Happy Independence Day!

...a day early, since I'll be away tomorrow, celebrating in Greenville! Woohoo!

10 reasons I love America:

1. As a 24-year-old woman in this country, I can wear whatever I want, vote for the leadership of our country, aspire to any career imaginable, fearlessly adore my God.

2. I am blessed with an air-conditioned and heated home, a plush and extravagant bed, clothes for all seasons, food and drink in abundance - things I too often take for granted, as there are so many without. I am so fortunate to have never known need.

3. I can enjoy the diversity and beauty of the American landscape. Think of all we can see, without ever leaving the country (or state, for that matter)!

4. I have opportunity to receive top-notch education.

5. My typical weekend involves lounging at the beach, sipping on lattes, playing games with my family - a mini-vacation every week.

6. I have endless entertainment at my disposal. Between tivo, iTunes, the internet, and the radio, I never have an excuse for boredom.

7. So often, creativity is rewarded, beauty appreciated, art applauded. There are countless outlets in this country for creative expression, and I have the freedom to pursue them.

8. I have a job which generously provides health insurance, and there are always doctors 10 minutes away, willing to do as much as they can to keep me and my loved ones healthy and safe.

9. My family has never known the devastation of separation; no one I love is ever more than a day's drive, a phone call, or an e-mail away.

10. With the resources and freedoms available to me, I can express anything, worship anything, be anything, dream anything, create anything, pursue anything, love anything.

Praise God, I am free indeed.