The World is Ours: The Gateway to America: Ellis Island

Lady Liberty

The journey millions of immigrants made to America was not easy. The 8 days by boat makes our future 8 hour flights look like joy rides. Their travel conditions were terrible, crowded, and dirty making our society's complaints about leg room and seat assignments trivial. They left relatives behind in their native countries, some they would never see again. No ability to Skype or FaceTime whenever they wanted. They came to a place where they could not speak the language. No iPhone apps to help with translation or currency exchange. They did all of this for a better way of life for themselves and their children. Could you do it? Would you be brave enough to leave your family and friends for life in another country? As we leave America in our rearview, we contemplated the appeal America had for so many millions of immigrants.

The Great Hall, Ellis Island

Allie's relatives came over to the US in the early 1900's through Ellis Island from Czechoslovakia, Germany, and Italy. They came for the promise of the American dream. With only the clothes on their back, a small piece of luggage and maybe $20 in their pocket, they left in search of a happier life. The happiness they must have felt when they finally reached Ellis Island and saw Lady Liberty. That joy of being in a better place. A new country full of hope and prosperity for all. Their excitement and anxiousness was likely exponentially greater than what we are experiencing before our trip. The opportunity to have a job, to work hard, to feed their children, to own land, to farm, drew them to this great nation. What has become of their American dream?

We wanted to take this trip to learn about other cultures, but also to escape (even temporarily) what the American society has become or is becoming. When did the American dream go from happiness, religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the ability to work hard to support your family... to ... work you to death, no time for yourself or your family, so politically correct we can't say Merry Christmas because it may offend someone.

Our society has become one of 80 hour work weeks, sitting in a cube, two family incomes just to get by, several cars, houses, insurance policies, private school tuition, college tuition, the newest tech gadgets, absurd phone and Internet bills, retirement accounts, etc, etc. What happened to simplicity? What happened to appreciating the little things? Why do we (as a nation) want and need so much?

Going to Ellis Island before our trip was an excellent reminder of the greatness that is America. Even today, many people want to migrate here for opportunity. It was also an excellent reminder of something we have both been seeking, simplicity. A lifestyle where the items you carry on your voyage through life are not important. Its the joy in your heart when you find your true happiness, that is.