Over the last week I have been reflecting over something Toni had said, as well as cyber experienced Thanksgiving .... and reading what people are thankful for so I have chosen a different kind of treasure to share today....
Firstly - a bit of historical background - Hubz and I lived, participated, and were married during a civil war, then independence and the upsets that go with that change, and finally watched years of racial and tribal hatred, cruelty and genocide by a mad dictator.
An offer to move to Australia was sudden and unexpected but we were ready for a new adventure! There is no doubt I appreciate my roots, am thankful for my beginnings, and I miss people in my place of birth - it was my home for 45 years.....
This bit of history needs to be shared as those previous experiences have moulded why today's Treasure is so important to me .............
My Australian Citizenship
~ being adopted by a country and accepted as a cititizen, with the relevant rights and responsibilities ~
~ security of a homeland ~
~ protection by virtue of being a citizen ~
In spite of being born in the country I have lost my rights in Zimbabwe. I could not get a Zimbabwean passport and if I chose to visit there I would go as a tourist with no citizen rights .... simply because I am white, my parents did not renounce their birthplace heritages (I am not aware of any other country demands that!), and I have not returned every two years to claim my residency.
Next is my Bible - it holds a Treasure of words itself - but today I am treasuring the fact that I have freedom to have my own faith, beliefs and worship...... people in many countries do not......
Also I treaure my passport..... having family in different countries to me I highly treasure my passport and the ability to travel..... with the protection and security that comes with it.
These three items are separate treasures but are all linked ......
and to me they are highly valuable ......
I'm off to Melody's to see what other Treasures have been dug up today.......
Very important treasures. The World needs to be kinder and more forgiving. Will it ever happen?
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you came to be part of our wonderful country. I often think how lucky I am not to live in a war torn country, to be able to vote, to be able to think and do as I feel.
ReplyDeleteYour life has been an interesting adventure not always easy for sure so I can understand why these three items are real treasures to you , some of us take these things for granted and I suppose that is wrong .hugs,
ReplyDeleteSheila
Hello Fiona,
ReplyDeleteI can see why you really do treasure these items. We have lots of people who came from Zimbabwe for a better life here in our area.
Hope you get to use your passport to visit your family soon.
Happy days.
Bev.xoxo
You really touched my heart.... freedom is what it is all about and I am so glad you found your way to Australia, a passport and freedom to worship as you chose....thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat's a precious treasure. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI am with Barb you have touched my heart...I hear these stories I think I understand, but I really have no idea at all what it must have been like for you Bubz, I am glad you can be your own person here...
ReplyDeleteYour story brought tears to my eyes, Fiona. I can understand why you treasure these things. I am so glad that you're in a land where you are safe and secure - sometimes it's easy to forget that it's not that way everywhere. We take too much for granted. I know I'm guilty of that. I do dearly appreciate the reminder to be thankful, and pray for peace. Big big hugs to you, dear one.
ReplyDeleteWhat true treasures Fiona. What an amazing life you have led. Glad you made it here. Sometimes we don't appreciate what we have here in Australia.
ReplyDeleteWow!
ReplyDeleteWOW!
You have not only bought tears to my eyes but have touched me deeply.
What an awesome thing (or things) to be thankful for. Your Australian citizenship is the one that got me. And of course your Bible. I treasure my Bible dearly but had never thought of posting it here.
Thank you for opening my eyes and my heart and for sharing your story.
Be blessed this week and beyond.
A wonderful and thoughtful post and truly treasures indeed. It is important to take stock at times of what the true treasures are.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thought provoking post. Three items (and what they stand for) that I and many others just take for granted. It sometimes takes someone who has experienced a different life to make us appreciate what a wonderful life we have here. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThree important treasures. Thank you for sharing. Charmaine
ReplyDeleteFor we are young and free!
ReplyDelete