So as you can tell from the title, yesterday was a monumental moment in my life. I've transitioned from being an alien to becoming a proud American :). The whole process was rather involved, but I'm glad I made it through.
I had to go to San Antonio again, Trinity University to be exact, to take the oath and receive my certificate of naturalization. I thought I'd be going alone, but Tim took the day off so he could accompany me! How sweet is he? I bet he quickly regretted this though as the day turned out to be the longest day of our lives!
First, we got up at 4:30am to head out the door by 5:45. We got to school at 6:50 (although my class is at 8, parking is horrendous so I try to account for that), and I gave Tim a tour around campus. I checked him in at the library (felt like a mom sending her child to school) and went to my class, Medical Nutrition Therapy.
I had to be present promptly by 11:49 (interesting...) at the Trinity University auditorium, so we headed straight there from school. Then we waited..waited...and waited some more. The ceremony started at 2, but there were A LOT of people to be checked-in and seated.
Poor Tim...but I was soo thankful that he came with me. Imagine having to do this all by myself without anyone to complain talk to! We couldn't go anywhere, so the tiniest the most expensive concession hotdog was in order. Tim somehow managed to make it fancy-looking and more appetizing. Hmm..don't be fooled..it was a lot smaller!
And the time finally came! There were 873 people present and 87 different countries represented! Can you believe?
(Photo via Tim...I'm way up in the front somewhere)
I sat between two guys, one from Somalia and the other from England. Neat, eh? The surge of emotions (elation, sense of accomplishment, relief, pride, eagerness) and the vibrant energy that filled the auditorium were unmistakeable.
August 30, 2012...I Am an American!
By the time we got back into Austin, it was 5:30pm. As we had plans to attend a concert at 8 in downtown, we just hung out in the area. At this point, I really wanted to go home..However, I knew how much this concert meant to Tim, as his friend was performing, so I didn't have it in me to suggest it. It was the least I could do for my handsome trooper ;).
Now I introduce you to the one and only Austin singer songwriter, Betty Soo. How did I hear of her? She and Tim are college buddies and served on a praise team together for a campus ministry. She writes a lot about the heartache and hardships in life and relationships. Her incredibly clean and angelic voice comes across very heartfelt and emotionally stirring in her music. Not only is she popular here in Texas, but she's also catching on in Europe and Canada!
I don't know how to upload videos onto my posts, but please please..do check out this clip! "Whisper My Name"....it's quickly becoming one of my fav songs!
She also had a lot of her friends join her on stage.
Although I was exhausted by the time it was over and couldn't wait to throw myself in the shower (I sweated profusely all day long! So gross...), it was the perfect way to end my first day as a citizen ;).
Question:
Did you check out Betty Soo's video clip? If not, DO IT and let me know you think! 😉
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
Aw, congratulations! What an amazing day 🙂 You look so happy in your photos!
Min says
Thank you, Kari! Or should I say, Mrs. Bite!! I didn't check my computer all weekend so going to check out your site to see any wedding details you might've posted! You better have!! hehe
Min says
Thank you, Brittany! Ooh! Hope you like her! She's so versatile! Although her genre is folk, she can do country, jazz, contemporary....and she sings on her praise team at church. One talented gal!
Brittany says
Congrats sweet girl!!! I will have to check that girl out! We are music lovers here.. especially the hubby!
Michelle says
How cool!!! That ceremony must have been so amazing, especially with people from so many different countries and walks of life! My dad's cousin (well... his cousin-in-law) recently became a US Citizen after finding out at the age of about 45 that she had never been a citizen... and had thought she was the whole time! She was adopted as an infant and no one ever mentioned that she hadn't become a citizen yet. It was pretty cool when she finally got to go to the ceremony!
I just walked Betty's video clip - I LOVE her voice! It's so pure and beautiful. It seems like she probably has a bright future!
Min says
It really was a neat experience, Michelle! I was amazed at the announcement of the number of countries represented! When else will all these people be gathered in one place at one time! So neat! Whoa..she never knew? That's crazy! Isn't Betty Soo amazing! I'm glad you liked her! She's going places, no doubt!
