Thursday, June 4, 2009

dilemma

Name: Jenna Miller
Age: 24.4 years
Citizenship: USA
Residency: Honduras
Soccer Team: TBD

So, i have lived 19 of the last 22 months in Honduras. I kinda like it here, in case you didn't know that already. As we practice every morning for the upcoming Kindergarten graduation ceremony, I have had the opportunity to memorize not only the Honduran National Anthem, but also their Pledge of Allegiance. In order to ensure that my students are participating, I stand up in front of them and sing/pledge right along with them (don't worry, i raise my left hand... I kinda think that makes it count less). I got a little worried the other day when I realized that I have the Honduran pledge down word for word, and I wasn't sure I could even remember my own country's pledge, and same with the National Anthem. It's okay though, I did them both for my roommate and passed with flying colors!

All that to say, I'm having a bit of an identity crisis. I am still American through and through, but I just really do love Honduras! There is a big game this Saturday between the U.S. National Soccer team and La Seleccion Honduras, and I can't decide who to root for. I've already let my country down to some extent by repeatedly saying the Honduran pledge of allegiance. But at the same time, I don't think I would ever watch the U.S. play soccer if it weren't this game against Honduras. Also, I do have a Seleccion jersey, which is far less than I can say about the U.S. team. Am I a traitor if I cheer for Honduras? I think I may have to.

But fear not, I will still stand boldly and proclaim "I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free..." (in fact, Anna and I just did that a couple of days ago at school).

2 comments:

Ambre said...

love it love it love it, Jenna!

beloved jane said...

Jenna- I saw on Honduras.com that they have a free downloadable flag that says, "I love Honduras" for you blog :) Then you could put an american one too. Maybe, your blog should be called, "An American in Honduras" :)