Birth of a Nation

We celebrate many births.


Babies


Animal offspring


Nations, and etc.


Let's step into the world of those who were here during the birth of the United States.


What prompted men and women to come to a new, unsettled land?


I can't think of many men or women who would have an opportunity to do that today. The closet example to me would be the missionary who leaves an established home, familiar language, and culture to go to a new land. 


Using the missionary example, I can imagine what men and women felt like when they came here. 

For employment: men and women had to live off the land, barter services with others who came for help, grow their own food. Survival happened only if they worked. Even then, many died from weather related issues, starvation, diseases. The good side: men and women learned to work with each other, help and ask, share and borrow, laugh and cry. 


For conveniences: Only what was brought, grown, or made could be used. Wal-Mart did not exist. Main source of transportation: two legs, perhaps a canoe carved from a tree. The good side: men and women didn't mind walking miles to visit a friend or waiting weeks to receive word their sister was married. Time had time.


For food: Men and women hunted and learned which berries to eat, some mistakes were made, though. Native Americans taught gardening principles. So much to learn to survive. The good side: men and women learned how to get food without McDonalds.


For entertainment: Men, women, and lets include those kiddos here, played with stick and stones without breaking bones. They played games from their homeland, teaching each other new games without Monopoly, Wii, and Internet solitaire.

Still, we have many hardships despite developments. The American culture has changed considerably. The good side: when fires rage, floods waters rise, hurricanes and tornadoes rip, men and women come together to help.


Friends have helped me by babysitting my children, bringing meals when we were sick, helping pump our basement when it flooded, my list could go on for pages.


How has someone helped you?




Don't forget to become a follower! 





The first photo is courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net.
All other photos are mine.