Being an American

I don't think anyone realizes how they live and what is important to them until they move to a new culture. When I am home in Indiana I never think about how I do things or why I do things, it is just the way it is, no reason to question. Living in a village in England brings all of those things to light. I can honestly say without exaggeration that every day I talk with someone about something that is different about my culture and the British culture. The common phrase used is 2 nations separated by a common language, wow is it ever true! It is fascinating in lots of ways and frustrating in others. Tuesday night, November 4th Earl and I traveled to Chineham, a village about 20 minutes away to our good friend Hazel's house for dinner, playing the game Settler's, and staying up late to watch the election. It was a great evening! Watching the election from the BBC's point of view was so interesting. When you see your own country through other's eyes you realize things you never did before! For example when the British announcer tried to use the American slang, "shooting hoops" it was so humorous to hear it in a posh British accent! We stayed up until 4 a.m. watching until Barack Obama was elected president of the United States. It was definitely worth watching no matter who you wanted the winner to be in the end. Hazel stayed up with us the entire time watching and enjoying the experience with us. I must say that blessed me immensely to have someone care along with me about something that is so important to us! I am proud to be an American but also delighted to be living in England, what an incredible experience!