America, My New Home
I believe in America because we have great dreams and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true. ~Wendell L. Wilkie
In 1976, during the warm summer month of August, my father, an American, found me in an orphanage and flew to Germany to bring me back to the United States. A few months prior to his arrival, I and the other children in the orphanage, were informed of this news. I became the most popular girl for the remainder of the time there when the other children learned that I was really moving to America. It was such a proud moment for me when I realized that I was to finally have my own family, and furthermore, that I was coming to live in such a great country.
I love America! After moving here from Germany at 14, and then out of my father’s house at almost 20 years old, I began to realize just how versatile and flexible of a life I could lead here in America. I found the freedom of choice which became a practical and integral part of my life. I found freedom to worship God and the freedom to study spiritual things which would eventually become a tool of healing for my life.
I am proud to be called an American as I think back of the patriotism that was displayed after 9/11. It was inspiring, and I realized that its energy came from a different source than the nationalism that Germany displayed during WWII. The courage to be visionaries that is seen in so many Americans is founded on deep abiding principles explained in the phrase, “liberty and justice for all.” Americans will bind together as one during times of tragedies as well as in times of victory.
I love the generosity this country displays during times of need, even to her enemies. I have stood in amazement as I have observed people give, for example, after the Katrina hurricane disaster. People of all socio-economic levels opened their pocket books as well as their homes. I stand in amazement as I watch the American people display resilience as they always find a way to re-build their lives again and again, no matter what difficult circumstances may come their way. What an inspiration! What a gift!
I love America because no one will place restrictions as to the level of educational opportunities one wants to obtain. Through sheer determination and hard work, any goals can be attained. Wealth on every level in America can be realized through hard work and wise decisions made. Opportunities are there to be seized.
Americans have large hearts. Friends in Germany expressed once that they enjoy visiting this great land of ours because the people “seem so friendly.” I would have to agree with that as our motto still remains that “the customer is always right.” Americans are happy, loving and giving people, always finding a way to look at the positive, to work hard and to continually strive to become better in every way. Solutions are sought for the more difficult dilemmas of poverty and ignorance because America desires equality for all of her people. Wisdom is sought to protect our land and to protect those who are weaker than ourselves.
With all the pain that came along with making the transition from another country, learning a new language, and trusting a new people, I have found myself. I am free, I am proud, and I am an American!
Update: I was invited by Houston NPR to read my essay on the radio. You may click here to listen to it, if you like.
Happy 4th of July!
*This essay has been previously posted
Viola - Happy 4th of July.
Comment by Visiting Viola — July 3, 2007 @ 5:01 am
I really enjoyed reading your story. I can tell you have much pride in America and its people.
Kristy
Comment by milerk — July 3, 2007 @ 11:27 am
I have a friend in Germany who has said many of the same things. Thank you so much for your pride in your adopted country; we’re glad to share with such a nice person.
Happy 4th
e.
Comment by erina_criss — July 3, 2007 @ 11:44 pm
I found your blog from a comment that you made regarding a recent USA today study.
I am so happy to have found it!!
I am a former foster child and current youth advocate… My website is http://www.sunshinegirlonarainyday.com and my blog is http://sunshinegirlonarainyday.blogspot.com/
I wanted to invite you to consider joining Foster Care Alumni of America: http://www.fostercarealumni.org
Let’s keep in touch!
Lisa
Comment by Lisa — July 4, 2007 @ 11:28 pm
it is nice that you get used to life in USA.
you have drawn so amazing picture from inside .it is true USA is the land of dreams to be reality .
yet , you can not imagine the picture that i would draw to USA as outsider.
it is horrible , ethical deterioration
do you heard about the scandels of American soldiers in Iraq .
how they torture people .
, oppression, tyranism , killing is every where in Iraq , Afghanistan , and who knows whereelse
any way it is life , every thing has two faces .
and we should accept it like that .
Comment by MAR — July 5, 2007 @ 5:04 pm
A very touching post. Thank you for sharing that.
Comment by Anonymous — July 10, 2007 @ 11:02 pm
Nice the hear/read about true sentiment. I hope the perception lingers. We take a lot for granted in this country, as we’ve never (most of us) been exposed to worse environments than the USA-We have a lot to be thankful for, and mindful of- rct
Comment by rct — July 13, 2007 @ 8:50 am
A well thought out presentation on the subject. It clearly displays you feelings and patriotism that you have for this country. Well done!
Comment by Robert Egg — August 9, 2007 @ 7:54 pm
Hi Viola A very nice story with a happy ending, and I hope you keep up your happiness. You got a comment saying everything has two faces you can always put a bag over the nasty face! When I read your happy story it prompted me to post my poem ‘America’ thankyou for that. Luv the dog detective on German TV. kind regards
BeauJangles
Comment by Beau Jangles — August 9, 2007 @ 7:56 pm
[...] I will post it here if you are interested in tuning in. The post that I will be reading is “America, My New Home.” Posted in: [...]
Pingback by Spiritual Things Matter » Houston Public Radio 88.7 FM — November 23, 2007 @ 3:15 am
[...] from a couple of posts back, they were interested in me reading one of my essays called, “America, My New Home” for their program called, “This I Believe.” Paul Pendergraft was such a gracious and [...]
Pingback by Spiritual Things Matter » KUHF - Houston Public Radio — December 12, 2007 @ 1:28 am
You made me cry, Viola. Thanks. I am indeed humbled. I am glad this made the airwaves.
Comment by SandyCarlson — July 3, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
Viola, what an inspirational story! Coming from your heart, as it does, makes it so powerful.
We’re not perfect in this grand experiment called America, but no thing is ever perfect. It is the right to strive to be perfect in whatever way we can, that makes this such a blessed and welcoming land.
Comment by Jimmy J. — July 5, 2008 @ 6:42 pm
As someone famous once said, “I believe in — I am proud to belong to — the United States. Despite shortcomings, from lynchings to bad faith in high places, our nation has had the most decent and kindly internal practices and foreign policies to be found anywhere in history.”
Thanks for reminding us all of what we do well.
Comment by Bar Keep Poet — July 5, 2008 @ 8:30 pm
Thank you Jimmy J. - I so agree with you and I feel truly thankful for the freedom we still have in this land.
I hope you had a good 4th. We were out of town.
Comment by Viola Jaynes — July 7, 2008 @ 3:21 am
[...] wrote America, My New Home at Spiritual Things [...]
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