March began with our family returning back to the U.S. for the birth of our second child. This was immediately followed by my ordination at our sending church in Winthrop, Maine. It was an honor for me, as our missions director at FBMI and one of my brothers, who is a pastor, came into town to lay hands on me, along with my pastor and the deacons of my church. It was truly a special night for me with some men who have helped get me to where I am today.
The newest little Christiansen has finally arrived! Due to some concerns about how our baby was developing in the womb, Emily was induced to bring the baby a little early. The doctors considered us a high-risk pregnancy. We praise the Lord that on March 25, 2022, Lydia Ann Christiansen was born perfectly healthy. Many of you reached out to us, letting us know that you were praying for us during the whole process. The fact that you were praying for us was such a comfort to us, and we believe that Lydia is here and healthy due in large part to your prayers.
Emma has completely embraced being a big sister. She loves giving Lydia hugs and kisses and running around the house to find Lydia’s bottles to feed her. When Lydia cries, Emma looks at us and says, “Oh, no!” Then Emma asks to hold Lydia, because apparently, we are not doing a good enough job to help her sister. 😊
Those of you who are parents will know all the work that goes into having a new baby in the house. However, as missionaries, this brings a particular workload—a lot of paperwork. When we can return to Nigeria depends on how quickly we can get the paperwork ready for Lydia. We first need her birth certificate and social security card sorted out. Then we can apply for Lydia’s passport. Only once we have that can we apply for Lydia’s visa for her to enter Nigeria. We are hoping to return to Nigeria by May or June, so please pray with us that we can get all of these paperwork steps done in a timely manner.
That all the world may know,
Caleb Christiansen
-
- Emma loves being a big sister!
-
- Lydia Ann Christiansen was born on March 25, 2022!