That’s right! I’m home for Christmas – actually, I’m home because my visa expired, but it will be a treat to spend the holidays with my family nonetheless. As for the cold weather, well, I’ll take it (do I have a choice?) but it’s more of a trial than a treat.
Most of you know that my plans to apply for a permanent visa were radically altered in October after a visit to the Federal Police revealed that a new law had been passed altering the requirements to transfer a Type V visa into a permanent one. I did not fulfill the requirements; therefore, I could not apply. God’s grace, however, is sufficient, and He has used this difficulty to prove His faithfulness, His greatness and His sovereignty.
The Fortaleza Academy’s urgent need for an English teacher persists as the current one is scheduled to leave in just a few weeks at the end of the first semester. I believe the Lord has equipped and prepared me for “such a time as this”; so Lord willing, I will to return to Brazil temporarily on a tourist visa to teach English for the spring semester. This will also enable me to continue my church and discipleship work at Igreja Batista Bíblica Maranata in Edson Queiroz, an economically depressed neighborhood of Fortaleza; I also desire to begin work on my biblical counseling certification.
Then in July, I will return to the States for an important wedding – mine. Yes, the rumors are all true, and I am engaged to Frederico Augusto Rodrigues after accepting his proposal of marraige to me on a moonlit beach in Taiba, Brazil, on October 26.
Fred (prounounced FREH-GEE) and I met at Igreja Batista Bíblica Maranata. Fred is the youth leader (so you may recognize or remember his name from my prayer letters or updates), and I was often called upon to help him organize activities. Our time together revealed our complimentary strengths and weaknesses, our passion for ministry and our committment to Lord; while our prayers together confirmed His will for our lives. Thus, Lord enabling, we will be married next summer here in the U.S.; after which which we will return to Brazil and continue with the work in Edson Queiroz.
Then after God has done abundantly more than I ever thought or asked, according to His perfect will, I will finally be qualified to apply for my permanent visa!
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think,
according to the power that works within us, TO HIM BE THE GLORY
in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21
Finally, you posted something.
I’m so excited for you!!!! I know that God has great things in store.
Well, well, well! Our little Kari Fern is engaged – how exciting! I’m so happy for you and wanted to send you a big congratulatory hug. I’m sorry I missed you at Christmas but Mom informed me of the news and I wanted to contact you and let you know how happy I am for you. Take care and I hope to hear from you soon!