Oh, Say Can You See?.........

By the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed
At the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes & bright stars,
Through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched
Were so gallantly streaming.
And the rockets red glare,
The bombs bursting in air,’
Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there!

Oh, say does that star spangled banner yet wave….
O’er the land of the free,
And the home of the brave?

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You know……for some reason, this Fourth of July meant more to me than any other one I have celebrated.

& I think I know why.

We have worked REALLY hard to bring 2 children home, make them ours, & make them UNITED STATES citizens.

(last year, over the 4th, we camped at Yellowstone, so we didn’t really celebrate)

But, having been in a foreign country now 4 times, for a total of a month & a half….

we have seen how privileged we are to be United States citizens.

~When we visited the US Embassy, & were seen the day we show up
(unlike many of the Guatemalans who stand in line day
after day to deal with US government officials -
let alone getting anything done from THEIR government).

~We have fairly safe streets to drive on, & people generally follow the rules of the road here (I said “generally” HA!!)

~We are treated with respect at foreign airports, especially when flashing a US passport.

~We are much richer, even as middle-class citizens.

~We live safer lives in the US. Gangs, crime & disease…..running rampant in Guatemala.

~Healthcare here (while it has it’s problems) is much more universal……& available.

~We have a much cleaner environment. Air, water, & food-three things I can think of.

Anyway…….I’m sure there are more privileges that being an American provides.

Can you add to my list?

(& to think that our children, by God’s incredible grace-are growing up here, instead of there! Oh, how privileged we feel to be a part of THIS miracle!)

Please pray for this country so close to our hearts.

“And I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died,
Who gave that right to me.
And I’ll gladly stand up
Next to you & defend Her still today.
Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land!
GOD BLESS THE USA!!!”

& finally, in closing…..thanks you to all of you who serve/
have served in the military of this great nation.
We are proud of you & are so thankful to you!

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We spent the day at a living history farm, Rock Ledge Ranch,

with my sister, her hubby & boys.

The slide show:

4th of July Celebration