Ellie says
yyayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!! congratulations unni! I remember that day too, it was such a unique ceremony! Well, kinda long...but just the fact that you can sense everyone's elation is pretty special. 😀 And I"m glad Tim was with you as it was a long day!!!! That is soooooooooo cool about Betty Soo. I'll check her out in a bit. 😉 Have a beautiful day and God bless you guys!
Min says
Thanks, Ellie ssi! When did you become a citizen? You know I always thought I'd go back to Korea after I graduated so never applied for citizenship..and then I met Tim..haha. It sure was a very very long day..As you can see, I was in good company, though ;). I LOVE Betty Soo! such incredible talent! She has 3 sisters, and they're all musically gifted also! It sure runs in the blood...I hope my future child takes after Tim!
Stephanie says
Congratulations Min!!!
Min says
Thank you, Stephanie!
Courtney says
CONGRATULATIONS MIN!!!! How exciting 😀 😀
Min says
Thanks, Courtney!
Khushboo Thadani says
Congratulations on becoming an American citizen- exciting stuff!!! Although I've never lived in the US, I'm actually a US citizen thanks to my mom who grew up there...I really need to make more use of it, even if it's in the form of more vacays there ;)!
PS the more you write about Tom, the more he sounds like a gem 🙂
Min says
Haha! Yes yes! Apparently, it's soo much easier to travel around the world as an American citizen. He sure is, isn't he 🙂 I'll be sure to tell him that! It'll make his day...and make his head a lil bit larger too
Corrie Anne says
Congratulations!! And I'm listening to the song right now!
Min says
Thanks! What did you think?
myhealthyohana says
Congratulations!! Oh, this brought tears to my eyes, I'm so happy for you 🙂 Just thinking about all those different countries represented, what an incredible moment!!
What a day too, hope you and Tim are getting some much deserved R&R this weekend 🙂 I'm going to go check out the video clip now!
myhealthyohana says
WOW, I loved that song! Her voice is so pure, gives me chills 🙂 Does she have a CD?
Min says
Thank you, Maura! You're so sweet! I was amazed when I heard the actual number of countries represented! The Somalian guy sitting next to me was in tears by the time the ceremony was over. I just took living in America for granted, but I realized what a privilege, blessing, and honor it is!
Min says
She does! You know, she actually sounds so much better live than on recordings! Can you believe?! I love her!! and yes she has the effect on me too! When I heard this song that night, I got goosebumps everywhere!
Linz says
Yay!! Congrats!! That is SO excited!! And your hubby is the best for trooping along with you!! Love!!
Min says
Thank you!!! I'm so soo glad he came with me. In addition, without him, I would not have been able to get out of the miserable parking lot situation where all 800 of us were trying to leave at the same time..He's good for somethin jk
Carol says
OMG Min ... C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! America is proud!! You are proud. We all are proud. And of course your husband couldn't miss this exciting day. Way to go!!
Min says
Thank you, CAROL!!! I AM Proud to be an American!!!
Maria @ Little Miss Cornucopia says
Awww..What a sweet story Min! I totally would've cried for you if I was there lol. Congratulations!! So nice to see Tim by your side too 🙂 Nice song btw! I really like her. thx for sharing!! <3 xo
Min says
Thank you, Maria! There sure was a lot of crying going on that day hehe. Thanks for taking the time to listen to her! She really does have an incredible voice, doesn't she?
eatandgetmoving says
I'm SOOO super jealous of you right now and SOOO super proud! Congrats!!! 😀 America will be proud to have you as her citizen 🙂
Min says
Thank you! I'm so proud to be an American :).
peaceloveandoats says
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That must have been so cool to be there with people from all over the world becoming citizens!
Min says
Thanks! It really was! I mean just between me and the two guys sitting next to me, 3 continents were represented ;).
Mary @foodandfunontherun says
Way to go Min! That is such a monumental experience! Congrats!
Min says
Thank you so much, Mary! It sure was an unforgettable experience!