The morning that I had my visa interview, I was sitting in Starbucks sipping some (not-so-great) espresso as I waited for my appointment. I reminded myself that “The Lord surrounds the righteous with his favor as a shield” (Psalm 5) and trying not to be too nervous.
After my disappointing appointment I tried to remind myself that God’s favor was surrounding me just as much in the midst of that train ride home as it would have if my visa was in hand. After finding out that I really needed to apply for a “volunteer visa” and not a “religious visa,” and that I needed to get more paperwork, I struggled with the idea of walking in God’s favor.
As I mentioned in my November update, not long after the visa experience I heard a message on the favor of God and I was reminded that it’s not just for my convenience – it’s for His purpose. I surrendered to that and asked God to show me how I was walking in favor. In the mean time, I was able to get the paperwork from Colombia and send everything (including my passport and two money orders totaling $225) back to the consulate in Chicago – with an entire day to spare before the deadline!
Here’s the amazing part… I got an email today from the consulate saying that my visa had been approved. It’s a miracle that they processed everything in a week. It’s a miracle they let me know by email so I can be expecting my passport in the mail.
Here’s the even MORE amazing part… Along with notification of my approval, they wanted to let me know that there is NO FEE for US citizens applying for the volunteer visa, therefore they are returning my money orders.
THAT is some favor. Major favor.
Rejoice with me! God is faithful!