Whenever we met some one for the first time, my spouse Bill and I were asked this same direct question,  "Could you tell us WHY you chose to come to the U.S.A. ?  Why did you not choose Australia ..or Canada ...or Europe ?"

 "Well," I grin and reply brightly and with no less humor than their curious question, "We wish to discover all that which dear Christopher Colombus missed out."  

Every time I recall my subtle hilarious answer to satisfy people's deep curiosity, I smile at my short-lived ingenious reply.  Indeed there is SO MUCH  I yet needed to learn.    As a result of celebrating Colombus Day, I learnt it is one special day marked and observed with appreciation in the U.S.-- A fact that did not cross my mind till October 9, 1997 during our second year of residency here in Springfield , MO.   That late afternoon, discovering the mailbox flags were still up,I assumed that our mailman  had missed his rounds.  I asked my neighbor, "Norma, are the mailmen on strike today?"   Then only, was I instructed of the importance of that specific day because of this exceedingly special character in the history of the world:  Christopher Columbus. 

 In Elementary schools we studied about him as an experienced and renown navigator. His familiarity with the deep and his researches of various lands, went back as far as 1465 when Columbus was just fourteen years of age. What rejoiced my heart most, is the fruitful victories stemming from his exploration and voyages. One of them is winning for the Spaniards, what is now called the Witling’s Island in the Bahamas group, West Indies .

I often wonder, "Is that why Columbus named these widespread Sarawak people 'Indians'?.. Indeed! Columbus did have profound courage and great stamina despite the numerous mishaps that he had. Even when he believed San Salvador to be an island of the Indies , he still colonized it. We read of how he dauntlessly took possession of that island and then put up the Spanish flag while the friendly natives stood peacefully watching him. According to historical records, he had established the best amiable relationship with the native Indians. They trusted him implicitly; for reports proved a strong bond and a long period of uninterrupted trade ensued with him for Portugal .     

There is so much more about this famous Genoese seaman that now, as a new American Citizen I began to appreciate more. His early, daring career as a sailor, plus his numerous successful achievements, today still speak for him with great wonder. I have no more reason to jest, saying, "We have moved to America to discover that which Christopher Columbus missed on." In truth, Columbus excelled with honor, in all that which our good God gave him to achieve.  He explored and uncovered  to the world simultaneously: Triumphs in History and Geography.

And Our true God is his very witness..HALLALUJAH…AMEN!