I am American

Wednesday I became an American citizen. I've been waiting my whole life for this entitlement. It's a crazy thing living your whole life in a country that you cannot claim as your own; yet I've felt deeply devoted to America and her ideals. Coming back to the States, especially on a plane always leaves me feeling so secure that I'm home. Really home, even though I'm just visiting.

This whole thing has been quite ironic. I apply for citizenship back in June. I move to Canada in August. I fly in for an interview for citizenship in November, worried sick that I may not qualify being a resident of Canada. I have a miracle take place with my miracle worker interviewer. She understood my situation and said everything short of "You're a shoo-in."

Then in December I fly in to become a citizen of the United States of America:

Emotional and all, this is what I had to say to the 206 new Americans, guests and officials:


My parents who made America possible for me

My friends who came out who are my example

The miracle worker who interviewed me
I'm beyond grateful that I'm now truly a part of America. I know there's irony with me living in Canada now that I'm a citizen of the States, but mark my words, in due time I'll be back to serve the States.