It came down to the day before our Visas were to expire (November 5) at the end of the work day when they were finally stamped for a 3 month extension. We were actually thinking of how we would get back to the States and I have to be honest my thoughts went to all the goodies I could bring back with me! But God’s timing, as seems typical for us, was last minute and it was definitely a God-thing to get them stamped when and how we (God) did.
We started the process 3 long months ago thinking no big deal…yeah right! I have to remember it seems everything is either a big deal here and/or takes longer than anticipated for things to happen and/or you get three different answers on how to accomplish something (like getting Visas extended). During the process however, even at the last minute, I wasn’t worried about it. Whatever happens, happens and God is always in control. My issue was my attitude. Being told one thing and another occurring, insurance company trying to manipulate us, being hit for the third time in one week – while we are at a standstill for all three accidents – and having the other responsible party get mad at us and yell at us that WE hit HIM in all three accidents.
I admit I wasn’t showing, saying or feeling any Christ-like love towards people. I was frustrated, angry and basically dumbfounded at the attitudes and thought processes of some of the people we came into contact with during this past week. I also have to admit that on November 4 at 4pm when our Visas still had not been stamped I was more than ready to hop a plane and go back to the US. It’s not that I didn’t believe God brought us here, it was that I didn’t want to be here. But then God reminds me how He brought us here, why He brought us here, how far I’ve come, the situations He has brought me through, the trials I’ve faced with Him, the peace He continues to give me and the grace that was totally sufficient yesterday, is sufficient today and will be sufficient tomorrow.
Apparently God wants us here…at least for another 3 months. I’m sure I’ll get frustrated, angry and dumbfounded over and over again, but I’ll go to Him for forgiveness and ask for the Holy Spirit to help me do better. Perhaps the next time someone hits us and blames us (and believe me it will happen, especially in Nairobi) I can just smile and say God Bless You 🙂
It looks like two more trips to Nairobi this week so please pray for safe travels and a peaceful attitude for me…
God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all—life healed and whole. I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it’s your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory. 1 Peter 1:5-7 The Message