We're going on a trip!

In the past couple of days, we have received Micah’s visa for R-land, some important documents from the States (thanks a million mom, dad, and Ange!), and our airplane tickets! Yes, airplane tickets! We are planning on returning to R-land this Monday! (We would have mentioned something sooner, but we were waiting to say something until after talking with Micah’s doctor.) This will be a quick trip, two weeks altogether. The main reason for it being such a quick trip is that we need to be back in Germany by the beginning of May in order for Micah’s cast to be removed and for further care for his hips. (Not to mention that our present visas expire the beginning of June.)

Why are we going? You might remember that I had some difficulty in receiving my U..S. police record, due to my fingerprints not being “good enough”. (See blog entry on March 22nd) Well, after checking with the local office in T-land, they said that, due to such circumstances, they would accept my state of PA police record, which doesn’t require fingerprints in order to be received. We also found out that there are still about 17 of these visas left to be handed out for this year. So, we feel it would be best to go ahead and try to apply for this 3 year visa now.

Why go now? We had thought about waiting to go until after Micah’s cast is removed in 3 weeks (it would definitely make traveling easier!). Yet, due to several different factors, we feel it’s best to go now. It’s kind of confusing to explain, but it mainly has to due with the timing of our present visas expiring and getting new visas. The sooner we apply for the 3 year visa, the sooner we can return to T-land (hopefully for a long stay) this summer. Also, all the medical testing that we had done for the application of this visa needs to be completed within three months of applying. Since we did our medical work several months ago in hopes of returning this past March, we want to apply before the results “expire” and we have to do all the testing again.

What are we planning on doing this trip? We hope to spend a couple days in the capital of R-land, getting all of our papers for the 3-year visa application translated and notarized. Once we arrive “home”, we hope to apply for the visa, spend quality time with our co-workers (we can’t wait to see you, David & Erin and kids!), and catch-up with what all has been happening there.

Why travel all that way, just for 2 weeks? Good question! Thinking about all the expense and stress that lies before us in traveling, we have asked ourselves that many times! Yet, we see it as something really important to apply for the 3 year visa. We are not sure that we will be accepted for it, but we feel the least we can do is try! Yes, it is a lot of expense and hassle now. Yet, if we receive this visa, it will save us lots of time and money (and stress!) later on as we would need to travel every 3 months. We feel like it’s definitely worth a try! (At least, that’s what I keep trying to remind myself!)

Here are some specific ways in which you can be thinking about us:

• for smooth and safe traveling! I am especially a little concerned about how it’s going to go, not only traveling with 3 kids this time, but having our youngest one in a cast. Since it is a quick trip, we are planning on packing very lightly = 1 suitcase (which will mostly be filled with Micah’s “diapers” as we aren’t too sure we could find the ones we like in T-land.) Yet, I’m sure our hands will still be full with children, diaper bag, computer bag, coats, blankets, toys, etc. (I’m getting tired just thinking about it!)
• for our children, that they will remain healthy and adjust quickly to all the changes traveling can bring (sleeping schedules, etc.)
• that we will be able to get all of our papers translated and notarized while in the capital.
  that we will find a good, timely flight to T-land (we still need tickets for this).
• for the opportunity to apply for this visa. We trust that we have all the right documents and papers that we need, but sometimes, there can be little surprises along the way!
• that we, along with our co-workers, will be able to receive this visa and continue on with the work in T-land.
• for good, quality time with our co-workers, as we spend time “catching-up” and thinking about the future.
• for grace, strength, wisdom, and patience! :-)

We are so thankful for this opportunity we have been given to go "home" for a little bit. We are especially thankful that we still have the opportunity to apply for the visa this year. And, we are thankful for you... for all your thoughts, encouragement, love and concern for us. We appreciate you!