the waiting isn't over

If you've been in touch with my family the last year or so then you know that I've got some experience in the business of waiting. A while back (after 10 months of waiting) my visa finally arrived and we could move to Belgium. Well, here I am on my brand new (second hand) leather (or leather-like) couch in Gent, blogging. We've been here just four weeks. One of the main emotions we felt on arrival was relief. At last the waiting was over. At least that's what we thought.

Since then we have waited at city hall (for 2 1/2 hours), waited for buses to arrive at our stop (but the wait time is decreasing as we learn the system), waited for the bus to reach the end of it's route so we can ride in the other direction we meant to go in the first place (we've only done this twice), waited for our furniture to be delivered from the second hand stores where we made purchases, and we are still waiting for city hall to send us a letter to tell us when our appointment will be to finish the process of registering in Gent, and for the end of July when the next round of language classes start at the university.

That's the forest view. Here's one story in tree view detail (and if you're the sort of person who would naturally tune me out when I start to ramble on with unnecessary details please skip the italicized part of this post). I found out on Sunday May 31 that a level 1 language class began on Friday the 29th. I decided to do what I could to try to get in that class. Monday was a holiday (Pentecost) and the university (and just about everything else in Gent) was closed (this will be important later). So Tuesday I got on a bus (the right one and in the right direction this time) early enough to visit the office and hopefully sign up before the class began at 9:00. I didn't recognize my stop so I went one stop too far. I got off by city hall. Having spent 2 1/2 hours there recently I knew they had an information desk. I decided they might know where the faculty (what we'd call college) of languages was located. I said "Hallo, spreekt u Engels?" The woman said she did, but she didn't seem to understand anything I asked. Finally when she understood I was looking for a Flemish language class she said "You'll have to ask there," and pointed to the "take a number and wait 2 1/2 hours for your turn" area. I politely said, "Dank u," and left. I began walking back toward the university area. I came up with an idea. Find someone who looks like a student and ask for directions. Of course this person had to be male (cause I'm so scary), not too cool looking (cause I'm so ordinary), and carrying a back pack. I found the guy. Not only did he meet the qualifications I'd set, he was also studying (it's exam time) and I knew I had a student. When I asked him if he could direct me to the faculty of languages he said that's where he was going (but he couldn't talk because he needed to study). I thanked the Lord and walked with the young man. After walking several blocks he asked where I needed to be. I explained and he told me I needed a different building, the language center. So he sent me back the way we'd came. I politely said, "Dank u," and turned around. I walked until I was quite positive I had walked too far. I turned around again and walked some more. I walked until I was quite positive I had walked too far. I decided to return to my original plan--find the faculty of languages. I finally did and went to the office with the info symbol above it. The man had some info for me. But I knew when I left him I was going to the wrong place, you see, I do not need English classes. But I went to the department of English anyway. I figured there I would meet someone who's English was probably superior to mine and who would also know where to go for a Flemish class. I found someone and got very good directions to the language center (even knew how many meters it was after I made the last left turn). I walked until I was quite positive I had walked too far. I turned and walked back until I was quite positive I had walked to far. I turned and walked very carefully this time, making sure I looked at each sign on each building. Finally I found the sign I sought so long. There was no front door. You actually had to turn into something like an alley and then you could see the door. Well unfortunately it was after 9:00 and the class was in session. I went to the office and to my dismay the sign indicated 10:00 was the beginning of office hours. I wandered the building a bit listening for basic Flemish like, "Waar is het toilet?" I didn't find the class. Since I had to wait another 40 minutes or so I decided to walk to one of the several bakeries I had passed and let my waiting be sugar-aided. I came back and waited and enjoyed my little treat (this would end up being the highlight of the morning). At 8:50 I decided I should stand by the office door in case a line formed (and a small line did form with me at the front). At about 10:02 the man behind me made a very astute observation. Office hours began at 14:00 on Tuesday. I had been looking at Monday (you know how those 3 day weekends mess you up). I left quite defeated (but at least I was sugared up). I took some information about language classes from a display and decided I would call at 14:00. They told me I couldn't join the class. And now I'm waiting for the class that begins 29 July. (If you read all that you got quite a detailed look at the tree. Thanks.)

The waiting isn't over. And perhaps it won't be until God returns or calls me home. The Bible is filled with waiting--waiting for a promised child, waiting for a promised deliverer, waiting for the Messiah. And today I think everyone I know is waiting for something. Friends are waiting to meet their new baby girl (and the wait is almost over for them), my mother-in-law is waiting for the end of our three year commitment and the return of her grandkids, other friends are waiting for their funding to come in so they can leave for the mission field. And you, reader, are waiting for ____________________________ (fill in the blank). I think waiting is good.

Read the words of the psalmist (Psalm 130:5-7)
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
O Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
for with the LORD is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.

Life lesson: When I wait what I really wait for is God to prove himself faithful. So I will wait in hope.