911 - A Time To Reflect

Seven years ago I had just begun my career as a Federal Government worker. I was into my first year as an Admin Assistant for Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). I was secure in my little world I had entered and felt safe in my newly aquired career choice.....one that would bring me the most out of life.

On September 11, 2001 my world took a complete turn. A chapter in my book that turned and changed my life, my heart and my commitment to my faith and country that I never felt before that day. I won't go into too much detail but that day I felt fear and worry that I hope I never have to ever feel again. The crowds of people in a panic state, blocked traffic, sirens, no phone service, worried relatives, and so much more. Kaotic kaos is all I can describe. And the Pentagon I had passed daily for a year, place my own father worked when I was a child...Burned and smoldering.....horror griped my heart and soul. It was like a dream. Coming into the city two days later....seeing armed soldiers and glimpses of snipers placed strategically on buildings......it was a world that I only saw on television in other war torn countries and movies.....not us! I moved warily around the city, fearing I would become a non trusting person...profiling in my own mind, fearing anyone who looked different...sadness filled every crevice in my mind.

Six months after 911 I changed jobs and I began working for Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in my current field as a Contract Specialist. One year and one month later, Department of Homeland Security was formed and INS along with 22 other agencies were gathered under DHS and we became a newly formed Security Defense agency and thus my career soared to what I do today. I worked for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for 4 years and now I am at DHS Headquarters. I have worked for DHS since its beginning.

I have learned so much about America through the eyes of immigrants and law enforcement. We have so much in our country at our fingertips. We too often criticize our law enforcement and how we guard our borders. If you sat with any Federal law enforcement agent and heard their side and how everyday they defend our country keep the "nuts" out it would frighten you to your very toes....There are so many who try to enter our country yet try to destroy what they fully want. Go figure!!!

Our country was built on Christianity, which is forgotten by so many. We are a nation of many...many who are free to express their beliefs, but we are a Christian nation. I am thankful for our choices and the greatness we experience. I welcome anyone who enters our country, but don't try to change it to yours. Embrace your customs but respect ours.

I am proud to be an American and for what we stand for....for the lost lives of those who have defended our country. I fly my flag with pride and I would take on anyone trashing my great country for what it was founded for and what we live each day for....FREEDOM....

Bow your head each day and give thanks that we live in a great nation and the beauty of the world that GOD has given us through his grace and understanding and above all his love.

Disagree with me....move on to another blog....negative comments will not be published...sorry.... my only wish for you is the hope that God Bless each and everyone who reads this.
Iva

It's a new Monday!

Well...I survived my little same day surgery. I have some lady issues and I had to have the dreaded D&C. So far things are fine but I will know more when I go back to the doctor on the 19th. Other than that I had a nice weekend. My mom came down to be with me and of course now my house is all clean and all the laundry is completed. Okay...we all know that is won't stay that way forever...but I will do my best. But for the next week, I can knit and sew guilt free....Okay....I do that anyway....but I don't have to wade through the mess at night now. LOL.

Hopefully I can get some pictures taken of some very nice things I have received...boy I am so far behind there!

Keep me in all of your prayers for my poor old worn out body to heal...did I get some sympathy there....LOL