Becoming French

In the midst of 200 people from all over the world in a small parlour behind the prefecture de la moselle I officially became French yesterday, and got those precious identity papers in hand. Some were moved, others cried, still others cheered, and others were down right impatient as we had to wait as each name was called and then push our way through the mob to kiss a whole delegation of French government officials. I was just sooooo hot in there. It was a sauna. I learned mother France was honored to have me and had adopted me to be one of its children forever. Then we sang the Marseillaise, watched a movie of rights and obligations of being French, took an oath of allegiance and then were able to breathe some fresh air. Sarkozy wrote me a letter.