Thursday, May 21, 2009

Today I celebrate calling this great land my country


The journey was seeded by a simple intention. I was 10 years old when I thought to myself that one day I would love to be in America. I speculate that being told as a boy that America saved us (Singapore) from the Japanese occupation and the daily exposure to the glamor of Hollywood might have had something to do with the stirrings in my heart.

Sixteen years since I planted that thought, I arrived in Charlotte, NC. It was surreal to see snow for the first time; yet, it wasn’t love at first sight. Charlotte was a tad too sedated for a twenty-something eager to soak up everything the land had to offer. Feeling home sick and lonely, I was ready to head home for good when I received what seemed like an unlikely offer of job and immigration sponsorship. I knew that if I refused, I would forever wonder what if I had accepted. I didn’t think I could live with that constant wondering. Doors do open when we put out our intentions and take leaps of faith. No wonder they say be careful what you wish for. So here I am, my desires manifested. The rest, as they said, is history.

Today I celebrate calling this great land my country. There was so much beauty to behold; too many magical moments to recount and all you awesome Americans who made me feel right at home. The journey had been punctuated with painful moments, but today is no occasion to recap them. It is a time to rejoice; besides, there is no point boring everyone with details of how tough the journey had been except to proclaim with an unequivocal YES, it was all worth it.

Having lived on both ends of the globe as well as both coasts of this land give me some level-headed perspective of what citizenship means. You will not find me boasting that the USA is the greatest. Although I may become slightly protective and declare a few virtues America possesses ever so gently. Then again, does it even matter. I have experienced goodness and there is no point convincing anyone else that I like what I tasted.

Today at my oath ceremony, I gladly surrendered my green card in exchange for a Naturalization certificate that never expires. It is symbolic of letting go all the cares of the infamous immigration process. I am mindful that some among you are on your own journey to that elusive green card or citizenship. I want to encourage you to be patient and know that your time will come if you truly want it. No matter how hard it had been, there is no country as welcoming as the USA.

So for my first order of business: register to vote and speak with my new-found voice. Come celebrate with me as I take baby steps and savor every bit of this American dream that has only just begun.

God Bless America.

1 comment:

peter said...

Congratulations! I know it's been a long road full of bumps along the way. America is fortunate to have you as one of our own now.
:-)