This is the title of a short non-fiction book – half memoir, half sarcastic essay collection – I have been writing in my head for years. I have played with the idea to materialize those words, as the actual story unfolded with ups and hiccups and downs and betters, not quite knowing whether the “Not” would become most prominent in the title, or not. You see, this entire “becoming an American” process is not as easy as three words. At least for me. More about that later.
The Capitol in Washington DC
Most of you might know by now that I was born and raised and “supposed to be based” in Belgium. Something happened. Obviously. Yet, nothing drastic or planned or expected. I’ve traveled my entire life – solo or not – so being adventurous, curious, and a tad rebellious is part of my genes. I was a school teacher, meaning vacations abound (especially in the summer) to explore and travel. No issue there; definitely the right job choice for my passion. Yet, my inquisitive mind and restless soul wanted more.
I backpacked around Southeast Asia for a year after college. I returned to Belgium, worked as a primary school teacher for two years and set off again, for another year, adding Australia and New Zealand to the mix. I met an American along the way. Not Mark. He and his dog tried to live in my studio apartment with me. It didn’t quite work out. We had a long-distance relationship as I finished two more years of teaching at the same school. Then, I joined him in the States for an epic, open-ended road trip. I was never to move back to my home country.
What happened? Chapter one in my current memoir. I met Mark and his two rescue dogs. And that was the beginning of my long and uncertain road to US citizenship. Not that I knew it back then. This story – while partly pondered in my memoir – is too long for a blog post. It would, dare I say, produce an entertaining little book, article, or essay. It involves trouble at borders, fear and frustration, a change of relationship status, heaps of paperwork, lots of money, special road trips, tossing everything, and starting over again. “Why oh why go through all of it? Twice?” reflect I, who never had any intention to live in the US, let alone become a citizen…
For that answer, you will have to wait until the story hits the press. Use your imagination. Fill in the gaps. Meet us in person. To make it up to you, dear reader, I’ll reveal the happy ending of this unusual 15-year episode. As of October 28th, 2019, I, Liesbet Collaert, am officially an American citizen!
Happy Thanksgiving!
If you have any questions about my new status, please shoot! I’d love to read about similar experiences in the comments. What are your thoughts about dual citizenship?
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November 28, 2019 at 20:14
I just arrived back at our temporary apartment after the most American of American celebrations: Thanksgiving… in Oaxaca, Mexico. It’s a small world full of wonderful people and exciting adventures. Congratulations on your new citizenship status! I’m sure you and Mark have all sorts of amazing adventures ahead of you. I hope you get around to writing that story that has been floating around in your head.
November 29, 2019 at 19:23
Hi Janis! Thank you. And, I’m so glad you managed to celebrate Thanksgiving abroad. That’s not always a given as we experienced over the years. We usually love a good mix of international friends in the neighborhood, anchorage, or camping area, but when it comes to Thanksgiving, it is ALWAYS nice to have Americans around and celebrate this food fest and companionship and giving thanks experience together!
November 29, 2019 at 02:07
Congrats on your new status!
November 29, 2019 at 19:23
Thank you!
November 29, 2019 at 03:27
Proficiat Liesbet!
November 29, 2019 at 19:23
Bedankt!!
November 29, 2019 at 06:45
Why in God’s name would you do that!
November 29, 2019 at 19:24
There are quite a few very good reasons. 🙂
November 29, 2019 at 06:49
I’m so happy for you, Liesbet. Thank you so much for sharing the letter. I’ll be waiting for that book! 🙂
November 29, 2019 at 19:24
You see, Jill, so many more stories to write a book about. But, I’m keeping your idea in mind as well. 🙂
November 29, 2019 at 08:47
Hmm, a brave step, well done for succeeding. I do find the letter somewhat ironic, given the current incumbent of the White House, but no doubt it is true in the main.
November 29, 2019 at 19:27
Yes, Hilary! That letter is not just somewhat ironic, but very ironic. I captioned that photo “(Ironic) letter” and can’t fathom to use the word “president” with that name attached to it, but the captions only show up when you hover over the photos in galleries… We played with the idea of “correcting” this letter, if it has to have that signature on it… 🙂
November 30, 2019 at 15:49
Congratulations of course. My question is, what idiot would send you a letter without printing their name on it so you will know who it is from?
