Still waiting

Still no news from Namibian Home Affairs. Still praying and waiting on God's perfect timing to get everything worked out. In the meantime, I'm doing my best to take advantage of this time I do have. I went to a musical and a state hockey championship that some of my youth groupers were involved in. I've gotten to see a few friends I haven't seen in ages who I wouldn't have connected with if I'd left when I planned. I'm starting to work on learning some Afrikaans and getting a head start on writing curriculum. I'm getting my body clock a little closer to Namibian time by going to bed earlier and rising earlier. And I'm learning patience and trust in God's timing. I read this quote recently that sums it up pretty well:

"Sometimes God has better things in mind or something different in mind for us than what we have in mind for ourselves. The long and short of all of it is that if I believe that God is good, then I need to accept whatever happens to me in life as being a gift, and allow Him to take some of the things that hurt, allow Him to take some of the things that sting, some of the things that I think are going to kill me--allow Him to take those things and make of me the person He wants me to be. It may not be the person I want to be, but it'll be the person He would want me to be." ~Rich Mullins

Delays

"In his heart a man plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9

I was suppose to be in Namibia by now, according to my schedule at least. But God doesn't always work on our time schedule. Last Friday I heard news that there had been issues getting me a temporary work visa while we were waiting for my long-term work permit to come through. There was an appeal hearing scheduled for Monday. But then when Monday came, they heard the appeal but postponed a decision until Tuesday. Then Tuesday came and still no decision. So the new plan is to postpone my departure indefinitely until we get word that I'll be allowed in the country, either with a temporary work visa or a long-term work permit.

Meanwhile that leaves me in a bit of an extended period of transition. I've sold my car, packed my bags, said my goodbyes. So for now I'll stay here, not making any long range plans and living as transient as possible. I'll also be getting a head start working on some youth ministry curriculum for when I finally do arrive. I'd appreciate your prayers for the visa situation to come to a quick resolution and that I would continue to trust God and be patient through the process.

Commissioning

Yesterday morning at Christ's Church, the elders and members of the congregation came around me to pray over me and send me off. Then at the word "Amen" we busted out the tables and crock-pots and the festivities began! We had a nice potluck with members of other local churches coming over to show their support and see me off. I can't even begin to describe how important and encouraging it is to have a solid local church behind me and supporting me.

"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off." ~Acts 13:2-3