So Darren is tired tonight and actually asked me to blog. So many of you have expressed your support over the past few days and we wanted to update you on the events of the day. I am sorry there are no picture updates today but I am a little challenged in the blogging arena.
The good and the bad news. The good news is that our friend Sheresa will be able to pick up her visas on Tuesday morning and hopefully leave the DRC on Thursday. She has been here for more than a month with her 2 adopted kiddos and away from her 4 year-old son and husband at home. We are praising God that Sheresa, her sister Amber and the kids are finally going home. However, we will miss them and pizza Fridays a lot!
The bad news is a bitter pill my friends. I called the US Embassy today and spoke with the Consul (a guy named Andrew) and let him know about Josee's recurrent malaria and probable broken finger. He informed me that because of OUR error they had not received a file from US immigration and so had not started reviewing any of the documents or doing anything with our case in the last 2+ weeks. Now the really crazy thing is that our I171 was approved 9 months ago and had to be sent to the US Embassy to even schedule our appointment on June 8th. It took the Embassy all of 1 day to contact US immigration and have the form sent to them. The very same form that was sent to them previously. Not our error! So, I was told that despite an ill child, the Consul didn't know when he would have a chance to review the documents or how quickly our visa could be issued. If the Consul needs additional documentation or other information, we could be waiting weeks to months.
So, we are back to waiting. I have to absolutely leave the country by 7/8 to return to work by 7/10. It is non-negotiable. There is a Congolese holiday either at the end of this week or the beginning of next week and of course July 4. Naturally, the US Embassy is closed for both Congolese and US holidays. We are still praying for a miracle. We know that God is able to change hearts and situations. We also know that sometimes God's purpose and timing is different than our hopes and plans. It is quite possible that Darren will have to stick it out alone with the girls in the DRC if this visa thing continues to drag out. But in the midst of all of it today, there are so many things that remind us that God is faithful. So many miracles on this journey so far. We are weary but not defeated. I was so blessed to hear Josee and Natalie call Darren today a name they have made up just for him, "Papa-daddy."
So, dear friends, please keep praying for us here in the DRC. Please keep praying for Kate and Abby. We are so blessed to have you stand in the gap with us. We have felt you lifting us up in prayer and can feel your love from continents away. Although terrified at the idea of leaving my little girls here (which is the most unimaginable thing after they have already lost 2 mothers) as well as my husband, I know that God is bigger than this situation. And for this control freak/mother-doctor, surrendering this situation to him is so painful but it is the only way. I wish I had some great bloggy advice about surrender, some catchy phrase for the day. I don't. This whole surrender and obedience thing is painful. It is uncomfortable and scary. But when I come completely undone, to the end of myself, our heavenly father meets me there. God is always good. He works things for good for those who believe in him. And I have no option but to trust.
The good and the bad news. The good news is that our friend Sheresa will be able to pick up her visas on Tuesday morning and hopefully leave the DRC on Thursday. She has been here for more than a month with her 2 adopted kiddos and away from her 4 year-old son and husband at home. We are praising God that Sheresa, her sister Amber and the kids are finally going home. However, we will miss them and pizza Fridays a lot!
The bad news is a bitter pill my friends. I called the US Embassy today and spoke with the Consul (a guy named Andrew) and let him know about Josee's recurrent malaria and probable broken finger. He informed me that because of OUR error they had not received a file from US immigration and so had not started reviewing any of the documents or doing anything with our case in the last 2+ weeks. Now the really crazy thing is that our I171 was approved 9 months ago and had to be sent to the US Embassy to even schedule our appointment on June 8th. It took the Embassy all of 1 day to contact US immigration and have the form sent to them. The very same form that was sent to them previously. Not our error! So, I was told that despite an ill child, the Consul didn't know when he would have a chance to review the documents or how quickly our visa could be issued. If the Consul needs additional documentation or other information, we could be waiting weeks to months.
