Only in America, do you land at the international terminal and are greeting by countless numbers of uniformed, armed, law enforcement officials. This reminded me of 1979 on our first trip via Korean Airlines to Asian. The plane landed in Seoul, Korea. Passengers were ordered to disembark. Like little soldiers we all when through the security check, passport check, baggage check, personal check and then reloaded on the plane and off to our final destination.
How grateful we were when we concluded our vacation and landed at Los Angeles International Airport. There were signs everywhere that says, "Welcome to the United States of America, " with the smiling face of our President and a feeling a freedom in the air.
This December, when we landed there were no welcome signs even President Obama's picture was just there - they didn't even have his name or a greeting posted from him. It could have been anyone - but it was our president
There was no music, no carols, no jingles, no nothing just silence and long lines of terrified visitors waiting for their individual interviews.
When we landed in the Philippines, a huge nativity scene was in the entrance of the airport and Christmas tree lights were begin hung in the parking lots. When we landed in Malaysia, there was Christmas music playing the the shopping area and bright lights and Christmas decorations everywhere. When we landed in Hong Kong, again, a very happy welcoming environment.
When we went to China - we actually were greeted with Christmas music in the airport, Christmas decorations and a Merry Christmas sign on one of their most popular tourist attractions!
What in the world is wrong with America?
Because we are so paranoid on immigrants coming to America to seek a better life...guess what?
They are not coming in droves anymore. They are going to places like Macau, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines etc. Everywhere we visited, it was like progress. New high rises and skyscrapers. Businesses flourishing! People (mainly Chinese) carrying shopping bags not from Walmart or Kmart, but from Cartier, Givenchy, etc.
The Las Vegas of the Orient is thriving. I am told that more and more American Casinos are moving to Macau, because within one year they can pay off their entire investment! Also, there are plenty of jobs in Macau.
So while we are suffering economically here in the richest and freest nation on earth, the developing nations are beginning to show signs of economic prosperity and they are giving thanks to God for their blessings! You know the boat people are not there anymore.
They were all given housing!
The businessmen who left Hong Kong when it transistioned to China are all back!
It was a very Merry Christmas (though the name of Jesus was unspoken) everywhere we went!
So they know someone is blessing them - they just don't know who!