people who didn't have to leave America to find out they love America.

Pray for the military and their families and think of how much they love America and want to come home. Fly the flag proudly on Independence Day and stick up for your country and what it stands for. Enjoy some fireworks and a picnic too while you're at it!!