ROSE HILL, KS, July 3, 2008 -- Held hostage in the jungle, then rescued in dramatic fashion.  It's a story playing out worldwide after three American hostages were rescued in Colombia.

US military contractors Keith Stansell, Marc Gonsalves and Thomas Howes had been held captive for five and a half years, before the dramatic rescue by the Colombian military.

It's also thrust a Kansas missionary back in the spotlight.

Gracia Burnham lived out a similar tale in the Philippines six years ago.

”I remember the first time I laid my head on a pillow and I crawled under sheets," said Burnham.

Burnham is one of the few people who likely knows exactly what those three men are feeling. It's been six years since she was rescued after being held hostage for a year in the Philippine jungle.

Her husband Martin was killed during the rescue.

"They'll be home for the Fourth of July, but if they're like me they're not going to like the firecrackers,” said Burnham.  “I don't know how many gun battles those guys were in.  My first Fourth of July freaked me out because every round of firecrackers I just wanted to dive on the ground."

Those fears have since faded.   But Burnham says that one year,not only changed her life, but defined it.

When the three Americans were taken hostage in Colombia the White House called her and asked if she'd be willing to speak to their families.

She generously offered her support and prayers.     

"Knowing that they were feeling such hopelessness as this went on month after month after month, knowing that their families were probably traumatized," Burnham said referring to the American captives.

Now she shares their joy as only someone who's experienced it can.

"It's an honor to live in America. It's an honor to be free and we don't know what we've got until it's taken away and this is going to be the best 4th of July ever for these guys," said Burnham.