Blessings......and ANOTHER prayer request

We started off the morning with a relaxing breakfast and planned to go to the immigration office for the passport. I was really encouraged by the scripture I read in 1 Peter...

"So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God and in His good time He will honour you....After you have suffered q little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. All power is His forever and ever. Amen."

The passport was to be ready at 11 and I arrived early planning to wait and I was back at my hotel by 11 with the passport in my hand...YEAH. I then booked my ticket to Nairobi for sunday.

One huge problem, I mentioned in earlier blogs, we need the "letter of no objection" from the provincial ministry. They have had it since Dec. 23rd and on Jan 6 they confirmed that everything appears satifactory with the documentation and they would issue the letter. I cannot show up at the High Commissioners without that letter faxed or emailed directly to the High Commissioner himself. The province was also made aware that my lawyer would be travelling end of Dec. (which he post poned until Jan12) expressing some urgency. Our agency called the ministry on Tuesday and her response was that she wasn't sure if she sent it and that she had alot on her plate. It was left like that and today Dale called our agency to find out anything and she said not to push it (working on our behalf???). It is very difficult to sit back when they've had the documents for 15 business days. I'm really trying not to be angry but when I think of someone in OUR ministry(NOT a third world) is allowing this document to sit on her desk, not remembering whether she sent it or not, while my time away from my family is being prolonged because of this. I keep reminding myself that God is sovereign and His promise above will get us through this....I guess I'm just fustrated.

On a positive note, I went to the orphanage to day...I walked. Rwandans must have incredible legs, thighs and buttocks because that was quite the workout and I couldn't imagine walking up and down hill every time you went for a walk. I obviously wasn't thinking, thursday is a day of prayer for the sisters and they don't really like visitors. It wasn't in vain b/c I had to drop a copy of our dossier to them. They said Saturday would be a good day to return, so that's the plan.

I also went downtown. I thought Brazilians were crazy drivers...I think Rwandans win that one. When I see crosswalk signs and stripes on the road I can't stop laughing b/c its just a decoration. Crosswalk in Rwandan means good luck getting across the other side without getting hit. The streets are very crowded but having lived in Brazil I felt pretty comfortable. You just have to watch for pick pockets like any big city. I fell in love with the Rwandan artisans in the local shops. I'm going to have to give all my clothes away (and Dominics) to bring back the things I really want. Boy does pier 1 really mark up their merchandise.

Interesting fact.....the prison is faces the downtown. Its quite large but what I found extraordinary was that the prisoners wear pink bubble gum coloured uniforms. Is that humbling or what? It is common to see 20 or so prisoners doing construction work in the city with no shackles or chains and 1 armed soldier and none dare to escape. I was told that they would not hesitate to shoot to kill if one tried to run.

Layed back Dominic is starting to show his true colours. He's a ham when walking around in public and is behaving like your typical BUSY BOY who likes to throw things and literally laughs when you say no and then runs away giggling. Now I'm starting to get concerned about our flight home??? Today I had to take my plate out of the dining area and eat in my room b/c he pushed a chair over and almost pulled the table cloth off the table...with other peoples plates on them. He's very quick too. Its all joy....for now. It'll be easier when I'm home with another pair of hands.....right honey???? Well, that's enough for now. Thank you again for all your prayers and encouragements through your comments, they really mean alot. When you think of it could you please pray that this letter from the ministry be sent to the high commissioner as soon as possible.

PS I'm sorry but I can' seem to upload anymore pictures right now