Life's Twists & Turns

I realize that it has been awhile since I have written a newsletter or updated my blog. I want to let you know what is happening at this time and ask for your prayers.

It has truly been a month of incredible blessings...My thoughts have been filled with the question "Who are these people?" As I have been an observer of God's hand in the life's of those precious people around me. The dynamic growth and genuine joy is amazing. Only God can do those things in a person's life.

In my life, I have seen the Lord urge me on to new areas of challenge that require me to find courage to things that I have failed in only to see Him be glorified. The latest point of risk was teaching the Women's Retreat all weekend in Polish, when I thought that I would be the support person and not the lead.

Life is "funny" though, when everything is cruising along there often seems to be a TWIST that jumps up in the road ahead. It is one of those twists that popped up in my road. Late Saturday night I learned that my Dad is dying. It is difficult to embrace such a truth when I am in the middle of so much new growth and life. Even yesterday the 73 year old in our fellowship danced a "rap solo" during worship. Yet, the road twists.

Despite being aware of the fact that my father's health was failing, coming to terms with the reality is another matter. Even as I write this there is a foggy distance between me, my heart, my emotions and the reality that my father's body is tired of the fight against this world.

Last night I spoke with my Mom and she confirmed that my Dad is in his last days. By the time you read this he may have already past on. I ask for your prayers for myself, my family and for my Dad that he really puts his life right with the Lord.

On the practical side, when I was in the US I had a number of medical tests, procedures and the like done myself. I do have insurance but as of today I have not received the settlement and as a result I have maxed out my credit card ($5000) with the medical payments. I really feel that it is important that I can be with my family at this time. However, I have no financial resources to purchase a ticket and the money needed for expenses while in the US.

The Lord has already been working out details on this side. Carol will take my classes while I gone as she has not left for her furlough in Switzerland, yet. My permanent residence card is still in process but I just learned that everything is on schedule and I can finish the process up on Wednesday, September 29th. I’m hoping to leave by the end of the week. If you feel prompted to help financially you can send a check to Friendship Ministries, TL PO Box 8387, Kirkland, WA 98034 or you can make a direct deposit into my account through the donation credit card symbol on this blogspot.

Thanks so much for your prayers, concern, love and support!
In Christ,
Denise

PS. See the previous entry for a look at me with my Dad.

Me and My Dad Enjoying the summer sun

July 4th 2004

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.