Open Door Healing

Last night Hubby and I were watching Craig Ferguson’s “American on Purpose”. In the series he is interviewing those from other countries that choose to become Americans. Almost all of the interviewees stated they came for opportunity, something they would not have in their country. The one that really stirred my Soul was a gentleman from Somalia. He was a reporter and would secretly tape some of the atrocities that were happening over there and the tapes were broadcast on a radio station in North Carolina. He ended up with quite a following. Per his statement, about 20 million people a year apply for the Diverse Visa Lottery and about 20,000 are chosen. He had to have a family that was willing to sponser him, which turned out to be one from Maine that listened to his podcast. When Craig asked him why he wanted to be an American, he replied, “I wanted to experience being fully human.” What a statement. He mentioned he could drive freely from the east coast to the west coast with no questions asked, he had the freedom to move about as he pleased. He also mentioned that America was a Grand Experiment. And it is. No, America is not perfect by any means, we still have some of the same problems that all countries do, where some of those in power want even more, or those with a lot of money are not satisfied with what they have. It is part of our human nature. Craig also interviewed 2nd generation immigrants, and they all said the same thing; their grandparents did it for the future of their children. Somewhat to planting a pecan tree, where the full harvest happens between 10-15 years. I look up to those that choose a new life here, how brave to leave everything you’ve ever known. I know an inkling of that feeling, having been a military brat and as a kid having to leave friends, family, homes, but I also never had to learn a new language, well, unless you count the nuances of different states and sections of the country; there is a huge difference in personality between California and Ohio and Texas, between living in a city that is mostly military to a small Texas town where everyone is related except you. I keep going back to the Somalian’s statement, “I wanted to experience being fully human.” What does that mean to you? Blessings.

Art by Tara Makin from Pinterest.