November 30, 2019 at 21:36
I assume he assumes everyone knows exactly how his signature looks like… It’s probably just a standard signature that goes on these letters. I don’t even know whether he ever read the letter he “signed” as he – for sure – would not agree with the wording!
November 29, 2019 at 10:46
Ohhh, you definitely need to write this book, short or not, who cares? I already learned more about you within this post, and it’s all fascinating. Bottom line, of course, is I’m so glad you became an American citizen! That’s a lot to be grateful on this Thanksgiving holiday.
November 29, 2019 at 19:29
Thanks, Pam and you are so right! Gratitude is ever-present, especially on Thanksgiving Day. Becoming a citizen was one of three goals for this year. Glad I checked one thing of that “list”! 🙂
November 29, 2019 at 13:13
Thanks for fleshing out more details of your unpredictable, peripatetic life. I did not know much about your life pre-Mark except your Belgian origins.
You have more than enough material for two books. I think the challenge for you is to decide what slice of your life you want to focus on for your first book. Then, a prequel or sequel would follow.
Again, CONGRATULATIONS!
November 29, 2019 at 19:33
Thank you, Marian, for the repeated congratulations and for teaching me a new word: peripatetic. I can honestly say that this is the first time I EVER read it. And, it’s so fitting for our lifestyle… I should have used that in my query letters; I might have impressed someone! And, you are right about which slice to pick. I decided to write my memoir about my thirties, covering a decade. But, as you already indicated, that is way too long for all the experiences we went through and the lessons we learned, let alone trying to inspire readers and cover all senses and emotions. I just wish I’d find a good (free or cheap) developmental editor or agent/editor who could help me out in this field.
November 30, 2019 at 09:13
Congratulations on becoming an American citizen, Liesbet.
“How not to Become an American Citizwn” is a very catchy title!!
November 30, 2019 at 21:29
Thank you, Donna. I feel a bit burned out these days (nights), so I’m afraid not much writing will happen the rest of the year…
November 30, 2019 at 12:52
Well done! Hope you had a good Thanksgiving, your first as a citizen.
November 30, 2019 at 21:32
Hi Anabel! Good point about my first Thanksgiving in this new “position”. Unfortunately, I missed out on the the entire turkey event as it was my birthday as well, which I celebrated the night before with the result that I had a hangover on Thanksgiving Day/my birthday and spent it mostly in bed. No complaints. I was my own doing, and I had fun the night before. 🙂 We don’t really have friends or family around where we currently are, so it wasn’t a biggie.
December 1, 2019 at 02:49
Oh dear, that must have been some hangover!
December 1, 2019 at 10:42
Something I’m not used to at all! So, it was another experience, or adventure. 🙂
November 30, 2019 at 13:48
I’m not sure how residency differs from citizenship, Liesbet. If you and Mark were to marry would that bestow citizenship, or is that one of the issues? Anyway, I’m happy if you’re happy! Congratulations 🙂 🙂
November 30, 2019 at 21:35
Thank you, Jo! Residency means you have to live in the US at least 6 months out of every calendar year (which makes sense) and I attained that status a few years ago on the base that Mark was my family member, as a result of being married. Citizenship gives me the right to vote and the ability to apply for a US passport, which means I can come and go whenever I please. I’m sure you – being a free spirit and roamer yourself – understand. 🙂
December 1, 2019 at 02:40
Sorry, hon- I couldn’t remember whether you and Mark were married. Brownie points deducted 🙁 🙁 So how have you managed with previous trips- did you need a visa? I don’t know the system in the USA but I can travel freely on my UK passport…. at the moment. 🙁
December 1, 2019 at 10:42
Hi Jo,
Initially, I had a long-term visa allowing me to visit the US as a tourist up to six months at a time. This got me in trouble with the result that Mark and I got married in order for me to apply and attain a green card (permanent residency card). I used that to come and go in the US (and to work), but the idea is that you stay. So, there were issues with that in the past as well. Now, having become a citizen, I had to hand in my greencard, so I’m without valid international travel documents in order to enter the US.
