Sunday, July 19, 2015

Are We There Yet?


Are We There Yet?

When our daughters were young the most common question asked while we were on holidays was; “Are we there yet?” We would leave Calgary on our way to Nova Scotia when before Calgary's city limits were reached the question from the backseat was; “Are we there yet?”

Most of you are aware that my plans call for retirement this summer. Some of you may be wondering; “Are we there yet?” The truth of the matter is, “No, we are not there as yet.” Jill and I are waiting for our US Green Cards which were applied for last December. Before the Green Cards are given and we are free to move to the US and to our home in Florida a number of gates must be passed. First, we need to secure tentative approval, secondly we must complete many forms and declarations, third we must send in security reports, medical records etc. etc. Fourth, we must wait for a date to attend a meeting at the US Consulate here in Bermuda. Fifth, we attend the interview at which we hope and pray that final approval is given. Where are we in our journey? Jill has received her tentative approval and I am still waiting for mine! When will we arrive? If only I knew!

So what is happening in the meantime? Well, my three year workpermit comes to a close the end of July. However, the congregation has secured a three month extension to my permit. When this extension comes into play on August 1st I will only be working parttime at St. Andrews. Parttime employment will consists in preaching on Sundays and emergency visits through the week for a total of about four hours. We are hoping that during this three month period we will hear from our Green Card application. In the meantime we are keeping busy with pastoral work along with some packing. Perhaps in my next blog I can share with you what are plans are once we reach Florida!



From Your Pastor & Friend,

John