My grandparents came to the US from the USSR in 1914. They were children at the time, sent to America in a semi-arranged marriage. Their parents were searching for the same thing that all immigrants who come to the US dream of: freedom, opportunity, and a land not ravaged by war.
Russia has always felt like my homeland. Ever since I can remember I’ve had a curiosity, as well as an affinity for it. During my school years whenever I had to write a report, Russia was always what I chose. The land, the architecture, the people, all intrigued and fascinated me. From their Royal riches to their abject poverty, I absorbed it all like a romance novel that I was somehow a part of.
Ironically, most of my education about Russia was presented with a slant. I attended an Evangelical Christian School, during the Cold War. Wartime aside, Communism is the natural enemy of Christianity because of the lack of freedom to worship.
Outside of my home, I was told how evil Russia was. Inside of my home, my mother had no desire to retain her Russian roots and often joked about her illiteracy in the language. But inside of me stirred a passion for it, and pride that I was from such a great land.
And now, I feel like Sarah Palin was being prophetic when she said that she could see Russia from her front door. The country that I have longed for since childhood, dreamed of exploring, and the nationality that I hold as part of my identity is knocking on our door.
My “homeland” might be coming to my home. How will I react as I see them approaching? Will my stomach be filled with butterflies like awaiting the return of a long-lost love? Will I swing my front door open and fall to their feet in exuberant joy?
No.
Because it is not the land, the people, or my heritage that is knocking at our door. It is a vile dictatorship government that is trying to control our land.
What will I do when I see them marching down the street? I will grab my loved ones and try to protect them with my ancestry. I will scream and cry for the people who denied and scoffed at the impending intrusion. I will stand as an American: strong and resolute, and fight for my home, country, and true heritage.
And, I will try to protect my fellow Americans, even though their ignorance is what brought these invaders to our door.
At least I’m Russian, but what will you do?
What will you do then, if you did nothing now?
