At the Twilight’s Last Gleaming
5 07 2008Without watermelon, without hot dogs, without Auntie Eva’s cracked tennis court, without fireworks and without family…I celebrated my country yesterday.
Through Matt and Heather, I was invited to a 4th celebration for American ex-pats in the area, and I was shocked to show up to the park and see about a hundred men, women, and children, speaking my language, playing baseball, and wearing red, white, and blue Old Navy t-shirts. I was so happy I almost cried. I remember my Mom used to buy us these stupid shirts, and force us to wear them, so the four of us kids would end up looking like some walking Old Navy ad. Yesterday, I wanted to wear one.
After this, I went up to the hill overlooking Lauf to join in the Kirchweih festival. We met up with about 10 other friends, and sauntered into a huge beer hall filled with clapping, singing, and table-dancing Germans. The 4th of July fantasy that was conjured at the ex-pat party was quickly ruined by this staggering reminder of Germany. But then again, what says “God bless America” better than a loved pair of lederhosen?
I sat at our long wooden table, and for about five minutes just felt myself zone out completely. Watching, observing, listening, eavesdropping, smelling, and feeling. I know that I will never have another 4th quite like this one, so I smile and just soak it in…I think to myself, “Life is funny and strange.” Then I rejoin the conversation…or at least I try to.
Following the Festival, we marched up the moonlight trail to the K3, the local high school hang-out to dance and hang out with the rest of the under 25 crowd in Lauf. I got to see my old host-brother Peter, and that was really great. In fact, I saw a ton of people that I’ve gotten to know over the last 10 months, and it felt good. I am known, I am recognized, and I am loved by people here. That is a great gift. One that makes me want to cry again. No one sang the Star Spangled Banner at the club. I believe the anthem for the night was provided by Kanye…which I guess is patriotic in its own way too, right?
So that was my 4th of July. I was actually quite fearful that it would be a depressing evening, but despite it’s lack of normalcy, it was good. It is obviously strange to not be with my American friends and family, but I think it’s better to choose to be happy and content without spending too much time languishing in all of the things that I am missing out on. These experiences are a privilege and I don’t want discontentment to overshadow their unique beauty.
So, that’s how I celebrated the birth of our nation. What about you? To my friends around the world…did you have fireworks? Did you meet any other Americans? How did it feel to be on the outside, not a part of the big celebration? I hope that you all had a good day. To my friends and family at home, how did you celebrate? What made it great? Would you share your stories with me? I would love it!
Thanks for reading, sharing, for commenting, and for living life together. I pray that you might have the perspective to recognize how blessed you are! Take care of yourself, of others, and as always, God Bless America.
And for now, Tchuus aus Deutschland! dk~
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Categories : Europe, Friends, Germany, Globalism, Life, Nurnberg, Travel



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