The General Specific- Band of Horses

Fourth of July. Spain doesnt have an independence day. Apparently they've always been independent.

I hate that patriotism in American has been taken and made to be...redneck? I am proud to be an American. Iria hates when I say I am an American because the US is only part of north America, so I should not say I am from America, she thinks I should say I am from the United States. Much thought has brought me to the conclusion that I am American. Seeing as I am from America, and if the Chileans want to say they are American, so be it.

Today I was helping Iria study her english, one of the questions I had to ask her was 'Do you know what the symbols of your flag mean?' And she didnt. She said that the flag is something we American are very proud of, but here is Spain it is not a big deal. I dont have the flag painted on my garage or printed on the rear window of my car but hearing her say this made me think of the great pride I DO have in the flag and our country. She often points out the differences, the fact that big cars are not coveted here, everyone gets all of their medical needs for free and our education system is far easier than theirs because their undergrad is 5 years and to teach, they must do a year after that and she must go to the US because it is so much easier. All of this made me feel...well blessed I guess. I know we're overweight. I know we're probs not the most educated. We wear flip flops and floral tops (this is how they spot us apparently). All you know of our entertainment are the trash movies that you call the 'American movies' like 'American Pie' and 'Hot Chick'. And the majority of us only speak one language. (QUICK NOTE: The keyboard is different and I kinda refuse to take the time to figure it out, so punctuation is less than par)

I love that we have an Independence Day. I love that we fought for it and I'm proud that we fight to help others achieve it. I know thats controversial, and it can be argued and America has taken the sides maybe where they dont belong...but maybe we've done right a few times too. And maybe people are really happy we did. And maybe there are thousands that flock to our shores every year because its a great place to be. I am proud. I know what the flag stands for, and while looking at my passport, Iria and Dani asked about the eagle. I was a little surprised they didnt know what it stood for, I thought everyone did...then I realized that maybe I didnt. 'Um, freedom I guess. It was on the endangered species list, but now it isnt. Its the bald eagle. It stands for freedom.'

Life here is good. Its a beautiful country with beautiful people whom I cannot thank enough for their kindness. At the moment the only point of life here I struggle with is the lack of religion. I like going to church every sunday. I love that prayer is said over every meal and I miss that the most.

We may appear to be an overly proud nation, but I like to think our religion, even the DIVERSITY of religious belief, the sheer faith and religious practice Americans hold dear, is what sets us apart. Yes we stand for freedom, justice, and liberty but we stand by faith.