It is official…

I am American and proud of it!

The Oath ceremony took place yesterday, in Chula Vista. Everything went very smoothly. We even managed to arrive 30 min. early, at 8am, which is a great accomplishment knowing that I’m usually barely up at that time. Darlene and Jerry, the kids grandparents, (I introduce them this way because I do not like the word “in-laws” and if I call them "my parents" you’d get confused and think that they came all the way here from Switzerland!*) were there too. They left at 4am to come share this special day with me. Thank you!
The ceremony was short, about 20 min. They normally show a recorded message from the president but president Obama hasn’t done one yet. What was the most disappointing to me was that we did not sing during the National Anthem. I was ready for it! They just played the music and everyone listened. Even though I was really looking forward to sing it I did not feel confident enough to sing alone among a hundred people! After that we took the Oath, repeated the Pledge of Allegiance and were dismissed. I received a certificate of naturalization that I will need to obtain my American passport.

I did not think that being American would be different except for the fact that I can leave the country now, for more than six months out of a year, but I do notice a difference. I have a deep feeling of belonging here… I am not just a long time visitor anymore.

Sylviane

* My parents have been very supportive of my naturalization and I know I was in their thoughts yesterday.