Patriotism

What are you doing for the 4th of July?

This question danced around me most of the week. My first thought was... the usual. Then I realized that I didn't know what that meant.

For most of my life, we have spent the 4th of July in Hungary visiting family. The day passed like any other day, except for the fireworks in the evening that were set off from the American embassy. If we climbed up the winding staircase and peered out the bathroom window we could just see the colorful explosion above the city. We would ooh and aah, have a late night snack, and then go to bed.

Growing up as a "Third Culture Kid" is ... interesting, to say the least. I am both Hungarian and American. I see things differently from most Americans. And most Hungarians. I struggle with the phrase "I'm proud to be American." Because being proud is usually caused by something you have done to earn something. But I have done nothing. I wasn't even born in this country... It has simply been a gift. Don't get me wrong... I am incredibly grateful for the service and the sacrifice of those who fought for the freedoms we have today. I will always honor them... I do not take their sacrifice lightly.

Sometimes my lack of patriotism offends... but I definitely don't mean it to. There are times I love being American, there are times when it's rough. But that goes for any nationality.

I am learning the beauty of being a Third Culture Kid... learning to see everything from multiple perspectives. Even though I've lived in the U.S. for the past fifteen years of my life, I still don't feel completely American. I always feel just slightly odd.... slightly different... slightly European. But in Europe I don't fit either. My perspectives are different from most people, too... since I don't find myself gravitating toward one country or another. I feel like a misfit at times... especially on days like today.

I rejoice with those who rejoice. I will always celebrate with those around me. But I don't know how much it affects me personally.

But I do always relish celebrating historical moments. The 4th of July for me is a celebration of a historical moment. So I will celebrate in the way I know how: