When Plans Fail

Two days ago, I went to the South African embassy feeling pretty confident that I had everything I needed for a successful trip to submit my visa application. Things, however, did not quite go as I had planned. As I spoke with the lady taking applications at the front desk, I soon discovered that this trip was not going to be as successful as I had thought. She informed me, first of all, that I needed a few more documents and then proceeded to tell me that I probably shouldn’t even bother applying for a volunteer visa since most volunteer applications had been rejected as of late. However, she was very helpful and gave me a waiver, which if approved, would make me eligible to apply for a work visa of sorts that she strongly believed they would be more likely to accept. I must say, it was quite a lot to take in in one trip knowing that this meant more paperwork and most likely more weeks before I could expect to receive a visa.

Though my visit was a bit disappointing, I was encouraged knowing this was not the end of the road and that the Lord would provide a visa one way or another. When my plans fail, God's don't. So I look forward with anticipation trusting the Lord to make it happen in his time. In the meantime, I’m grateful for the opportunity to catch up with dear friends and family in the States and share about what God is doing.

So as I move forward, I am praying and trusting that the Lord will prove his faithfulness once again.


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