Sr. Inga’s Reflection:
On March 5, I finally attained my American citizenship. My time and ministry in Haiti had previously prevented me from meeting the residency requirements for citizenship in the United States. However, amidst Haiti’s crisis, there emerged a silver lining. This tumultuous period allowed me to spend more time in the United States, where I was able to complete my naturalization process.
As I prepared for the citizenship interview, several poignant reflections surfaced. I pondered on the innate privileges of those who have grown up in the United States, where freedoms like religion, speech, assembly and petitioning the government are foundational. It starkly contrasts with my upbringing in Poland under communism, where expressing religious beliefs risked punishment.
I also cherish the liberty bestowed by U.S. law to hold dual citizenship. While my heart remains steadfastly Polish, with an enduring love for my homeland, its culture, language, and people, I have been blessed by God with a heart big enough to love diverse peoples, cultures and religions of all different nations. My last thought relates to my beliefs and my love of the Scriptures. In times of turbulence, a passage from Philippians (3:20) has consistently brought me peace: “Our citizenship, however, is in heaven, and it is from there that we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus, the Messiah” (International Standard Version). As a follower of Jesus Christ, this heavenly citizenship holds utmost importance to me. I already feel its presence in my life and eagerly await experiencing its full richness in heaven.
