Comments on: Humbled to be an American

By: Katerina Ivanovna

Katerina Ivanovna — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:19:41 +0000

Thanks everybody! I appreciate your kind words…

RCM,

Actually, I was struggling with that same point as I reflected on this and then I came to realize that I am more comfortable adopting a less triumphalistic position in regard to my nationality, ethnicity, gender or even my own faith. I said many times in the past, I’m “proud to be Catholic”, but then I realized that such attitude was already burning important bridges with people who were not Catholics or were perhaps already thinking of becoming Catholic, but were turned off by my attitude. I think it depends how one thinks of “pride” and its context, but in my own view, I prefer to get away from it, because it has gotten me in trouble :)

By: John

John — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:52:48 +0000

Congratulations!

I remember my naturalization ceremony 5 years ago. It took me a while to decide that this was the right decision too! 9-11 is what changed a lot for me.

By: Apolonio

Apolonio — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:41:53 +0000

Congrats Katerina! I didn’t see citizenship the way you do when I became one. I think there are two main lessons from your story: 1) you are chosen and 2) you are God’s response to America.

By: largebill

largebill — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 22:56:18 +0000

Congrats.

By: MelodyK

MelodyK — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 17:26:33 +0000

Beautifully said. Congratulations!
And, as you say, “As human beings, we always have that place that will always be dear to us in our hearts: that place that saw us grow up or that saw us shape our character and become who we are today.” I don’t think one has to choose between the memories that are dear, and embracing the blessings of the present.

By: radicalcatholicmom

radicalcatholicmom — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 17:26:06 +0000

Katerina:
Some thoughts:
First, congratulations on your citizenship.
Second, it seems to me that you equate things going well in a country with pride and shame when things don’t go well. It seems to me that it is rather an either or situation. I think, rather, it is important to look at your country like you do your family. There are some family members who you love even if you do not like them. I think love is the mixture of loving the good and attempting to correct the bad or at least learning how to live with the bad.
Third, I have often wondered if I could give up my citizenship and take on another country’s. And I am not sure. That right there tells me what a big deal it is to make such a formal decision.

God bless!

By: Gerald Augustinus

Gerald Augustinus — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 16:45:43 +0000

Very nice, congrats from a fellow immigrant. I’m trying for dual citizenship, it’s up to Austria if they let me keep it.

By: Katerina

Katerina — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:53:07 +0000

Thanks everybody! Thanks for the card too, that is very sweet :)

By: Gerald L. Campbell

Gerald L. Campbell — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:28:52 +0000

Katerina,

Your life brings to America the hope and vigor that comes with renewal. You are a precious gift to all Americans. Our response in return is one of gratitude.

Yes, we are gratified by your profound commitment to the land we love.

By: Kyle R. Cupp

Kyle R. Cupp — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:11:03 +0000

An enlightening story, Katherine. Thank you. I feel more inclined to participate in society after reading this.

By: David Nickol

David Nickol — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:01:51 +0000

Congratulations and welcome!

For your card, click this link
http://www166.123greetings.com/card/06/22/06/57/ZQS80622065725361.html

By: blackadderiv

blackadderiv — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:00:55 +0000

Very good.