Smooth Criminal

The four of us are officially Ukrainian Criminals. Yes, that is right - we broke the law, literally.

Here's the story:

Apparently, when you are in the country for more than 90 or 100 days, you need to register your visa within that time. We did not know this. Last year the law was within 180 days, so John forgot all about getting our visas registered, and so did the board that officially invited us here. Well, 6 months after coming to Ukraine, we remembered, and last week John went to register our visas. Unfortunately, since we didn't do it within the appropriate time -we broke the law. Therefore, resulting in us having to go to Immigration this last Wednesday, for about three hours, to get finger printed. However, the lady we worked with was very kind and gracious to us. Normally, when this happens, people arent allowed back into the country after they leave for 5 years, but for us, we will only be banned from Ukraine after we leave for 6 months. Also, if you register late, one of the consequences is that you have to leave within a month of registering. We went in on Wednesday, May 12th... our plane ticket is for June 14th. So, she helped us out so that we will be able to leave on our scheduled time - wow! How kind! We very easily could have been making a call to MBMSI that day saying that we needed to come home two days early and that they would nee to change out flights again (we had to change our flights about three times before we came to Ukraine because of visa issues).

So, all in all, everything has worked out. In fact, God is good, even in our forgetfullness. If John had remembered and taken our visas in a month ago, we would be leaving Ukraine now, since we would have to leave within a month of getting them registered late. How amazing His perfect timing is!

What an experience! I really wanted to take pictures - but figured it would be prudent not to. :-) Not only that, the but the lady we worked with wants us to meet her kids because they are learning English! We are inviting them to our kids camp in June! I am very excited to be going home - seeing friends and family, going to weddings, going to church, babysitting, visiting with friends, going on vacation, everything. But, I also know its going to be hard to say goodbye. My friends here have become very dear to my heart. I greatly enjoy my conversations, my hugs, my laughter, my tears with them. I am very thankful for the time I have had (and still have with them). My prayer is that God has used me and that I have been faithful and obedient.

Please continue to pray for me and my team, in this last month, for strength and passion!!