Update on Jessica
July 2010
- Hello again!
I just wanted to send another quick email to update y'all on my visa situation. As you know, I was scheduled to leave Thailand and return to my city in In.dia early Wednesday (7/14) morning. However, after talking with the visa application center on Tuesday it became apparent that I would not have my visa by that time.
Because applications are processed through another company, I have not actually been able to speak with anyone at the Embassy directly. To summarize what I have been told - it will take a "long time" to process my application, the Embassy is checking into my application, and they are not currently granting interviews. So what does that mean for me? It means I wait and pr.y. :) I ask you to join me in that.
My supervisor made the decision for me to stay here in Thailand for another two weeks to see if this visa will be granted. I now have airline tickets to return to my city for Wednesday, July 28...and my pryr is that I will have a new visa in hand. If this visa is denied, I will need to wait until August 15 to return to my city. Either way, I am resting in the truth of His sovereignty and His goodness. I know that He has a plan for my time here in Thailand as well as for the remainder of my time in In.dia and that He is working out that plan for His glory among the nations.
In addition to this request for my visa, please join me in praising the Lord for the following answers to pryr -
- My computer is now fixed! I had to run the recovery disks and completely start over, but it is running as good as new again. Best of all - I was able to move all of my documents, pictures, and music over to an external hard drive before wiping everything off.
- After taking antibiotics for the stomach sickness we picked up at the meeting in the mountains, mine and Andrea's health was restored.
- Our travel to, around, and from Eg.ypt went smoothly...and the two weeks spent there were wonderful! :)
- My dental surgery to remove my wisdom teeth went really well, and I am now feeling like myself again. I am still being careful about what I eat, but my mouth is no longer sore or swollen, and I only have a little bruising left.
- Andrea was granted the visa she applied for in the US! She will be able to return to our city as planned.
Isn't He faithful? I can definitely see the ways He has been taking care of me this past month. There is just so much to praise Him and thank Him for! I will be sure to keep you updated on how things progress with my visa application. Your continued support is such a blessing and encouragement to me!
With much love and affection,
Jessica
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Below is a recent email from Jessica:
Hello everyone!
I hope that this email finds you well! I am sorry for not writing sooner. I still do not have regular internet access and will not until October at the earliest. To update you –
I did decide to postpone doing another village homestay for the time being and to continue learning language in the city. The first couple of weeks were difficult. I had to figure out how to utilize a language helper and language “route” to acquire language, all the while adjusting to the hustle and bustle of city living. Let me tell you – it’s exhausting! I am now entering my fourth week of this phase, though, and I think I’m getting the hang of it. :) Please join me in lifting up these praises -
· He has blessed me with not one, not two, but THREE language helpers! One is a believer, one is a cousin, and the other is Hindu. They each have different strengths and help me with different aspects of communicating in this language.
· He has begun to connect me with people of goodwill and some who may potentially be people of peace. I definitely see Him working, beginning to put the pieces into place in these early stages of language learning and relationship building.
· I am making steady progress with the language. (Even though I don’t feel like it some days!)
Likewise, I’d greatly appreciate you lifting up these requests to the Father –
· My stewardship of His abundant provision. Please ask that I would have wisdom in managing my schedule and planning lessons to maximize the language helpers that He has blessed me with.
· My health. I have a “cold” that I can’t quite seem to shake. Please ask that I would be well, and that this would not drain my energy (as I need it to learn language!).
· My relationships with the women I’ve met. Ask for opportunities to talk about spiritual things and that the Father would use me to introduce them to the truth of His Word. Ask for boldness. Ask that I would have favor and influence with them.
· Encouragement, Perseverance, Focus, A Sharp Mind. Just a few of the things that are needed to learn this language! I only have a little over six weeks of “protected language learning time” left. Also, ask that I would know if and when to return to a homestay to maximize language acquisition.
· Above all – That I would be radiant with Christ who is in me.
Thank you all for joining me in this journey. Your continued support means so much to me. I always love hearing from you…and look forward to being able to stay better connected in the coming weeks (you can also ask for internet for me, ha!). :)
With much love and deep affection in Christ,
Jessica
