So in case you haven't noticed, plans have changed! When I returned to the Thai/Burma border in August, I was planning on being here for "about a year." How silly of me to make plans, when every plan I've ever made concerning Thailand, God has changed! So here's to trusting in His sovereign plan over my own. As I hope every knows, not only have I fallen in love with the Karen people on the Thai/Burma border, I have fallen in love with a Karen man. Because I love him, I want to marry him (the sooner the better)!! The only way this can happen is for us to apply for a Fiancé Visa for him to travel to the US. Much of the 3 months I have spent on the border has been devoted to gathering information and documents required for this Visa. If anyone is familiar with applying for an American visa, then you will understand how difficult this. Now imagine your fiancé has no permanent address, no phone number, no birth certificate, and little knowledge of how to use a computer... Let's just say, it's been difficult. But, by the grace of God, we've gotten almost all we need! Tomorrow Chapoe and I will be going to Burma to get the last bit of information we need, and, Lord-willing, I will finally get to meet his whole family! Please please PRAY that we are able to get everything done! Burma is still new to allowing freedom, and traveling and acquiring documents can be, well... Difficult. Haha. But we are trusting that what God has started by this love between us, He will bring to completion! When his visa comes through, all glory will definitely go to God because there is no way we could do this without Him!
Another requirement of the visa is that I am working, which means I must return to the US. I will be flying from Burma back home on November 1st. The separation is going to be difficult, but once again, we are trusting God!
Here is how you can help: PRAY PRAY PRAY!!!!
1) That everything in Burma goes smoothly
2) For safety traveling back to the US
3) That Chapoe will be given the understanding and help needed to fill out visa forms as they are needed
4) That I will be able to save save save money in the US as visas (and plane tickets and weddings) do not come cheap!
5) That the visa process goes quickly so we will be able to see each other again soon!
If you have any questions, please ask! And Please pray! I could have never survived on the Thai/Burma border without your prayers, and know I will need your support again now!
"The steadfast love of The Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness! 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in Him.'" Lamentations 3:22-24
