I am a Guyanese by birth but an American by grace. For 30 years, I have struggled to love the country of my birth. Why is it so hard to love Guyana? Is it because of the painful memories that I have growing up poor? Is it because of the hurtful and shameful things that are happening there currently? I can’t put my finger on what makes me not love my country. Not loving the country where a person was born is like not loving the person who gave birth to you.

On the other hand, why is it so easy for me to love America? Why is it that I feel so proud to be an American? Why is it that every time I hear the American anthem, I get goose bumps and feel a chill running through my body?

Is it because it has given me a second chance and many more opportunities in life? Is it because it has given me a good education, job, financial security, and a safe place to raise my family?

Why do I love America so much that I am willing to give my life for it? Why is it that I was so willing to go to war in Iraq and Afghanistan, to protect and defend this country? Is it because I know that America has my back and that my family will be well taken care of, if I get injured or killed in combat? Why is it that I don’t feel this way about Guyana? Is this one of the reasons why I love America so much, and I have a difficult time loving Guyana?

Two years ago, I started working on changing my negative attitudes towards Guyana, and I am making some great progress. So much so that I want to come back to Guyana to live and help. Hopefully, the day is coming when I will love Guyana just as much as I love America. After all, a person has to love the country of his/her birth.

May God bless Guyana!