I Am Proud to be an American!

It is not July fourth or even President's day, but USA has been on my mind today. Regardless of the way that we or you voted this year, I can honestly say that I am proud to be an American! I have always had a since of what it means to be an American, but now it is even more important in my life. Living in a different country, you are able to truly have an appreciation for the Red, White and Blue! I was driving to take Claire to school today and the local news was on the radio; they were discussing the new USA president, and of course he is seen as a hero here, but I was taken back by the rush of feelings that flooded me! They were talking about my country, and how proud I felt to be apart of it. People put Americans on a pedestal here, and have such a longing to see our country. I have been doing a lot of thinking today about the good old USA, and I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN, WERE AT LEAST I KNOW I'M FREE!

What it means to be an American to me:
* A free world were equality is important, there is a separation here, and people are very unaware of it!
* A place that we can feel safe in and know that there is police system-here you rely on your security company for your line of defense. They come in armored gear to protect, they also can assess physical emergencies. You hardly ever see the police.
*Being a part of a company that my husband works for, my dad worked for and my husband's grandfather worked for. Please pray for the GM family!
* A place were children have a safe haven in their schools, and are forced to attend. Our children attend a private school here, but know that there are children that are unable to make it to school daily.
* A minimum wage for workers that is better than it is here-labor force is so cheap! We have a maid from 7:30-4, three days a week-$30 for the week.
* A place that dreams can come true, we are living proof that with a lot of hard work, you have the ability to build a happy home and to chase your dreams!
* A place were my children have all kinds of opportunity awaiting them!
* There are so many others, but I have a true since of pride for where I come from, and I hope that as Americans we can all take care of what we have!

Do not get me wrong, I am not living in filth or in complete fear-quite the opposite-South Africa is a great and beautiful land; but it is not the United States of America!

I leave you with some pictures that are in our house here in South Africa, as we were hanging pictures we said that it was weird how things change and now some pictures took precedent over others. You do not know what you have until it is gone, these are now some of my most valuable images....


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