CONGRATS to my dear friend Altaye, who became a US citizen this morning. Altaye and Shimeles came here about 5-6 years ago to make a better life for themselves and hopefully for their children. They were born and lived their lives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Can you imagine having 8 children, and then at age 47 leaving everything and everyone you know to go to a foreign country halfway across the world to start your life all over?
Altaye and Shimeles work hard. Altaye has worked hard to learn English, which is so very different from her native Amharic. They left their youngest daughter in Ethiopia with her sister because they could not get permission for her to emigrate as well. Paperwork is in process to bring their children to the US as well.
The naturalization ceremony is truly humbling for someone like me, a native born US citizen, to observe. This morning's ceremony had 58 people from 26 countries. Each person stands and announces which country they are from. Today's ceremony included people from Great Britain to the Sudan, from Ethiopia and Somalia to Boznia-Herzegovinia. People from all over the world, some in native dress, some in suits, some in nice t-shirts and pants. All of them had taken the tests, including the civics test. And they all embraced US citizenship.
Here's to all of you who taught me a lesson today-- congratulations and I wish you all the best in your new life in your new adopted country.
Congrats to them, that's awesome! Welcome!
Posted by: Carl V. | Friday, 18 August 2006 at 12:39 PM
I am so happy for Altaye. She worked so hard to learn English--she persevered even when people were horribly mean to her as she struggled. I admire her strength and courage and am pleased she is now a fellow citizen.
Posted by: mosker | Friday, 18 August 2006 at 10:58 PM
Awesome! I'd love to attend a ceremony like that.
Posted by: jules | Sunday, 20 August 2006 at 04:39 PM