As we have been travelling we keep coming back to one thing, we feel truly lucky to be an American.
I am not into politics, and I purposely never watch the news so I am not claiming any special knowledge or stance on the matter. I certainly do not feel superior to anyone else or think I have the upper hand. I have found so many wonderful things about other countries that I wish I could have known and adopted as my own long ago. I am just simply happy and thankful personally for all the benefits being American has given to me, and travelling this beautiful world has made them so clear.
The fact that we are able to go to any country we want is such a joy and privilege, there are very few countries whose citizens are allowed to do so. So many times we ask a native of the country we are visiting if they have ever been to America and they laugh and say they are not allowed.
It is so amazing that every country’s second language is English. Every one in the world is trying to learn English, one of the hardest languages, and I was lucky enough to be taught it as a 1st language. Every where we go we can find someone to speak to, it is very freeing and opens up so many doors.
The very fact that we are out travelling and feel confident that we can succeed in our dreams is based on a lifetime of American dream speeches. Of people and family telling us we could do whatever we wanted and then having the ability to empower us to do so.
I asked my 3 guys what they loved about America…
Peyton loves America because-
they have great steak, I like Texas, it was really fun at the Great Wolf Lodge, I like that we were born in America, the beautiful ocean and rainbows and sunshine in Hawaii, and I love Disneyland.
Conner loves America because-
they have so cool toys, guns-toy guns, and real guns like Papa T’s, everything
(oh my, so many things to say, but I will leave his words unedited!)
Jarrett loves America because-
Our passport lets us go anywhere, our money has value, Americans improve the food of other countries, toilet paper is in every restroom, everyone speaks his language
I have learned so much in these last 6 months of travel. The world is big and so full of amazing people with original ideas that are brilliant and exciting and different from our own. Jarrett and I strive to improve our lives everyday from all that we discover. I love travel and I love all the new things we learn, but we always come back to thankfulness. Thankfulness to a country that has given us freedom to live a life that is truly free.
he has no fear of failure
they believe they really can save the world
free to make all my dreams come true, even if it was just for a little while
How patriotic! Makes me wanna sing “I’m Proud to be an American” by Lee Greenwood!
Great post ~ I’m glad you’re enjoying your freedoms as a family. God has truly blessed this country although we have disappointed Him so much as a country.
haha, jarrett was teasing me about that song too and this post
I agree! I love what you all had to say, especially the boys (so cute) & Jarrett about the toilet paper! So thankful you are able to explore the world & live out your dreams as a family:) Love & miss all of you.
oh the toilet paper, if only everyone knew in america how special that was! hehe
Touché!!!
Amanda in Colorado
thank you amanda
Thank you for this wonderful reminder! Enjoy the world that being American has provided for you.
we totally are! tubing down the Nom Sam river tomorrow:)
I truly appreciate your words today Chelsea. Well done.
thank you Maria
Great post Chelsea. It’s a great little reminder to appreciate the seemingly small things that we take for granted. I’m not American, I live in Canada but I am Filipina. I am always jealous that my husband can go anywhere without needing a visa (unless he stays long). I am so happy for my children and myself that we get to enjoy the many great things this country has to offer. And yes, I LOVE having toilet paper in all the bathrooms, even those that are in gas stations. Haha! I am happy when Westerners visit third world countries and have a new appreciation for the “everyday perks” that you didn’t really pay a lot of attention on before. So glad you’re enjoying Asia.
thanks Marie, I know I just learned about the visa thing too, I feel so happy its one less thing to worry about in our travels. and yes the toilet paper, i have started bringing some in my purse!
Except China, you may need to apply for a visa if you plan to go there. My friend is a flight attendant and she said in countries that require an entry visa, she can usually just do it when she arrives but when she went to China, she had to get it beforehand. Just thought you should know.
Love the new blog photo, by the way.
thanks Marie, i am glad to know that, when we get to china and are prepared I will have you to thank:) xoxo
This is still Marie btw. Apparently, I’m logged into my wordpress account.
Loved all that you said! I guess i should send a care package of toilet paper hehe:) Thank you for sharing all of this, it makes perfect sense and helps me appreciate what I have. I love seeing the world through your eyes! love you
We, as Americans, do take alot for granted and it’s always good to see the other side every once in awhile to know we are very, very fortunate. So happy you are able to share this.
thank you Peggy:)
It is funny how much we do take for granted! Speaking English as our first language is not something that I ever thought to be grateful for! But it is the hardest language to learn (french is the easiest!!) so it is something to say thanks for.
I like how easy it is to travel from one country to another. Never realised that some people “Cant” travel to America because they are not allowed to. Sure is interesting meeting others and connecting with them
I am so thankful that I speak English! I barely get it right and have the hardest time with learning new languages, maybe I will try french if its easy:)
Well said, Chelsea. Certainly food for thought. The first time I met someone from a country with travel restrictions, I found it almost incomprehensible. “What do you mean, you can’t travel to such and such a place?” “Why on earth would you not be able to own a typewriter?” “Why can’t you stay in a hotel in your own city?” In these difficult economic times, it is easy to let the true luxuries be overshadowed. Thanks for the little brain nudge!
thanks Cathy, we are having so much fun expanding our brains with all of this newness!
Great post as always, reminds me of some of the Philippino girls that were in Okinawa. They wanted so bad to marry a service member because it was a free pass to America! Then when they got here, they would just get a divorce and still be a citizen. smart!
bahaha, I know, Jarrett got a few slaps on the butt and some proposals while we were in Thailand!