The Citizen

Taken outside the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok after our baby girl officially became an American citizen!

More than half of 2021 has been spent working on acquiring citizenship for our little Emelyn Mae. After months of postponements due to the Covid situation in Thailand, our Em is [finally] an American citizen. This is such a relief to my mama heart. Living this expat life during a global pandemic has been difficult, but having a baby overseas without citizenship for this long, knowing our girl couldn’t leave if there were an emergency … well, praise the Lord we just don’t have to think about that situation anymore.

Emelyn is such a daddy's girl!

The process of acquiring citizenship while overseas was somewhat intimidating. This is the first time I’ve ever had to navigate such a process and the paperwork was shockingly excessive beyond a mere application and evidence of live birth. Each parent was required to submit a complete history of both permanent residences and careers since birth. We had to have the official birth certificate along a certified translated copy. We also needed to submit ultrasound pictures, complete history of prenatal care, and pictures of Em within our daily family life. Once we gathered all documentation, we had to mail our citizenship application to the US Embassy in Bangkok with payment and wait for an email with appointment options.

On the plane flying to Bangkok for our interview!

When we arrived at the embassy for our interview, we had to present all original documents to the interviewer. Before we even entered the embassy, all phones and electronic devices were turned off and handed over to security personnel. Even our diaper bag was confiscated (though we could take the diapers and bottles in separately. When it was time for our interview, it wasn't lengthy, but it was detailed to make sure we filled out our application honestly. Though we received Emelyn's citizenship, there is now an entirely different process to obtain her social security number in order to receive the benefits of her citizenship. In total, it appears that we will have spent nearly 10 months working to aquire everything for Emelyn's U.S. Citizenship.

Loving life back home!

"In love He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favor and will." Ephesians 1:6 (HCSB)

When we returned home from our trip to the Embassy, I began reflecting on this entire process as I read through Ephesians. The Lord started speaking to me very specifically about what it means to have heavenly citizenship. I was struck by the Apostle Paul's beautifully crafted words to describe the details of Heaven's citizens throughout his entire letter. Here are four things that stood out to me in Ephesians in light of obtaining citizenship for our baby while living overseas.

1. Acquiring Heavenly Citizenship. (Ephesians 1:1-14) Every nation in the world has a process that must be waded through in order to become a citizen of that country. The process could look different or have potential difficulties, depending on age, ethnicity, and economic status. God chose us, not just for citizenship, but He adopted as His own children through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:3-6). This goes beyond mere citizenship, but morphs into a strong family bond. The Father has already done all the work and sacrifice for the adoption process. Now we belong to Him and reap the benefits of royal children.
   

2. Benefits of Heavenly Citizenship. (Ephesians 1:15-3:21) When one becomes a citizen of the United States, there are numerous benefits that come with it, like protection, the right to work, and a voice with your vote. As a child of God, we become His heirs and obtain an inheritance. What does His inheritance look like? It goes beyond salvation, because He GUARANTEES our inheritance by sealing us with the Holy Spirit. When God's Spirit dwells in us, we are given the benefits of wisdom, knowledge and discernment. We are given the ability to KNOW God. In doing so, we receive power, strength, confidence, boldness, grace in this life, and the hope of eternal life. Of course, one cannot forget that with the benefits of His inheritance also comes responsibility.
   

3. Responsibilities of Heavenly Citizenship. (Ephesians 4:1-6:9) Every citizen takes an oath to represent their nation, to abide by the laws of the land, be a community member, and respect fellow citizens. Likewise, our heavenly citizenship requires action. Paul tells us we need to "walk in a manner worthy of our calling" (Ephesians 4:1). This means clothing ourselves with the godly virtues of humility, patience, gentleness, love, and unity. Be kind and forgiving. Do not allow bitterness and anger to take root, but keep your heart tender toward your brothers and sisters. Walk in love and light, submitting to one another. Each one of us has a role to play in God's Kingdom, so active participation is key for every citizen, no matter your status.
   

4. Defending/ Protecting Your Heavenly Citizenship. (Ephesians 6:10-23) In the United States we have the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and a somewhat complex system of checks and balances to ensure we don't lose our freedom, benefits, and thus, our citizenship. The Father has given us armor to safeguard and stand firm in the faith. His armor includes truth, righteousness, readiness, peace, faith, salvation, God's Word, and especially prayer. The enemy is actively trying to take away our citizenship, invalidate our faith, and strip away our confidence. When we take steps to protect the good seeds God plants in our hearts and dig into His Word with a passion for Truth, not only do we preserve our own citizenship, but we are a light to a world, who is desperately looking for a place to belong.

"So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God's household." Ephesians 2:19 (HCSB)

Lord Jesus, I'm humbled to be called not only a Heavenly citizens, but a daughter of the King. Help me to own my Heavenly citizenship and embrace the responsibilities You've set before me. I am well acquainted with being an outsider and foreigner in a foreign land, so give me overflowing joy when this fact feels overwhelming. In Jesus' name, Amen.