The Fourth of July

For those of you who have spent the Fourth of July in a country outside of America, you know that the holiday takes on an entirely different appreciation. I will never forget the first one we celebrated while living in Porto Rafti, Greece. A friend from back home in Arkansas sent us a care package like no other! There were red and blue tortilla chips, confetti, small flags, a Patriotic CD, blue plastic glasses with stars, a red plastic pitcher, flag napkins- even red, white, and blue candles! We made the traditional flag cake with strawberries and blueberries, the layered jello salad, and pulled out the sparklers. And we thanked God for the amazing country of our birth. The attack on the Twin Towers had happenned since we left America, and we felt so far from home. We were meeting with the American Consulate, and having to receive updates on a daily basis as to whether it was safe to travel. Tensions ran high. The flag was not to be flown, we were to keep a low profile. We watched Bush be burned in effigy in the streets of London. There were anti-America protests in Rome. Bush was once again set afire on the streets of downtown Athens in front of the Embassy. And still to this day, I have such a feeling of pride when I see our flag flying. I remember those who have died for our freedoms, I remember those who continue to keep God in the forefront as new laws are passed, and I remember to vote so that our country will have the leaders who will look to God for wisdom. I love America, the home of the free and the brave. May God continue to bless us.