*** 4th of July ***

(note: I took pics of the kids for this post jumping on jose's STARS bedspread since the only other thing right now in our house having anything to do with the 4th of july is a package of hot dogs in the fridge :)

This is our first 4th of July that we've spent away from the U.S. It makes me think of years past and how we've usually spent it: with family and friends at my parents' house at the Rose Bowl...or with friends at the Vanneman's house...common denominator being family and friends...and celebrating our freedom. We have been blessed.

Today over here, it's just a regular 'ol Saturday in Germany. No bbqs to go to...no family and friends to watch the fireworks with. It is a bit sad. Buddy is at a conference all day and I just got home from taking the kids to the park. Not a bad day at all, but just thinking of what you all must be doing today, and missing it, and you, a bit!

What is also sad is a conversation I had the other day with a German friend who studied abroad in Omaha for a year. We were talking about World War II and it led to him telling me that because of it "We no longer have any pride as a country." He said people barely even fly the German flag, because there is no sense of country pride. He said the only time they as a country have had any pride at all was a few summers ago when they hosted the World Cup. As he was talking, I had the "And I'm Proud to be an American" song in my head, and I almost wanted to cry realizing that this country really doesn't know what it feels like to be PROUD of who they are as a country. From his point of view, they are not proud to be Germans in any way--it's like they wear a cloak of dirty shame. How awful.

The U.S. hasn't had a perfect past either. Not all that we have done or do is something to be proud of. Yet there is still pride to be an American--pride to hear our country's national anthem, a tear shed when you hear it and look at our flag. Pride to stand tall and just be proud to be part of such a wonderful nation. And we have a lot to be proud of. But to wear a cloak of shame? To feel like the rest of the world still looks at you and your country for your worst sin? It is sad. I pray that Germany comes to embrace the God of seconds chances, the God of perfect redemption, and the God who loves them just as they are--past, present and future.

God bless America, our home sweet home.

And God bless Germany, our new home sweet home.

Happy 4th of July to YOU!

Krista