Going Multi-National
In 48 hours, I'll be taking my test to become a Canadian citizen! I just finished studying the official 47-page "A Look at Canada" publication which prepares immigrants for the citizenship test. I really enjoyed it (as well as my 7th and 9th grade girls who helped quiz me; "Dad, you should just study our civics notes.") Got a wonderfully synthesized summary of Canada, it's people, heritage, values, government, and way of life. While not over challenging, it's fun to have to study for something you're going to get tested on. I duly took the online practice test, and got a feel for how hard the test will be (the Canadian gov't is very considerate; they want you to pass; no trick questions).
Why am I doing this? For several reasons:
Philosophically
1. Being a church planter / missionary, it's another concrete way for me to be missional, incarnational, and identify with those I serve.
3. The great apostle Paul was a citizen of Rome and of Israel, and he was able to use it for great purposes.
Practically
1. I'm getting more and more involved with humanitarian work around the world. Traveling on a US passport, while still the preferred global document, can sometimes raise unnecessary ambivalent feelings in our post 9/11 world. With Canada's international reputation as peacekeepers and preference for non-violence, being able to carry a Canadian passport reduces that kind of sentiment, making things more peaceable.
2. My entire family has dual CN-US citizenship, except me. So for symmetry sake, it'd be nice to complete the picture!
3. I get to vote in Canadian elections and help determine who gets into office and who doesn't.
So there you have it! An Asian-Chinese that will have three citizenships - US, Canadian, and the Kingdom.
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