snags and delays

Hello again...

It's been some time since we've been able to establish internet connection. We have now found an internet cafe (that works, doesn't drop and is actually a little quick). We have a few minutes now, so we'll give a brief update...we hope to load more pictures tomorrow.



I'll spare the many ministry details for now...each of things we have been involved in have gone very well and we're thrilled to spend part of our year of ministry in Uganda.

So on to Perez...

On Wednesday, we were granted legal guardianship of Perez. This was a huge blessing, and by many accounts, a miracle. In the judges written ruling, you can feel his tension...our request was not really in line with the law, but it is in the best interest of the child. He consulted 3 other judges...which resulted in 4 different opinions. In the end, he ruled in our favor!

We walked out of court believing things were over. On to the US embassy for a visa and that was it. Everything we had heard, including info from the immigration office in San Diego, said that this step was an easy, no brainer.

We have now learned otherwise.

The Embassy is reluctant to give the visa...so please keep praying.

They required more paperwork, tax statements (that we just recieved by email...thanks mom), a full medical exam of Perez (which we were told could take up to 3 weeks...we completed both exams in one day) and they now want to do their own home visit to Perez's mother's home. This step is necessary for them to determine if his mom is really able to provide for him or not. Everyone here is saying that she is not...but please pray that the investigation will agree. If not, no visa. That means we are officially Perez's guardians, but he can't leave uganda. No Way.

Finally, because of all of this, we have had to reschedule our return flights. We are hoping and praying for a return flight on Wednesday night, arriving in San Diego on Thursday night. But still not sure...so pray that everything can and will be completed by Wednesday...mid-day.

Okay, my minutes are dwindling and our ride is getting antsy (actually, he looks quite comfortable, but still)

We believe with all our heart this was meant to be, and that it will happen. We learn daily what it means to trust God and to wait on Him. And everyday this story becomes more and more interesting...which means it will be better to tell when its all said and done.

Good night
from Steve and Ali with love, from Uganda