Citizenship is defined as the fact or status of being a citizen of a particular place. It is also defined as the qualities that a person is expected to have as a responsible member of a community.
This past Wednesday, Alona participated in an oath of citizenship ceremony after which she received a certificate officially making her a citizen of the United States. As I looked around the room at the 40+ immigrants who were receiving citizenship and their families, I couldn't help but think of all of the blood, sweat, and tears that went into getting each one of them there.
What made my heart swell, was the fact that there were 3 other Russian speaking teenagers....2 from Ukraine and 1 from Latvia that were adopted last fall. That means that at least 10% of those taking the oath were teenagers, on the the brink of adulthood, that are now experiencing the love and security of a family for the first time. Not only are they learning to be citizens of a new country, but they are learning about the qualities that a person is expected to have as a responsible member of a family.
The road to citizenship, whether citizenship of a country or of a family, is not an easy one. The road is full of bumps, detours, roadblocks, and U-turns. Once gaining citizenship, the journey is not over. In fact, it has just begun. There are rules to learn and follow, responsibilities to maintain, and duties to fulfill.
Alona has learned and unlearned much these first few months home. The road ahead stretches out into the horizon...the possibilities and opportunities she will have as a new citizen in her new family and country are endless. We pray that she will continue to work hard and strive to be the citizen that God has called her to be.
Oath Ceremony!
Alona with other new citizens
Taking the Oath
Waiting to receive her certificate of citizenship
Alona wit her Aunt Sarah
Proud Parents!
Alona with her Gigi and Boo
Citizen of the United States!!
