Let’s be honest.. I’m not even sure most of us could have named a player on the U.S. soccer team a few months ago (or even now lol) But watching the world experience America through the World Cup has filled my heart with so much pride!
I’ve watched Iraqi women singing alongside the Tartan Army. I’ve watched Brits discover Costco like it was a national treasure. I’ve watched a French man declare he’d give up his left croissant for Texas brisket. And over and over again, I’ve heard visitors say the same thing:
“Americans have been so welcoming, kind, and friendly.”
In a time when headlines and social media often make it seem like we’re hopelessly divided, it’s been refreshing to see what happens when people actually come here and experience America for themselves. They aren’t finding the stereotypes they’ve heard about. They’re finding neighbors who offer directions, strangers who strike up conversations, families who invite them in, and communities that are proud to share a piece of home.
Maybe that’s the real America.
Not a political party.
Not a news headline.
Not an internet argument.
Just ordinary people showing kindness, hospitality, and genuine care for others.
As a veteran, a military spouse, and someone who deeply loves this country, it’s been incredibly moving to watch visitors leave with a different view of America than the one they expected. It reminds me that despite our differences, there is still so much that unites us.
I’ve always been proud to be an American. But seeing the world fall in love with our people, our culture, and our hometowns has made me even prouder.
Sometimes it takes seeing ourselves through someone else’s eyes to remember just how special this country really is. 🇺🇸✨