“Just go out to this main road, take a right, and walk all the way to the big shopping center. Turn left, then just climb the mountain,” my host said as he was explaining to me how to get to the visa office. We laughed, then he explained that I would be going east, in the direction of the nearest mountains. Bogota is a beautiful city with high altitude, surrounded by tall mountains.
The change in scenery and climate has been refreshing. Unfortunately, my reason for coming to Bogota – to renew my visa – has been mostly discouraging. I’ll spare you the details and give you the story in short: I went to apply yesterday, and the official informed me that I needed to apply for a different type of visa, requiring other papers and documentation, as well as a higher fee.
I recovered from the disappointment yesterday and spent the day pondering my options as I did errands, walked, ate lunch, and rode buses with my hosts. The complications required trips, papers, extensions, fees… I was at a bit of a loss as to the best option.
As I began to settle on one of the options last night, I decided I needed to rest and give it more thought and prayer today. I was encouraged as I read,
“God arms me with strength, and He makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as the deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights” (Psalm 18:32-33, NLT).
Somehow, when I think of a way or path being “perfect,” I think of it as being straight, level, and easy. But from one verse to the next, David shows us that our way being perfect doesn’t necessarily imply it will be simple. Climbing the mountain and standing there takes careful, intentional steps. It’s not always as simple as we would like it to be – but He makes us surefooted. Because He arms us with strength, we can stand on any mountain heights!
I appreciate your prayers as I make my final decisions as to the best option for my visa renewal.
I have much to be thankful for – especially you, my amazing support team! I thank my God every time I think of you. Phil 1:3