Freewheeling Blog: A Grateful Memory from Half a World Away

It's a scene I'll never forget. Our adoption tour group was navigating its way through hundreds of noisy people outside the United States embassy in Guangzhou, China (pictured). The group's purpose was to finalize paperwork authorizing newly adopted children, including our daughter Rebecca, to exit China for the U.S.

The purpose of the crowd outside the embassy was to enter the USA themselves.

Many people were holding a square card of different colors: blue, green, red, and so forth. Others stood with them, supporting their quest. As our guide explained our group to one of the guards, an administrator arrived at the gate to announce that the people with blue cards could enter the embassy grounds.

A mass of people pushed forward. Most were screaming or crying. We learned they had often been waiting for years to enter the United States, many to live with family gone before them. Dreams were coming true as we watched. The blue cardholders were excited, tearful, pushing to enter the gates as quickly as possible before any authority might change their mind.

I took away a couple of thoughts. First, despite our country's imperfections, the thought of liberty is compelling to so many others in the world. They want to be here, and we must protect the freedom that not only Americans, but other peoples, cherish.

Second, I could sympathize with these future immigrants. They were choosing to leave their homeland. They burned to escape oppression. They desired something better. They were willing to yield everything in their lives to achieve it. How could one not be thrilled to witness this critical step in their journeys?

So, as Veterans Day approaches, I'm grateful for those who have served our country around the world to defend freedom wherever it is threatened. As Thanksgiving approaches, I am grateful for the life I have, realizing how many would trade places with me.

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