Jonathan McNiven
Well, Folks, this is our Independence Day edition of the paper this week. I’ve found myself reflecting on my life and the many miles I’ve traveled to see the beauty of our country, especially in Montana.
I’m going to take a break from politics this week and talk about the greatness of our United States of America since it is Independence Day week. As I’ve had the opportunity to talk to my son Landen each week on the phone and reminisce with him about his experiences in Africa so far, I find myself reflecting and remembering the experiences I had in Panama on my church mission some 24 years ago. He’s serving a two-year mission in Africa and serving the people there. However, he reminds us each week of the greatness of the USA. He takes cold bucket showers as they don’t have consistent power in the area near Kampala, Africa. He said that the power goes off about once a day so it’s hard to depend on electricity. He states many times that It’s the wild, wild west there as it’s basically mob rule. The general population does not have running water. He serves the local villages by packing five-gallon buckets of water two or three miles each way so the village has drinking water. It’s not completely clean water but it’s the best they can find in the area. Crime in that area is bad as they have to have a full-time guard day and night that protects their living quarters while they are there as well as while they are gone each day. There are actually cannibals (yes, you read that correctly, cannibals) in that part of the world so it makes one cautious when trying to serve the good people there as they are sharing the good word of Jesus Christ. The law enforcement will find a way to pull them over or arrest them if they see Americans and threaten to impound their car unless they pay them off or their cars get impounded which then cost about four times more. But cars in that area are a luxury as Landen and his companion basically have to walk everywhere. He says that Americans always get charged double if not more for food as everyone thinks that Americans, even the missionaries, are loaded with money.
He is always quick to confirm the greatness of the United States. We have laws, order, security, and the basic needs taken care of like food to eat, consistent electricity and a nice roof over our head. He assures us each week how much we have in the United States that he did not fully appreciate until now. He also commented on how there is conflict amongst tribes and certain cultures in the region, yet still he and his companions are trying to serve the people there.
I remember living in Panama and understand what he is going through as I had many of the same experiences, but I think his is a little worse. I was in Panama 24 years ago. I remember the cold showers every day, law enforcement was awry, electricity was inconsistent, and dirt floors were a common sight.
However, the thing I learned and appreciated the most while on my mission in Panama was how great I had it in the United States, EVEN though I grew up very poor in Huntley with no running water, and we used an outhouse, we still have so many other securities like law enforcement, traffic laws, clean water, a country and community that helped with the basics. I was always taught to be thankful and grateful for what we did have in life. I also had parents that loved us even though they did not have much, but their sacrifices also helped put all us kids in a better place and I thank them for that.
As my dad also served in the military as well as served a two-year mission for the church, he also worked law enforcement for a number of years after serving in the military he has also taught me how to be grateful for and appreciate the many blessing we have here in the United States of America.
I remember singing the national anthem with a group of American missionaries near July 4th while in Panama in a tunnel, and I remember tears rolling down my face as the sound echoed throughout the tunnel rang with freedom and liberty as peace and comfort settled in the air. I remember being so proud to be an American and wore my USA red, white and blue shirt with pride. Then to fly home to the United States one week after 9/11 and see so many American flags solidified the greatness of our country and the many God given rights we cherish to this day.
I hope you will take this time of year and look for all the greatness and observe the many freedoms we have and celebrate this time of year as we lift up our title of liberty as we raise our flag, sing our songs, and defend our freedoms today.
In the meantime, see you in the paper.
JDM
