Hi {{ first name | Raleigh Lover}}!

This week, I became a United States citizen.

I’m now officially Australian American — belonging to two beautiful countries.

Even typing that feels surreal.

It’s a privilege and an honor. One that Craig (who will get his later this year) and I worked really hard to earn through years of paperwork and interviews to prove — through official channels — that we truly belonged here through our contribution to the U.S. economy.

For 15 years, through our travel blog, we’ve promoted travel across America. We’ve told the stories of its landscapes, its small towns, its big cities, its national parks, its hidden gems. We’ve brought tourism dollars into communities all over this country.

And more recently, through This Is Raleigh, we’ve poured our energy into strengthening the local economy — spotlighting small businesses, supporting events, encouraging you to explore your own backyard.

That’s not just what we do. It’s why we do it. And maybe that’s why this week hasn’t quite “hit” yet. I haven’t even shared it on social media. Does that mean it’s not real?

Or maybe… it’s because I’ve always felt like I belonged here. From the beginning, this country welcomed us. Raleigh welcomed us. You welcomed us.

So, in some ways, it just feels like another day. And yet … today won’t be.

Today I’ll do my first civic duty as an American citizen: I’ll head to early voting, register, and have my voice heard.

I’ve also registered to attend an event with several ladies of the North Carolina General Assembly on International Women’s Day so I can learn more about what they do and represent. I want to understand, participate, and contribute beyond storytelling.

At our naturalization ceremony, the talks were inspiring. They emphasized that with this belonging comes responsibility — to work together with fellow Americans to better the nation.

I don’t recall ever hearing that messaging growing up in Australia — that we were part of a greater national purpose. Maybe I wasn’t listening. Maybe when you’re born into something, you don’t stop to reflect on what it means to belong.

But I love that sense of shared responsibility.

Now… unified might not be the word most people would use to describe America right now. But it is an ideal. And it’s one I believe in.

In my work here in Raleigh; on our travel blog, where I get to be an ambassador for both my homes; and in the way I choose to show up.

Spreading the truth of the goodness that lies here. It always does. It’s never always dark. And it’s, sadly, never always light. The dark strengthens us and invites us to elevate.

The ceremony itself was made even more meaningful by where it was held. We all grumbled about having to drive two hours to Currie. 😅

But once we arrived at Moores Creek, and understood why it was happening there on that day, it felt sacred.

We stood on the grounds of the first decisive Patriot victory in the American Revolution happened 250 years ago. This helped set into motion the Declaration of Independence. And 250 years later, my feet stood there — naturalized. Truly accepted to stand.

I see, know, and understand the principles this country was founded on. I promise, as an American citizen, I will do my best to uphold those values. To be a voice for them. To work for unity and elevation.

I am proud and honored and forever thankful to be born Australian. That will never be taken from me, and I would never want it to be.

But I am also proud, honored, and thankful to be American.

It doesn’t have to be either/or. It can be both/and. And I’m stepping into that fully with gratitude, with responsibility, and with hope.

💖 Your fellow American (and still Australian)

Caroline

P.S. Moores Creek are having a special North Carolina First in Freedom Festival tomorrow with have battle demonstrations. Funny, when I shared that in our guide to American 250 celebrations in NC, I never realized I’d be part of the celebration!!

P.P.S I was interviewed at the ceremony for Wilmington TV about it, which you can see here.

You may like…

More ideas 👇