I have my European passport with which I can travel everywhere, and leave the US, but – as a citizen of the US – I can’t use that Belgian passport to return to this country. Hence, I need a US passport. I hope that makes sense. It’s all a bit complicated…
December 1, 2019 at 10:49
I surmised it was something on those lines, Liesbet. Glad I don’t want to become a US citizen any time soon! Many thanks for taking the time to explain it for me. 🙂 🙂
December 1, 2019 at 10:55
You’re very welcome. Some procedures need a book to explain. 🙂
November 30, 2019 at 17:48
Hi Liesbet! Wow! Congratulations! So where are you traveling next? I know you were holding off certain adventures until this was all over so I look forward to hearing what’s next? What a great birthday and Thanksgiving gift for sure. ~Kathy
November 30, 2019 at 21:42
Thanks, Kathy. Again. 🙂 You are right about all those adventures we were holding off, but now we have Maya, so that “plan” of going house and pet sitting internationally is off the table. I’d be curious to learn what’s next as well, as we have no idea right now. I did apply for a US passport the other day – tricky stuff doing all that here in Kentucky – so I have the ability to at least return to the US, as right now I can leave, but I have no valid documentation to return! Imagine something happening to my family in Belgium…
November 30, 2019 at 21:54
As your American sister, I say ‘Congratulations and welcome. May God bless you and may God continue to bless America’ You have to write that book! The title is perfect …and the 15 year process (including the do-over) was all worth it for getting that letter.
November 30, 2019 at 22:06
Thank you, my dear American friend and sister! Since you point it out so nicely, I have to mention one thing that does bug and keeps bugging me about the entire process, the oath ceremony, and the letter (well, there is more than one thing bugging me about this specific letter) and that is the mention of God everywhere. One of the important facets of being and becoming an American is to practice “any or no religion” – I even had to study this for my citizenship interview and test – so why, oh why, is God so omnipresent… Why not Buddha, or Allah, or the Spirit, or Fate, or nothing about religion… You know what I mean?
December 1, 2019 at 20:03
I am proud to call you a fellow American, Liesbet! Congratulations! Reading about your wandering heart is so inspiring, you are a brave soul! You, Mark and Maya seem to make the vagabond lifestyle of travel look easy and comfortable. May you continue to be inspired as you gain new insights on your adventures.
December 1, 2019 at 22:34
You are just the nicest person, Terri! Thank you so much for embracing me and for being proud to be my fellow American! It is a big deal! And, I think you know that the vagabond lifestyle is not as easy as it seems. I often try to put perspective into that, but it’s hard to do so without coming off complaining or unappreciative… The funny thing about our upcoming adventures is that we know as much as anyone else knowing us… nothing! Until something peaks our interest or comes up or strikes our fancy. After Kentucky, the number one priority will be to get warm! 🙂
December 1, 2019 at 22:13
God is important because he is the Creator. We are only mere mortals.
December 1, 2019 at 22:35
Mortals, we sure are. I agree! Who created what would require more than a short comment or a blog post…
December 1, 2019 at 22:20
Congratulations! You mention dual citizenship – were you able to keep your citizenship in Belgium as well?
December 1, 2019 at 22:37
Thank you and yes, I was able to keep my Belgian citizenship. You are good with the small print, Diane! If I wouldn’t have been able to keep my Belgian citizenship, this entire road of Americana in my personality and my life might have look slightly different. 🙂
December 2, 2019 at 09:23
Congrats on the new status! In my experience, even with the cynicism that arises from our current actions and leaders, the citizenship ceremony is very meaningful and well done. For many people, it remains a moment of great pride and happiness and satisfaction of need. I hope you felt some of that, too, even though you came here and became a citizen for different reasons than some others.
December 2, 2019 at 20:33
You are so right, Lexie. Citizenship has to do with the country, what it stands for, the flag, and so on, and all that has deep and honest and fantastic roots! I mostly felt pride, relief, and happiness to become an American. I was more emotional than I thought I would be. 🙂
December 2, 2019 at 14:30
Congrats again! I find it funny that so many of my American friends want to become something else right now. But I also have some Canadian friends who just became citizens for perhaps some similar reasons as you – they want to have a voice (vote) about the place where they now call home.
Of course, I think we need more Americans like you. So thanks for joining us!
