Sunday, October 05, 2003

Back in TX

Howdy from TX! Yes, I have moved back to Texas. I miss Chicago a lot, but I knew that the Lord wanted me to come home. VISA... PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!I have not yet received my visa. We (SIM and I) are not sure what is taking so long, but we must wait and not pressure the Nigerian government. Here is how it works: the Nigerian government evaluates SIM's quota of how many missionaries are permitted into Nigeria. This happens every 2 years. The quota was up for renewal in August, which is why SIM told me that I should expect to leave in September, assuming there was space for me in the quota. Well, the Nigerian officials are still reviewing it, so I am just waiting. Once they send a letter of invitation to SIM in Charlotte, SIM then sends that to Washington DC, where my visa is actually processed. The time from Charlotte to Washington to my receiving my visa is about 2 1/2 weeks. So, all that to say...the tentative departure date is October 22, assuming that I will get my invitation in the next week or so. Clear as mud, right? :) PLEASE keep praying that the Lord will open this door! I really want to go!

MINISTRY One of the reasons the Lord brought me home was to assist with a ministry to children in low-income housing in my hometown. The director of this ministry is new and has no training. She is over college students (from my alum) who are the ones who do the ministry. We meet with the kids every Tuesday and play and share a Bible lesson. We are asking the Lord to open our eyes to opportunities and that the Holy Spirit will give us creativity and discernment.

FAMILY Another reason I am home is to spend lots of time with my family! We are making a lot of memories. I visited Shane in College Station on Saturday. We went to the Texas A&M football game and had a blast. My wonderful parents continue to love on me and disciple me in the Truth.