It's Just Emotions, Taking Me Over...

For real, the past two weeks have been like an emotional roller coaster that I have been forced to ride.  There has been joy.  There has been a fair share of sadness.  There have been laughs.  There have been tears.  There has been excitement.   There has been let down.  There has been butterflies in stomachs.  There has been weariness.  There has been so many things but the best part is that through it all God has been faithful.  I really don't know why I am surprised to find Him so faithful to me, because when I look at the past I can clearly see SO many times in my life where God has proven Himself faithful time and time again and I know in my head that this time is no different.  Note, I said I know in my head because convincing my heart the same thing has taken a little bit more time. 

Basically the summary of the past weeks is that Mario went for his visa and they told him he didn't have enough information to prove that he wasn't going to stay in the United States.  They told him that when he had the paper, he could come back anytime and retry.  We weren't sure if that meant that he could go without an appointment and without paying the ridiculous application fee or not, but we wanted to try before we paid, so back he went.  That time they told him that he has to repay everything, but that he could use the same application that he used the first time.  They said that he should be able to get another appointment within 10 days.  Then when he called again for his second appointment, they told him that the absolute soonest day they could give him an appointment is May 2.  Yes, that is right, May 2- only 13 days before our planned wedding date.  There is really nothing we could do about it, so that is the date that Mario is scheduled to go back in.  We got a more detailed letter from YWAM and we also have letters of invitaion that they didn't even bother to look at the first time he went in, so we are hoping that it will be a done deal this time, but in the meantime we are praying.  Praying about what we should do if they don't give him the visa.  Praying about patience over the next month.  Praying about what we should do as far as our involvement in the DTS as they go on outreach.  Praying for WISDOM. 

There is a lot going on in our lives right now, and I sometimes get caught up and try to do it in my own strength.  Those are usually the days that end in tears and frustration.  With the help of others and God's gentle reminders, I realize sooner or later that I simply cannot do it.  That is the best place to be, when you realize you can't do it alone because then and only then do you fully 100% give it over to Someone who can handle it.  God is big.  Bigger than my frustrations.  Bigger than my problems.  Bigger than a visa for the United States.  Thank goodness that I am reminded of these things and thank goodness that the Holy Spirit ministers to me to help me remember why I need Him. 

P.S. Sorry that there are no pictures, our power is going crazy right now and the internet connection is horrible. 

Visa, not Master Card

So tomorrow, Monday March 21st, is Mario's visa appointment.  We are so excited and we have faith that he will get it because God has opened so many doors for us so far to be in Bakersfield for the big day.  Please be praying that he will get not only a yes, but that it will be a quick, easy process and that they decide to give it to him for a longer time than just the month we are asking.  We are believing for BIG things because we know that God is BIGGER than anything we can imagine! 

Here are some pictures to keep you all up to date.  We have a dress up day every Wednesday with the DTS so of course I take full advantage and even have convinced Mario to join in on the fun! 

Jasmine and Aladdin on Disney Character day

Scary Mask Guy and Zebra Queen on Super Hero Day

Love Feast

I had to take a picture with the cutest waiter of the night

On Friday night we had our traditional Love Feast dinner for the DTS students.  This is a night where the staff decorate, cook, clean and do a program to make the students feel welcomed (once again) and loved.  It was my first time on the staff side of things and I think it went really well.  My job was to help out in the kitchen with the wonderful staff who had planned the menu.  We had some DELICIOUS fillet mignons wrapped in bacon, mashed cheesy potatoes, Waldorf salad, corn on the cob, bread, fruit, and tres leches cake to top it off.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it!  We had a wonderful dinner followed by a time of worship and then prayer for the students.  It was a great night and I am so glad once again that God has me here!    

Update

So many things have been happening I don't really know where to begin...

First of all the DTS started in the beginning of February and has been full force ever since.  It is amazing to be able to have people around- especially ones who speak English!  I have began to grow in a good friendship with the students, especially the 3 in my small group.  God has been at work in all of our lives, as well, and it is exciting to see the things He is doing. Here is a picture of the DTS students and staff.

 

 Also Mario has applied for his visa and his appointment is on March 21st.  This is a BIG deal for us because it will mean that we will be able to get married in beautiful Bakersfield.  We are hoping for a May wedding so please pray and believe with us that he will get his visa with ease and that everything we need will be provided.  

We have also begun premarital counseling, which makes it all the more real that we are getting MARRIED!  I have always been an emotional person who gets excited easily, but I would say this is a new level of excitement, anticipation, nervousness and joy all mixed in together.  It is great!!!  I will definitely keep everyone updated on the visa status and wedding location.