Thursday, October 17, 2013

Proud To Be

This month marks the 5th year since I became a US citizen. I can't believe it's been that long. I still remember, there were 634 people who got to swear in as US citizens that day, October 2, 2008 at Arlington Convention Center in Arlington, TX. That only shows that a lot of people really wanted to become US citizens. The place was really crowded. Hubby told me that maybe there were around 1500 people at the venue and that includes the friends and relatives of the candidates for citizenship. When they announced the candidates by country, we had to stand and waved the little US flag that they gave us. The candidates were from 89 different countries and Mexicans were the majority, followed by the Arabs and Vietnamese. There were only 5 of us who are Filipinos.

There was a short program and hubby was my photographer. He also took a few short videos. BTW, Sherry, my step-daughter went with us and I really appreciate her presence. When it's time for us to take the Oath Of Allegiance to the United States Of America, I had mix emotions. I was sad because I was renouncing my native country to take a new identity. On the other hand, I was happy because after waiting for 8 months since I filed my application for naturalization, finally I am now a naturalized American. I love the US. I never thought I would become a citizen in this country when I was young. It was my dream to see this country but God gave me more than what I asked for. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," Ephesians 3:20 KJV. 

It's been 5 years since I became a US citizen. I am still a Filipino and I love my country. I applied for dual citizenship 4 years ago. I'm proud to be a Fil-AM!