Divine Irony: Visa Update and More

The King of Versailles

I feel like it has been a moment since we’ve made a post! We are excited to share a few snapshots of what life is like these days but first, we want to update you on our Visa situation and ask that you join us in prayer.

Last June, we submitted our application for a “Residency Permit,” but due to Covid staffing issues the process moved slowly and we were issued temporary permits (we are now on our second 6-month permit) while they reviewed our case. In January, they requested more information from us, which we submitted and then again, waited to hear back. The catch has been that we are not able to get on the international school campus even as volunteers until this permit arrives, which means we have felt sidelined in our ability to build relationships with students. While we have used this time for other valuable activities (i.e. adjusting to our new home, hosting the few kids we do know, meeting adults in the community, learning German, etc.), it has been frustrating to wait so long to do what we moved across the world to do.

A few weeks ago we were practicing superlative statements in German class, i.e. "I am the best wife in the world" (indisputable right?). Chase, being Chase, decided to utilize a new vocab word and said, “I am the poorest man in Starnberg!” He, of course, made everyone laugh because the town we live in is basically the Issaquah/Sammamish of Munich...the Germans sometimes call it the Hollywood of Germany.

Anyways, Chase came straight home from class and per usual checked the mail with hopes of the arrival of our permits. Low and behold, there was a letter from the visa office! Only, it wasn’t what we were expecting. It turns out they rejected our application because, wait for it, we don’t make enough money to live in Starnberg. I’m pretty sure that’s the epitome of divine irony and honestly, the timing was a blessing because my first reaction was to burst into laughter (the tears came later).

We were given two weeks to appeal and immediately started working with the Young Life team to restructure our budget and application to meet their demands. After a stressful and emotional couple of days, we came to an acceptable solution and resubmitted. So, now we are waiting yet again, but with a sharper edge. We did not expect this, the Young life team has never dealt with this, but here we are praying that God really will be Waymaker, Miracle Worker, Promise-keeper (words from a popular worship song if you haven’t been to church in a while).

If the stress of it all has shown us two things, it’s that 1) we are not ready to leave. We like it here and are just getting started. And 2) life as an immigrant carries stress not understood by those of us who have never had to question our ability to stay where we like. My heart cries out now even more for our friends who find themselves as refugees and immigrants, whose sense of home and security have been displaced (at least I have a nice place to return to). That is a privilege I will no longer take for granted.

And so, we are trying to push forward as though all will be settled in our favor.

Spring has started to make an appearance which reminds us how lovely nice days are here (much like Seattle), we’ve been riding our bikes around, visiting cheese trucks, and can’t wait to get our SUP on the lake! We got to take a trip to Paris and London to celebrate Meg’s 30th birthday and a day trip to Salzburg with some friends from Bangladesh. We celebrated SIX years of marriage with a hike and a homemade meal. We have been connecting more with an international church group and finally joined a small group (Covid has made that difficult). Meg made a friend she can do Zumba with while Chase continues to play basketball at the local community center twice a week. Looking ahead, we are anticipating a visit from our dearest friends Annie and Rodolfo all the way from Guatemala!

There is much to be thankful for even in a time of uncertainty and displacement. We appreciate your prayers and join with you in prayer and concern for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

As I look out my window at a tree covered in blossoms, I am reminded that after the decay and starkness of winter comes the budding of new life.

May it be so.

What does spring hold for you!? You can respond directly to the blog email!