Proud to be an American!

 

OBAMA WINS AGAIN! – I was just as proud of sending my ballot from the other side of the world, as I was when I stood in line the first go ‘round! 

This is not the first time since moving to Southern Africa that I have felt proud.  I am fortunate to have been able to step out of the United States mechanism and to take a look at who we are from the outside in.   

Life without television, radio, and newspapers has allowed me to see the good in who we are and what we do.  I couldn’t follow the campaigns, or watch the debates or the conventions but when I talk to the local Basotho and expats it becomes clear just how grateful they are for American generosity. 

I can see Americas’ foreign aid working in Lesotho.  From food security, to roads, to water projects, and HIV/AIDS prevention, things are getting done that would possibly not have gotten done without foreign aid.   Money, technology, and the skills of many volunteers and paid employees are helping to bring change to far away villages in The Mountain Kingdom.  My organization is a prime example of what the generosity of Americans’ can do; and the orphanage that we feed into is funded by an organization from England.

Not only do I see Americans doing great things here, I am also comforted in knowing that I am protected by the most powerful government in the world; and access is just a phone call away.  In the event that I get sick, a phone call is made to the nearest hospital so that they are expecting me when I arrive.  (Since we speak so little of the local language, we are provided an escorted around the maze of a hospital.)   If the country becomes politically unstable, and it is deemed necessary, I could be airlifted out, if there is an emergency at home or I just don’t want to live here anymore, one phone call and I’m on a plane home within 72 hours!

 America it is a great country, but it can also be better.  It is my hope that during Obama’s second term, we as a nation will pull together and work for the good of all humanity.  I know, that sounds pretty lofty, but who would have believed 5 years ago that I would be living on the African continent, bathing in a bucket!  Anything is possible.

So yes!  Today like many other days in Lesotho, I am proud to be an American!

Xoxoxo