a layne post
Breathe in, breathe out.
In less than 64 hours (64 hours??) Jon and I will be leaving Arizona, beginning our journey to learn Portuguese, in order to speak and minister to Angolans in their first language. How exciting! It will be both of our first experience being able to minister in their first language. Before, when ministering in English, it was their second language, or we had to speak through a translator. We had, so to speak, the upper hand in conversation. Now we will switch spots! We will be the slow speakers and “understanders”. We will highly rely on them. We like the idea of that. =)
For some reason, between the two of us, we feel so terribly behind. Maybe it is because we are leaving containers of our stuff here, or maybe it is because our visas for November are still floating in a strange standstill. I am not sure… that is just our current emotional state.
*Visa Update*
We are currently waiting on an assured invitation. It is in the process of being requested; however, the missionaries, who are so graciously helping us, do not live in the same town as the church we are requesting an invitation from, therefore, we have to wait until they make a trip. Maybe in a week? We also are not sure of the limitations of communcation when we get to Portugal. Hopefully we do not “disappear” in the eyes of the Consulate here. Pray!
In other news, in celebration of our 1st anniversary (June 21st), Jon and I took a trip to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. I had never been, so we thought this would be the perfect opportunity. It was a fabulous trip! On many occasions over the two days we would ask each other, “Are you ready to do this?” Ready or not, here we go.
On Tuesday we will be in Corpus Christi, Texas visiting my family. July 4th we take off for Portugal! We hope to update on here frequently, provided we have a consistent internet somewhere.
Main prayer needs:
- Quick language aquisition
- Good memory retention
- Progress on Angolan visas
We love you guys. Your support is felt and much appreciated. Thank you.