Tomorrow is July 4th. I'll be preparing crafts for VBS, listening to Spanish recordings, eating rice and beans, and probably not sweating. It is winter here, after all.
Due to the U.S. holiday, and an unpleasant experience this morning, I've spent much of the day thinking about nationalities. This morning I was appalled by the words of someone I did not know, in a mixed-nationality group, who claimed that someone else was rude because of her nationality. I wanted to say something, but chose to listen to the group. In the end, I know this statement was made in ignorance and immaturity.
We are all so proud of our nationalities. Americans quote a poem to a cloth flapping in the wind, Paraguayans dress in red-and-white shirts on game day, Mexicans stand on the street as a three-hour parade passes. Americans decorate in red, white, and blue; Paraguayans decorate in red, white, and blue; and Mexicans decorate in red, white, and...green--all to show our allegiances to our respective flags. All three nationalities celebrate by eating. Each is proud of their country, and who they are.
But, in my semi-tri-cultural self, which is the better nationality? Do I celebrate three independence days each year? Honestly, no; I generally go with the country where I am physically.
Why am I able to do this? Why does July 4th not stop me in my tracks for a culture shock meltdown? Because I know which is the better nation:
"But you [Christians] are a chosen race, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, a people for [God's] own possession, that you
may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out
of darkness into his marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9
For this, I am able to set aside former traditions for a time, and pick up new ones. Despite my passport, my identity is not based on where I was born. My true identity is based on who the Holy Spirit is transforming me to be in his "holy nation"--the people of God.So today, as many Americans are celebrating, take a moment to "proclaim the excellencies of him who called you [...] into his marvelous light"!
And, please, someone eat some ribs, sweet corn, and potato salad for me.
Love, Carrie
PS--Fellow outside-the-US-ers: No judgment is being passed on people spread around the globe who are struck by culture shock on July 4th. I'll get it another day and for other reasons, don't worry--but I hope this has been some encouragement to you as you may be missing home!
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