Welcome

Earlier this month, my husband's step-mom became a U.S. citizen (congratulations Judy!). I was so glad I was able to attend the Naturalization ceremony. I couldn't help but get a little emotional as I watched over 140 people from the Phillipines, Uganda, Russia, India, Mexico, Sweden, and many other countries take that final step in their long journey to citizenship. It made me very proud to be an American. And where does a native New Zealander go to celebrate this significant event in her life? To Cracker Barrel and Krispy Kreme, of course! Yep, I love America...AND doughnuts.

The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset fates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"