So, we are back to waiting. I have to absolutely leave the country by 7/8 to return to work by 7/10. It is non-negotiable. There is a Congolese holiday either at the end of this week or the beginning of next week and of course July 4. Naturally, the US Embassy is closed for both Congolese and US holidays. We are still praying for a miracle. We know that God is able to change hearts and situations. We also know that sometimes God's purpose and timing is different than our hopes and plans. It is quite possible that Darren will have to stick it out alone with the girls in the DRC if this visa thing continues to drag out. But in the midst of all of it today, there are so many things that remind us that God is faithful. So many miracles on this journey so far. We are weary but not defeated. I was so blessed to hear Josee and Natalie call Darren today a name they have made up just for him, "Papa-daddy."
So, dear friends, please keep praying for us here in the DRC. Please keep praying for Kate and Abby. We are so blessed to have you stand in the gap with us. We have felt you lifting us up in prayer and can feel your love from continents away. Although terrified at the idea of leaving my little girls here (which is the most unimaginable thing after they have already lost 2 mothers) as well as my husband, I know that God is bigger than this situation. And for this control freak/mother-doctor, surrendering this situation to him is so painful but it is the only way. I wish I had some great bloggy advice about surrender, some catchy phrase for the day. I don't. This whole surrender and obedience thing is painful. It is uncomfortable and scary. But when I come completely undone, to the end of myself, our heavenly father meets me there. God is always good. He works things for good for those who believe in him. And I have no option but to trust.
Thank you for being vulnerable and honest. I'm praying God would give you comfort as you continue to trust Him.
ReplyDeleteLove you Val! Praising God that your friend is on her way to getting home, but also broken-hearted for you & Darren re: the frustrating news about the lack of progress on your case & potential for things to drag on! The unknown is scary, I know - and when you have nothing left to do but give it to God and let go, I know it's easier said than done. I still struggle with it, but I am also learning it's the only way to have peace and joy despite the pain. I know the Lord will provide strength for you both & carry you during this time. He is the same yesterday, today & forever so we will keep praying for miracles! For Josee's recovery, both girls to full health, visas & quick/safe return home for all of you (Kate & Abby too!) I am right there with you Val praying for our heavenly Father to show Himself strong in our weakness & move these mountains! Love & hugs!
ReplyDeleteRenee
Oh sweet friend ~ good to hear from you again on the blog. Rejoicing that Sheresa and kiddos get to go home soon and join her husband and other child. I am frustrated for and with you on the news you got today at the embassy!!! I know God is in control and that He isn't up there wringing His hands wondering what is going to happen next!!! BUT I know too that it is so hard to keep walking and believing when you know so little and it seems people aren't on your side and helping. Continuing to pray with you all that He will keep moving mountains and working out ALL THE DETAILS and that you will continue to SEE HIM in it all!!! I know too well unfortunately that we do have to get to the end of ourselves to walk fully in Him and to completely surrender and He is so faithful to be there waiting for us!!! He then picks us up, carries us along and leads us and encourages us!!!
ReplyDeleteLove you all,
Gracie and gang
Hi Darren and Val,
ReplyDeleteWe have been following your blog and are constantly amazed by your patience, sense of humor, and faith given the circumstances you are facing. One thing is for certain--never underestimate the power of prayer. We, along with so many of your friends and family, will continue to pray for the health of your adorable daughters as well as your safe return so your entire family can be reunited.
-Julie and Keith
So, as I was writing notes to Kenna and Caroline and sharing with them how I would pray for them this week God placed these two passages on my heart to pray for the McKinnises:
ReplyDeleteColossians 1:9-12
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great ENDURANCE and PATIENCE, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
2 Timothy 211-13
Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
So grateful for Sheresa's wonderful news and I firmly believe you paperwork is not far away! We are praying for all of you and especially for Josee's health. I am so grateful and amazed by your endurance and patience. May God continue to refine all of us as your amazing obedience inspires all! We love you!
the Willis fam