A Celebration of Naturalization

Last Friday I was invited to attend a very special event in the life of my sweet friend Cho. Cho and I met a little over a year ago at a local nail salon in Gainesville. As she perfectly manicured each hand we would chat about her life, leaving her home, family and friends in Myanmar (Burma) to come to the United States. She shared her hopes and dreams of some day becoming a US citizen, saving enough money to buy her family a house and one-day return to visit them.

Whenever there is a special occasion or I just need a little self-care, I like to treat myself and get my nails done. Every time I visit my sweet friend Cho, I would ask her for updates on those 3 things. 

“How is the citizenship process coming?” 

“I haven’t gotten the paperwork yet.” she’d say.

“Okay, I’ll keep praying.” I replied.

Wednesday evening I received a Facebook message stating her Celebration of Naturalization would be held Friday afternoon in Atlanta and would I be willing to go with her.

“Are you kidding me?!?” I thought. “I would be honored!!!”

So this past Friday, I picked up Cho from her home, we drove to Starbucks, ordered her a mocha frappuccino and headed toward the city. 

Arriving almost 2 hours early we parked, prayed together and entered the US Citizenship and Immigration Services building. Tears streamed down my cheeks as the ceremony began. A slideshow with patriotic music playing in the background was all it took. I was a mess. How did I get so lucky to be born in this great nation? And now I got to share this moment with my sweet friend!

One by one each of the 56 countries represented were announced. Each of the 145 candidates rose to their feet, family and friends from all nations clapped with applause. 

Looking around a sea of beautifully diverse faces, faces that make up the United States of America! It was amazing! I will never forget the moment I was able to welcome them to the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!

I love how the Lord uses every aspect of our lives to bring Him glory. Today He reminded me that something as simple as getting my nails done could lead to a beautiful friendship and a deeper awareness of who He is and how much He loves us!

Hebrews 13:1-2 says, “Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some have done this have entertained angels without realizing it.” 

On July 28th, 2017 I had the honor and privilege of attending my first Celebration of Naturalization. At 1:30pm, the Lord answered a year long prayer and my friend Cho became my fellow American!