Last week, we found out that our visa application to Austria was denied. It was crushing. We are still trying to process all that we feel right now but the number one overall emotion is hurt. We were all sorts of prepared to get on the plane very soon. We were positioning ourselves to be able to leave within 2 weeks of receiving our paperwork. We had just completed our final list of things to do once we had the visas in hand, so to receive a phone call saying that our applications had been denied really hit us hard.
So now what? For over 3 months we’ve been waiting on our papers to arrive and now we have to readjust our thinking about our next step. We can look back over these past 3 months and feel a sense of gratitude for having had the opportunity to live here with our dear friends, visit other friends and extended family and to grow as a family through this transition. But we would be lying if we did not say we aren’t asking why.
This week, we are really trying to lean hard in to our Savior and we are thankful to be surrounded by people from our church, our sending agency and those serving in Austria who are saddened right along with us. Thankfully, they’ve seen things like this happen before and they are a constant voice of reassurance that in the end we will look back at this with better perspective. We are all putting our heads together with a plan to get our family overseas as soon as possible.
A couple days after getting this news, Ian ran into one of his mentors from the past and he was surprised to still see Ian in the US. Ian told him that we’d just received some bad news about our visa and he abruptly stopped Ian and said “I am learning to say that things are good and things are hard. God will make good of all things as we trust Him…He often prevents what He could have permitted. Keep trusting.”
This is a big week as we all toss around ideas and we would love your prayers as a plan is developed for our family. Please pray as we continue to process this hard news. It is comforting to know that whatever plan we develop was already a part of THE PLAN from the start. Trusting in Him as he leads us.
Praying for you as you wait on God’s next step. He has it under control……just keep seeking Him!
Beth and Ian,
We are sad to hear your news, but we will be praying hard for your plans to be revealed. God is good! I’m learning that my perspective is only based upon my superficial reality… There’s so much more… Such a bigger story. You guys have an incredible story that’s coming together. We are cheering you on and waiting on the edge of our seats to see what God does through your incredible lives!
Love you guys!!
Meg (& Keith)
I can’t imagine how much that hurts, but if I’ve learned anything in these last few years of support raising, its that God has impeccable timing!! Only now am I able to look back a little and understand exactly why it took so long. We will be praying for you guys and please try and remember that God is NEVER late!
I so understand your disappointment. How long do you have to wait until you can apply again? I am praying for you all and I have faith our God will make his path clear to you… even if it is only one step at a time. (I know …. we want 5 years at a time!) Praying is comfort meets you in unexpected ways.
Hey Fellow Future TEAMmates!
We were so sad to hear this news, too. We really hope that you can be in Austria sooner than later to begin learning the language, adjust to the culture and begin ministry there. It is hard to know why things like this happen. We will be praying for you and TEAM leaders making decisions about when the best time is for you to get to where you WANT to be!
Melissa
We know this was hard news to hear and we’re praying for peace and patience as God reveals his Master plan in this!
I love you all. We will continue to keep you all lifted in prayer. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. ” Just remeber that God is ordering your steps.Continue to trust and lean on him during this time. Be encouraged sister. I will leave you with this scripture. Phillipians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
We are storming the throne room with prayers for you guys. He is sovereign & mighty & this is not the end…it’s simply a comma or ellipsis in the grand scheme of things. He will have His way yet. Hold fast until He reveals it. Hugs to you through cyberland.
Hey brother – I can only imagine how tough this is for you all. I know that you will keep the faith but please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help you all while you are here 🙂
Art
Hallo liebe Chadwick Familie!
My name is Charissa Ketcherside. I’m Dan and Rachel’s daughter. I just wanted to drop you a note, and say that you are in my prayers. I understand the deep passion for Austria and the hurt of not being there. If you ever want to hop over to Columbia, SC for a visit, you are more than welcome in our home. I would love to hear more about your love for Austria, and what you are most excited about (maybe over some coffee and Austrian chocolate?!).