states: ”And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free....” I wholeheartedly

agree. My heart fills with gratitude to God and this wonderful land where, regardless of who I am, where I came from, or what my goals are, I have that priceless gift of freedom. Freedom to

pursue my dreams. Freedom to worship. Freedom to get an education. These freedoms, however,

My story begins in Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union. My parents had graduated from college and gotten married. In 1985 my oldest brother Paul was born, and one year later Victor, my twin brother, and I were born. Olga, the youngest, was born three years later.

Life was arduous for everyone in the Communist Soviet Union. It was especially difficult for Christians. Christians, both young and old, were mocked, slandered, and persecuted. Young Christian students were given bad grades by the teachers. Through all this the young people trusted God and kept their faith as they got older. My parents were like this.

Some topics in this essay:
America December, Soviet Union, Christian Jewish, Christians Christians, Christians Jews, Komsomol Communist, American I’m, Ukraine America, Bless USA”, Lee Greenwood’s, soviet union, leave country, parents trusted, somehow government, left country,