Long story short...I am now in America. The last few weeks have been crazy. I had prepared to go to South Africa to wait for my work visa to be ready. Just before leaving, many issues came up (crack in my car radiator only to find out the replacement I needed could not be located anywhere in Zimbabwe, etc). Friends helped me to quickly change gears and a few days later I was on my way to cross the border into Mozambique to spend some time with missionaries Rod and Ellie Hein instead.
Unfortunately, I was not permitted entrance into Mozambique. Since my last extension was expiring in a few days, I was asked to bring proof that I was leaving the country by that date and going back to my home country. So within 24 hours, I found myself in possession of a plane ticket back to America, and a group of very confused children continually wandering around on my veranda. The children from Fairfield kept knocking on my door while I (quickly) packed asking why I was going all the way back to America. Chenai kept saying, "Sister Janine, I thought we were going to spend Christmas together. Why don't you want to spend Christmas together?" Some grown up situations are difficult to explain, but I think I managed to get the point across.
I will have people checking at the immigration office in Harare to let me know as soon as the work visa is processed and then head back on yet another two-day flight. For the meantime, did you guys know it is only a few days until Christmas? It was hard for me to remember in all the summer heat of Zimbabwe, but as soon as I walked outside the airport in West Virginia, the frigid air helped jog my memory! Whatever the reasons or circumstances that led up to this point, I am very grateful to be suddenly tossed back to this side of the ocean if it means spending Christmas with my family and friends. We don't always know the reasons why life happens as it does, but we will keep on trusting that God does.
Hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I'll keep you posted. Until then, never cease to remember the children of Zimbabwe in your prayers...
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I guess you got back just in time for the big snow. I miss the snow, although I only like it 2-3 times a year. I am really missing it now that it is close to Christmas. It reminds me of childhood Christmases. So, I being in South Carolina, feel as far away from home as if I were in Africa. So, enjoy the snowy holidays with your family. I am envious, but am also envious when you are in Zimbabwe, b/c I want to be there too. One day, I will be. I will not give up. Have a blessed Christmas. Kelly Harvey
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading your book. It was given to me by Yvonne Reed. I love to read but knew this was not something that I normally read and found myself wondering how I would get through it. I finished it in just a few hours...I couldn't but it down! My prayers are with you as well as my admiration for what you do! I find myself wanting to help in some way and I pray that God will lead me to do so. Thank you for writing such a wonderful story! I plan to share it with many others!
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