Ex-pat Bueacracy

Government offices are always places to be avoided at all costs and even more so when living abroad. But as a foreigner there is no way that they be avoided for long. Yesterday, was one of those such days. Before Uturn I had turned in my papers for a permanent residence card. Might I add that this was my 3rd or 4th attempt this year not to mention the attempt 2 years ago. Having lived abroad for nearly 8 years you get used to (but not really) the constant change of rules and regulations or forms. Then of course there is the document that is absolutely necessary but they have never needed before, or the document that they already have 8+ copies of, that has to be translated, again (which of course has a fee).

Well, yesterday I needed to turn in one document that had been missing when I submitted my 1st match of papers. The actual turn the document in was a piece of cake but what transpire before hand was almost comical.

It took an 8:15 bus to Krakow that got me to the office by 10:00. The line had already formed and there were "3" people ahead of me. Which meant that it should take about 20-25 minutes. As time went by more people arrived and asked who was the last person in line (normal right). Soon the late arrivals got impatient and started seeking a short cut of any and every kind. One person caught the directors ear, because she had connections. Another knocked on the service door to "ask a question" that for some reason got her moved to the front of the line. Come to find out that her question wasn't all that special. Others stopped workers as that hussled by from one office to another. The squeeky and annoying ones definitely got the grease. The blood began to boil among those who had patiently waited their turn. Finally, words irratation began to fly. Yet those who had pushed and proded their way in showed no remose only a glint of pride at how they had beat the system. When I finally got my turn it took me maybe 5 minutes. And I was happily on my way at 11:45, only an hour 15 minutes later than I should have been. All things considered that was a pretty good day at the government offices.

The Effects of Uturn

Being a season camp goer...as both camper and counselor I am well aware of the euphoria that is often experienced and the let down (or sometimes crash) that follows upon re-entry to everyday life. For our campers this is a very new experience. I got reports from most of them after the first week. It had been a difficult time but most of them are determined to press forward with what they had learned. They were all very gratful that Dan (Russell - see earlier picture) had provided them with a follow-up Bible Study. They decided that they wanted to start meeting regularly to worship, pray, and encourage one another. Tomorrow, Friday 13 August will be the 1st such meeting. Pray that their commitment to each other with strengthen and grow as they spend time together.

It is also encouraging that one of the young dutch guys we met at camp has decided to come visit in September. We are all looking forward to a great time of fun and fellowship with Johan.

I would also appreciate your prayers as I have been having a particularly difficult time emotionally.

Fun in the summer sun during free time.

Jaga, Paulina, Kasia, Mateusz.

Child-like fun in the Dutch open air museum near Amersfoort Netherlands.

Kasia & Kate.

Tony & Dan discussing the up coming events.

College & Career Pastors of Easthill Foursquare, Gresham , OR.

Fellowshipping together with Johan our new Dutch friend.

Kate, Carol, Sabina, Natalia, Kasia, Paulina, Johan, Jaga, Ania

Walking in Freedom

Paulina, Kasia

Praying for one another after a workshop on the Holy Spirit. 

U-Turn 2004

Camp always reminds me of God's faithfulness and ability to do the impossible. This camp exceeded my wildest expectation. Like I mentioned, we had a group of young people with a wide variety of backgrounds and experience that we didn't know well. God in his sovereignty selected an incredible group of young adults who are so hungry for more of him that they embraced what he had for them. They bounded together encouraging, loving and supporting one another to the extent that people throughout the camp noticed and commented. The worship time was filled with joy, freedom and lots of dancing. Please pray with us that the work the Lord has begun will continue and that the young people would be committed to working out their relationship with Jesus daily. And for the Lord's protection of the seeds that have been sown.

The heart's place of solitude

Juanita Bay, Kirkland, WA.