Debbie Matenopoulos

Debbie Matenopoulos Instagram – I am so proud to share with everyone that on February 27th, 2024 I received my Greek Passport from the Consul Generals Office in Los Angeles. This was a long arduous process that started roughly 18 years ago at the incessant encouragement of a very dear wise friend. There were lots of twists & turns over the years, things got put on hold, but finally in the last 2 years with numerous trips to government offices in Greece and the unwavering help of my uncle, I collected all of the necessary documents for Greek Passport Eligibility. To say that I am now an official Greek Passport holder fills my heart beyond words. This little book is not just a government document to me. It represents so much more. Ya see, the reason I was having such a hard time being “eligible” was because I am the first person in my entire family to be born in America. My mom, my dad, my sister and my brother were all born in Greece. I was the “oops” baby once they got to the USA 🤪. My whole family has proof of birth documents, baptismal certificates, last place of residence, etc. I on the other hand, didn’t exist anywhere on paper in Greece. Despite having spent nearly every single summer since I was 5 years old there, there was no documentation of my existence. Why would there be, right? After all, I’m American. I was born here and I live here. And why is this even important to begin with? (I’ll get to that in a minute) While yes, I am very American…I’m ALSO very Greek. Just ask my DNA! 😄 My story is continued in comments below: 👇 | Posted on 29/Feb/2024 05:24:48