i suppose i never expected to see a sunny day in england... one where everything glows of
a sunny orange warmness and the occasion being, simple 'ol life.
that was, however, not the only thing to be unexpected... the main man was held up due to the opposition of the embassy.
his visa was not granted and his passport was never returned to him.
this, naturally, set a bit of a halt on things.
and as this week should have been gloomy and dark just as it should have been bright and full of joy with the wedding taking place, it was neither of these... but yet mixture of the both.
with the tension in the air of not knowing for so long, the answer that he is not going to make it was actually a relief, i think, for beth and her entire family. no one wanted to hear the news, nor
believe it was true but in this unexpected result, God will, is and has been lighting the situation with opportunity.
the largest being the opportunity to grow deeper in trust with Him. that one being of course the hardest too. as for the embassy
stuff, they are starting again from scratch and doing everything they can to show it is legit... the rest if literally up to God.
though this was the news no one wanted, the time was filled with laughter, english sarcasm, sunny and rainy days and unending memories and blessings.
it was a great joy to meet beths family as well as see sams family again. and then to top that, kathy was finally introduced too and we all shared some good experiences.
among these were the following:
scaling walls and fences to get over flooded roads.
seeing the ocean for the first time with kathy.
much walking.
seeing stan laurels home town.
laughing.
more english sarcasm.
having time at an english pub.
tea time.
praying.
trusting.
so, what this let down means for me is that i get to visit england again which is actually no let down. plus, we are believing that a greater victory will become of this.
i know that my trip there was filled with opposition and it would have been easy to be sour because of the flight delay, extremely bumpy
landing, missing of the train, overnight at the airport and so on... and i am sure if the devil had his way, this trip would have been a disaster for everyone...
but..
it wasn't.
It was refreshing and a blessing for all.
(at least i hope for all.)
whats next:
tomorrow i am spending the whole day taking a test (german B1)
in order that i may extend my visa. it just isn't as easy as it all seems with the visas and marrying.
(quick explanation: in order to get a permanent residence visa, though we are married, i have to have a certificate proving that i can speak, read and understand german as well as one from an integration course. this only means that i have to take a couple tests... it isn't really hard and comparing to what some must do, i am exceedingly grateful.)
in a couple weeks is the integrations test.
and Lord willing in a few days i will receive the material to start on the english course. (i have enrolled in an internet course to learn to teach english. it has been on my heart for some
time and who knows what will come of it.)
thank You God for leading and guiding us, for
blessing us in times of uncertainty with peace and providing for all our needs. we lay this entire pickle of events at Your feet and ask that You would help us in every decision.
thank You again for blessing us that last week so much and what is yet to come. and for all those reading this, may they too be filled with peace and rest and may they see what cannot be seen, hear what You hear do as You would do.
in Jesus name, amen!
for all those who emailed me, i do still plan on writing back... thought it appropriate to first write a blog of updates. thank you all for your prayers.
blessings and much love,
israel
