Last week we received a packet from Spain. In it were documents we need for our visa, that an agency in Spain had been preparing for us. It was a huge step and we were very excited to have some progress. We thought these documents would speed up the process and we were hoping to be in Spain by April.
Then this morning we received more news. We just learned that once we turn our paperwork into the Spanish consulate, it will take at least 3 months for them to process it. Once we have our visas, then we have 90 days to report to Madrid or the visas become invalid. And they begin working on Gus's visa first. So a worst case scenario is that Gus will get his visa first. And, since he has to use it within 90 days and cant come back right away, he might have to go to Spain initially alone, until me and the kids visas are processed. This is obviously a huge prayer request, that all our visas would get processed together.
We are thankful to know more of a timeframe and continue to trust the Lord with this whole process. It's been a bit of a roller coaster for us. One week we think our time here is nearing to the end. Then the next week it seems like it will still be months that we are here. What a great lesson for us to continue to trust in the Lord's perfect timing for our lives.
We are hopefully going to turn everything into the consulate next week-please pray that we would be able to gather everything we need. We have a few more things to gather and then will send them off to our translator to be translated. One of our papers, that took 4 months to get, will expire in about two weeks. So we are really hoping to get to the consulate before it expires. Please pray that we would be successful in this!
Also, just to update you about what we're doing while we wait, we will continue to live in South Orange County and attend FBC down here. Gus continues to help out at the church and we are thankful for this opportunity.
Thank you for reading and praying for us!! We know the Lord is totally sovereign and we will arrive to Spain when He wants us to!!
Praying for you guys!! I know this must be a lot, but I'm seriously excited to see all that the Lord has planned for you!
ReplyDeleteI'll keep you in my prayers! I understand the "waiting" part very well. We're so anxious to get settled in our own home in North Carolina and the timing keeps getting pushed out for us as well. We don't have the kind of paperwork you're dealing with, but the timing is very dependent on the liquidation of my great grandma's estate, which has taken a little longer than we first thought. However, I believe we'll be able to move somewhere between August and October of this year.
ReplyDeleteWow. I will definitely be praying. God is obviously using your family for His glory in the OC and preparing the hearts of those you will minister to in Spain. Praise Him for His perfect timing :).
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