the waiting isnt' over...still

A few weeks ago we had our final appointment at the city administrative building. Of course final is only a word we hoped to be able to use. And as it turned out our hope was in vain.

On our arrival at the administrative building I felt a sense of power. The room was full of people from many cultures and places who all held a piece of paper with a number. When I took a number some months back I was treated to a 2 1/2 hour wait. But not today. 8:30 would see me on my way to holding my identity card. We were called into an office and heard these soul-deflating words, "First, I have some bad news."

It turns out that the day we waited 2 1/2 hours the lady who began processing our family made a pretty big mistake. She didn't keep any of the paperwork (for which we had labored a great deal--medical forms, FBI check, birth certificates complete with apostilles, etc.) for Trina and the kids. And in addition we needed to have someone come to our house (again) and this time see if our house is big enough and safe enough for a family of 6. I was sent to another building in the administrative complex. Remarkably, it would only take about 2 weeks to complete the appointment at our house. And, yes, our house is big enough and safe enough for a family of six. They tell us it shouldn't, but it could take up to six months to process the rest of that paperwork.

Well I received the letter in the mail that says I can go pick up my card (haven't done it yet, maybe Monday). And when we get a letter officially saying our house is big enough and safe enough for a family of six Trina will go back in with all the other forms that should have been kept almost four months ago. And then perhaps that will be our final visit of the year. You see, we have to go through a renewal process every year.

Life lesson: If you are an American missionary there is no final appointment at the Stad Huis.