December 2, 2019 at 20:37
Thank again! And, you are so nice, Duwan, to say that I am a decent and valuable American. Proud and happy to oblige!! Also, it is quite easy for people to say they want to become different citizens. When push comes to shove, I’d have to see about all that… It’s a big commitment and responsibility as well. At this point, I’ve sent in my voter’s registration, expect a new SS card, and have applied for my passport! 🙂
December 2, 2019 at 20:52
Congrats Liesbet if that’s what makes you happy. Sadly, that letter from the WH doesn’t have any other presidential signature on it for you to remember. Good luck! But I am very interested in reading that story! 🙂
December 4, 2019 at 12:01
I hear you about that signature, Debby! I kept hoping that by the time the letter would be mine, something would have happened in regards to that. Now, I think that letter might be worth something in the future! If for nothing else, for irony reasons…
December 4, 2019 at 15:55
Don’t worry, Liesbet. In the fulness of time, you will cherish that letter. Congratulations on joining the American family!
December 4, 2019 at 23:06
Thanks for swinging by here and leaving this kind comment, Jacqui. And for the well wishes, of course. I do cherish the contents of that letter! 🙂
December 4, 2019 at 17:30
Lolllllllllll 🙂
December 4, 2019 at 09:51
America is lucky to have someone like you among us! Congrats!
December 4, 2019 at 12:28
Thank you, Ellen, for the congratulations and the beautiful compliment! 🙂
December 4, 2019 at 11:52
Congratulations Liesbet and I do hope this is going to be a book and look forward to promoting it.. in the meantime.. lovely post and will share in the blogger daily… hugsx
December 4, 2019 at 12:29
Thanks, Sal! Let’s make sure something happens to my current memoir first. But, I’d love to work on this book idea one day, for sure. You’re the best for sharing my post!
December 4, 2019 at 12:32
Congrats. ‘Nuff said.
Anna from elements of emaginette
December 4, 2019 at 23:03
Thank you, Anna!
December 4, 2019 at 19:05
Congrats, Liesbet.
American citizenship, no matter what the route or what the reason, is a privilege and awesome responsibility. So glad you are on the way to obtaining your voters’ registration and passport. I know that you will cherish what they represent and treat them responsibly.
What is great about this country is that the voters decide who runs it. And, no matter who is in office…whether you agree or disagree with his or her politics, is that a lawful voting process put them there. And the limit of the term (unless you are in Congress!) is 8 years.
We have had rocky leadership at times before in our national history. We will survive and prosper.
There is no one type of “American”…we come from so many different backgrounds and ethnicities. That is not true of many countries who are much more homogenous. People are flawed and not always accepting of things they do not understand…
Best wishes and keep on exploring.
December 4, 2019 at 23:17
Hello Nancy! Thank you for your thoughtful comment and deep understanding of what this country represents; its benefits, its responsibilities, its people, its history. The US is a country built by immigrants, as you point out, and I wish everyone would remember that. This fact is not too hard to understand. 🙂 And, yes, we will survive and prosper, since bad times have got to be followed by good times, right? As long as democracy prevails…
December 5, 2019 at 20:50
Congratulations on becoming an American citizen, Liesbet! For all of my native country’s faults (and they are many), I do love it.
December 6, 2019 at 18:25
Hi Liz! Thanks for swinging by and leaving this nice comment! I hear you about those faults (but don’t we, personally, and every country in the world have plenty of those as well?) and I often have a love-hate relationship with the US (or the western world in general), but I do LOVE this country as well!!
December 13, 2019 at 10:04
It was nice to learn more about you, Liesbet, in this post. Your life story would definitely be an engaging and interesting book. You only touched upon parts of it here. And you and Mark have a lot of living and adventures ahead of you. I read the complicated response to restlessjo. Good grief on this scenario. A huge congratulations on becoming an American citizen! I look forward to reading that book!
December 13, 2019 at 12:20
Thank you so much for the interest in our lifestyle and for the congratulations, Erica. Some of the “immigrant” story is part of the memoir I finished writing. I just wish there was enough interest for it from an agent and/or a publisher. I’m ready to work on something else. 🙂 And, I can’t wait to start those adventures ahead of us.
December 28, 2019 at 01:57
It sounds like your road to American citizenship has been long and complicated.
How is your dad doing now? I was worried to read about his lung issues after the flight home.
Jude
December 28, 2019 at 20:22
Hi Jude! Thanks for asking about my dad. He’s doing great at the moment and mostly himself again. He does need to take blood thinners for six months and will get a check-up after three. They are flying to the Canary Islands in a few weeks and he will not have to worry during this flight, as the meds will take care of his condition (his words). 🙂