Although I was born and raised in the US, I’ve lived outside of the country for about a quarter of my life now. I know I’ve assimilated some of the culture here into my life.
Nevertheless there are days when I feel a bit more American and a bit out-of-place. Usually July 4th is one of those days!
I grew up with all the regular 4th of July traditions. My brother and I would always make a big firework run a few days before Independence Day. Often we’d go to the nearby “reservation” to get the good fireworks.
The 4th ways always a day to spend outside, go for swim, eat some hotdogs and relax with family.
Try as we might, here in Ukraine the 4th never quite looks like that. I’m writing this from my bedroom at around midnight and all is quiet here; no fireworks, no picnics, no day off.
At first we were thinking of going downtown with some American friends, going out to eat and then for a walk in the park. That was before I found out that I had an evening meeting with our church leadership which I couldn’t miss and one of our friends was also stuck in a meeting.
I guess after you’ve lived a few years outside of the US your adopted country can change you. It’s really inevitable, whether you want it or not you will start to see things differently, you’ll start to act and even feel differently about things you were sure would never change.
I’m not saying that I don’t want to celebrate the 4th any more, I’m just saying that to miss the 4th isn’t really such a big deal when I’m living here.
That being said, please don’t think for a second that living in Ukraine has in any way diminished my gratefulness for my US citizenship! If anything, I’m more grateful now than ever that God saw fit that I was born on US soil!
Why am I grateful for my US citizenship? Let me name a few reasons.
1. America has a Christian history
Some may deny it, others may try to change it but men like William Bradford, Jonathan Edwards, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Abraham Lincoln, and many many others both inspire and continue to give wisdom to today’s American Christian.
2. America is free
Please believe me when I tell you America is still a free country. I’m grateful for the freedom that allowed me to worship without fear, study God’s Word in Christian institutions, and openly preach the Gospel.
3. America values the individual
Living in a former Soviet country I have seen first hand the destruction caused by a worldview that does not value the individual but only the “common good.” I pray America does not lose this value as it truly is a Biblical value.
4. America has some of the greatest Christian resources
When it comes to Christian schools, books, video and media of all kinds, I don’t think any country can compete with America. While I agree there is a lot of Christian fast food junk being produced, there is also a lot of very good Biblical material that is available either for free or at low costs to anyone.
5. America is rich
Yes, I mean that, America is still one of the richest nations on earth and as a result the American Church is one of the greatest missionary sending churches of all times. I’m grateful for the financial resources that allow us to serve here in Ukraine.
6. America is fair
I can’t tell you how nice it is when you don’t have to guess what kind of bribe would be appropriate whether it’s in a government office or at your kids elementary school.
7. America has a moral conscience
Yes the LGBT movement is loud in America but it is also strongly being opposed. There are millions upon millions of Americans who still stand for Biblical morals and they stand on the foundation of the founding fathers.
8. America is English speaking
Traveling around the world English is one of the most versatile languages to know. I’m grateful that I know English, it opens up many opportunities for ministry.
9. America is still great
America is still a great nation. I know that no nation is forever, yet I pray that America will continue to be great for a long, long time. More importantly I pray that the gospel will ring clear and true from sea to shining sea and that America will stand strong and stay true to her Christian history.
So while living in Ukraine may have changed me it has also made me more than ever grateful for the heritage that America has given me.
Bill (cycleguy)
July 5, 2016We, in America, often forget these simple thoughts. Thanks for the reminder Caleb. our 4th was a wet one so no picnic, no cookout, no fireworks (never have taken that on as a project I want to spend $$ on). No friends over. I nice day spent with my grandson. Can’t say “nice quiet day” after that announcement. 🙂 But I am grateful for my freedom. Sent a text to a man/friend in the church who was active duty for 20 years and thanked him.
Caleb
July 5, 2016I did manage to talk with some family in the States on Skype, which was quite nice. Today we took the family to the beach and we considered that part of our 4th celebration.