It`s Raining, It's Pouring...

They say when it rains it pours and that the calm follows the storm.  I am currently living in what feels like stormy waters and am seeking to reach calm lands.  Life has been in a whirlwind lately and I ache for God’s truth to reign in my life.  This is the first time in my life as long as I can remember where I haven’t the slightest idea of where God is leading me.  Whether I want to follow or not, I usually am in tune to the power of His voice.  I pray fervently that may ears may hear His voice and that I will obediently follow.

As many of you know, Daniel and I recently applied for him to obtain another tourist visa.  Much to our surprise, he was immediately rejected by the officer at the embassy.  Shocked and confused, we were told that either I get a job and become more established in Guatemala, which is illegal since I am not a resident, or that we apply for a spouse visa, which takes a year IF all goes well.  We were certain that since he abided his first tourist visa that it would be easier to get a second one.  The officer informed us that she has no idea how he even got a one-time entry visa in the first time and that they do not hand them out.  I guess she doesn´t know the God we serve.

I take great hope in knowing that God is bigger than any governmental power and that perhaps, by some miracle, Daniel will receive his spouse visa sooner than a year.  I know that God called me to leave a job I love, a church family that I love, and a youth group that I love to attend seminary and so I am certain of one thing, seminary I shall finish.  It is with much regret that Daniel and I have decided that I will return to Chicago this fall to finish my studies while he will remain in Guatemala and continue working with Flames of Fire.  Financially it is our only option and so we pray that God will watch over us while we are apart from one another.

There are still many decisions to be made and unless God speaks otherwise, I will return home the first of August.  Please keep us both in your prayers as we prepare for the road ahead and as we gather all of our papers to file a petition on his behalf.  And if you ever interested in making a phone call to one of our state officials, please let me know and I will send you more information on how to do so and what to say.  

There is one last remaining element to the storm and that is the saying goodbye to my dearest dog Maggie Sue Musselman.  Maggie became a part of the Musselman family 14 years ago.  She was peacefully put to sleep today at the age of 17.  We were sure she would outlive us all.  She was the best mutt a little 13 year old girl could have asked for.  Some of you may well know her by her other names:  Muffy Fuffy bear, Maggie Waggie, Pretty, Pretty Princess, Squishy Wishybutt, Maggie Suzannie, and the list goes on…May you receive all the dog biscuits you want in dog heaven!

 

Thanks for taking time to read our blog and an even bigger thanks for all your love and support!