The apostle Paul was right!

Our passport and visa saga lasted nearly 3 months and kept us up a few nights.  Anxiety and worry do that.  I know that we are to “not be anxious about anything, but by prayer make our requests known to God” (Phil 4:6-7).  I also know from experience that it is easier to apply that Bible verse when things fall into place in a timely manner.  Peace and the faith that precedes it are elusive when your passports are tied up and only a few days remain before you expect to travel.

After multiple unsuccessful attempts to get an answer to the delays in our visa application, I broke down and asked for help.  Some we asked to pray, others to make phone calls to immigration on our behalf.  After a week with no progress, a friend offered to go with me to the immigration office (DGM).  He and his wife met me in front of the building Wednesday at 10:30 and began making phone calls to anyone who might know anyone in DGM. My hope was to get in the building and plunk myself down in a chair until I had my visas in hand.  The problem is that you can’t enter the building unless someone inside comes to get you at the door.  While we were trying to get in touch with someone inside the building to gain access, who should walk up but the man handling our file!  He was headed across town to another DGM office to get our passports!  WooHoo!  He took us to the secretary’s office to wait until he got back.  It took a while, but I left the building at 3:30 with my passports and visas!  We can now come and go without problems!

In addition to the call to faith and peace instead of worry, the Apostle Paul also stated that “for those who love God all things work together for good” (Rom 8:28).  Paul was right.  What caused us such stress and anxiety has proven in the end to have a silver lining, a blessing.  Kathy and I found ourselves completely dependent on new friends and church leaders to get our passports.  Many, like the couple mentioned above, volunteered their help and gladly adjusted their schedules, taking our concern upon themselves.  It meant a lot that these partners rallied around us, and our attachment to them is stronger because of this experience. 

In the end our anxiety was unnecessary.  We’ll make it back to the US in time for James and Maggie’s wedding.  All things work together for good.

Jay