Only in America

I was without internet, again, for over a week.

 I truly don't know what to think. Last summer it was the location. Or at least we could blame it on the location- bottom of a hill, new subdivision, lots of construction still going on. But, just in case, we went with a different company when we moved here.
 This summer, it is simply annoying. It eventually required a repairman coming out, which Andy had to fight to get for free, and it was water in the satellite dish.
 Sigh.

 But, I still wrote, even when I couldn't post. So, even though it is 11pm and I have a weeks worth of other people's blogs to read, here are a few thoughts I had during the last week:


We had “eat whatever was leftover” night not too long ago.

 There were some tortillas. A little chili. And joy, joy, at the back of the fridge a pack of brats that had been hiding.

 Only in America can you have a chili brat tortilla.

 I think sometimes we don't appreciate enough the convergence of, like food, the beliefs, societies, and histories that creates America.

 I am one, whom some call a snob I suppose, who can trace my family line back to well before the revolutionary war on both sides – with some Native American mixed in according to some - but so far back that I wonder if that is more family folklore then fact.

 Andy's great-grandparents came here from the Ukraine, with their children, to make a better life. Andy's grandfather, the youngest of the crew, was the first in their family to be born on American soil.

 His other three grandparents have residence here that goes back longer – (much longer!) with almost definite relation to the Creek tribe.

 But here is the thing: my children are not 1/8 Ukranian. They are not some small portion Native American. They are not the British that my dad's dad has traced his “original bloodline” to.

 They are American. Citizens of the United States of America. Part of the most amazing, beautiful mixture of culture imaginable.

 I will have to admit that portions of this country's thinking are not to my liking. I really think that Jesus is the only way to salvation, and true life. Lots of people disagree with me. I really think that people should share what they have willingly, not have it taken by force. Lots of people disagree with me. (on both the taking by force, and the being willing to share) I really believe that when God told Adam and Eve to take care of this earth He meant it. And just because they got kicked out of the garden doesn't mean we are supposed to be uncaring about the rest of creation. Lots of people disagree with me... or at least don't take the time to care.

 But this country is different then any other. That old nickname, “The melting pot”... I really want it to live up to that!

 So, Chili Brat Tortilla's? They make me happy.

Chow down!

Blessings,