An Unexpected Delay

Yes. I know. I should be in Ireland.

The application to get a visa was very tedious and strenuous, but I cranked it out as soon as I could so I didn't have to think about it anymore. Well I submitted it on July 14th. It finally arrived at the Dublin Preclearance Office on August 3rd. It was estimated that it should take 6-8 weeks to get approved and 13 weeks later, I haven't been approved yet...

Because of the delay, I had to do all of my training online and at the end of training, we were assigned to teams with people who are also online. Despite it sounding dreadful, it has been a beautiful journey of unexpected adventures and patience. I got to stay at my Aunt Susie's house for a month and a half. We had the time of our lives. Too bad I didn't start this blog before so I could share all of our adventures as they were happening. Anyways, I flew to Detroit to stay with my sister and it has been very relaxing.

So how do I do it? How do I stay positive through this waiting?

1. Because God is Good. Yes, some days are hard and I ask God 'Why did you call me to serve your people and then abandon me?' I am being very dramatic and petty, because God hasn't abandoned me.

2. Prayer! The Gospel is the LIVING Word of God. There is always something new that I find in the Bible that relates to my current situation. Recently, this is what I journaled:

"Our trials and suffering are not in vain; they serve a purpose. God uses them to test and develop our faith. Look to James1:2-3. When we endure it to the end, it proves that our faith is genuine and real. Look to 1 Peter 1:7. And we must have real faith because without real faith, we have no real hope for this life or the next. Look to Hebrews 11:1 (and keep reading to see incredible faith stories…and then…KEEP reading for more encouragement)"

3. Because I have my team. They are also online and they are the only people who understand me. We call every day and have 'Team Time' where we are there for one another and grow in community through online games, questions, or by telling stories. They are beautiful people and I will wait this out for the hope that we will be together soon enough!

4. I keep busy. I mean, here I am making a blog! I read, cook, call friends, go for walks and runs, go estate sale and thrift shopping, practicing ukulele, and work on craft projects.

5. Just live in the now. I have accepted that there is NOTHING I CAN DO TO CHANGE THE SITUATION. I am grounded here for a while, so, I gotta make the most of it! I am not going to be pouty of the situation. That is wasted energy and literally does nothing. But if I am joyful, then I am still pursuing my ministry by being a light to others and spreading the Good News. Isn't that why I am going to Ireland anyways? If I cant do it there, why not do it here?

Here is a Glory Story:

Great Aunt Netty's Memorial

My Aunt Netty passed away last year and because of COVID, they never had the chance to celebrate her life. So, this year they did. I wasn't supposed to go, but because of the delay, I was able to see all of my great aunts and uncles (pictured). I got to be called 'Claire Lillian' for the day (named after their mother). Even my mom, aunt, and cousin flew in to join in this celebration. It was a beautiful day, and I am beyond grateful to God that I was able to be there.