We have two more days at the school, counting today. We’re giving our final child-safeguarding sessions, soaking up our last moments with our friends, and planning a goodbye celebration with our bible study later today. The new school building is in its final stage of completion. Since the project itself was started around the time of our arrival, it’s poetic that it is nearly finished when we leave.
And yet again, the balls of our feet roll on the edge of the cliff of the future.
That future holds so much for us, as returning part-time missionaries, as newlyweds, as servants of the Most High King. In the hands of our future, God-willing, sits pizza made the North American way, reunions with our families and our friends from back home, a Wilson clan (eventually… don’t get too excited haha), and the hope of full-time missions. And in the midst of all this excitement and anticipation, I’ve been sensing the presence of our dear old friend, uncertainty.
The past three months have been foundational for our relationship. Without the stress of knowing when we’ll be able to see each other next, or the pressure of trying to live one life in two separate locations, we’ve been able to focus on intentionally pouring into our marriage. It’s interesting how time can change our perspective, where three months ago we were commuting hours to see each other and Sundays were a point of dread because they held our impending goodbye, and now we look forward to Sundays and being together 23/7 is our normal.
But normality, in and of itself, is a bit of an elusive concept, and next week, when we touch ground in Canada, our ability to remain together is once again in the hands of our trusty (albeit regulatory) border guards. Our dear old friend, uncertainty, is drawing nearer to us. With just five short days left in Malawi, we’re both well aware that this blessing of spending each day together may be drawing to a close in our upcoming season.
I guess I should probably explain…
I don’t think I need to elaborate how complicated immigration can be. For months, Jer and I have worked and reworked plans, hoping to land on the one that makes the most sense for us to finally live in the same country. First we aimed at permanent residency, then at a work permit, but a job offer was required in order to apply for both. Upon landing in Malawi, I began the search for jobs and applied to quite a few, but little by little I received nothing but rejection letters.
Around this time, the Lord began to curb my desire towards a deeper understanding of the Word, and during one such conversation, my wise and supportive husband asked me, “Diana, have you considered taking some theology courses?” And the idea excited me. It’s not anything I’d ever thought about before, but since Jeremiah just graduated from a bible college, he recommended I look into it. I found a year long certificate which would qualify me for ministry in the eyes of our current sending agency, and also allowed me to take the courses that particularly interested me.
Which leads me to my announcement… Drumroll, please! 🙂 I have applied and been accepted to the program at Summit Pacific Bible College starting this September and have submitted my application for a student visa! Our plan for next year is for me to complete the certificate, and for Jer to return to work while we live in married housing on campus. I am so excited for this opportunity, and oof, am so thankful for such an encouraging husband who stands behind me in my pursuit of the Lord’s heart.
As with every plan that holds many logistics, there are a few hiccups, not the least of which being that my student permit, should it be accepted, only allows me into the country on the day that school starts. This means that the time from when we touch down in May to when I begin school in September is where our dear old friend, uncertainty, is hovering the most. And this, naturally, leads me to our prayer requests.
Firstly, we need prayer for favor with the border guard, that I would be given permission to stay with Jer in Canada until school starts. Secondly, for my student visa to be granted. And thirdly, that we would secure a housing unit on campus, as currently we are on the waitlist.
We know the Lord holds our future, that He plans and coordinates every step. Our earnest desire is to be in the center of His heart, and we are so grateful to have your support through prayer and encouragement. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for funding our time here in Malawi. We are fully funded and beyond thankful for all that you have given to us!
Until next time! 🙂
Zikomo kwanbiri,
Diana
Our First Journey Together 