Visa approved

Feeling really thankful today.  This evening I had a sudden flashback to the feelings I felt 24 hours ago when we were gathered together at the church, praying for Karen. My heart ached.  It physically hurt as I prayed for Karen and the people who were searching for her.

Today I give thanks that Karen is home and safe.

Fany's family came last weekend to attend an appointment with the US Embassy this morning.  Fany's father has a sister who lives legally in Miami.  Fany also has a sister who married a man from the US.  I wrote about her a few months ago as she was in labor with her first baby.  Fany felt so far away, scared and helpless, as her younger sister needed a cesarean in the US.

You've also read about Fany's brother who tried (twice) to get into the US illegally. Yesterday he made it back home, to Honduras, after his second and final attempt.

Fany's parent's have not seen their other son who has lived in the US for 11 years. They have never seen their new granddaughter.  They are also eager to see Fany's paternal aunt.  She is the one who filled out all of the paperwork for the embassy so that she could receive them in the US.  She had to document that she was responsible for them and all of their costs during their visit.

We spent the beginning of the week praying.  Last night they prayed all night long.  I woke up at 5 a.m. and prayed.  I heard them leave the house at 5:28 a.m. They went and waited in the line at the embassy. Fany said they were allowed inside the embassy at 7:30 a.m.  They came back out at 8:45 a.m. with shocked looks on their faces.  Fany knew by the looks on their faces - they were approved!

It seems so strange and random, the way that the embassy approves some people and doesn't even seem to give others a chance. Fany's father told me over and over that if God wanted them to go to the US, He would ensure they were approved. He said they have nothing to hide, their intentions are honest - to visit family. If it was not God's will for them to visit their family in the US, Fany's father would understand.

Once it was their turn at the window Fany's mother was asked a couple of questions, her father less, and they were quickly approved.  They plan to spend about a month in the US as soon as they can find a reasonable flight.  Probably in mid-September.  I am happy for them!

This afternoon the orthopedic doctor took my cast off. I told him that my wrist still hurts almost as much as it did when he put the cast on. He said that is not good.  He want me to do exercises in luke warm water, take medication, rub a gel on it, and go to physical therapy.

I ventured into the university near my house to find the PT clinic he recommended.  The university is huge with a great PT program. First I drove in the exit gates. I felt better learning it was the exit when I noticed there was another car in front of me trying to get in too.

When I finally figured out a way into the university and then (purely by accident) came across the PT building, I walked into the building and the person at the front desk said, "Hi Mary Lynn!"  Everyone around her looked at me.  Someone said out loud that I didn't know her.  I had to admit I didn't have a clue who she was.  I thought maybe my doctor had called ahead to say I was coming and they recognized me because my name is clearly not Latina, so it stood out.

Turned out the woman is my mechanic's sister. I've met her many times, but she was never dressed in business attire.  She was kind.  She made sure I understood everything I need to bring tomorrow for my first appointment.

I asked where the official entrance since I never found it today.  She tried to give me directions to two different entrances, but I was still clueless.  Finally she said, "Come back in through the sports complex like you did today, or you can call me, or call my brother and he will bring you over." His shop is only 2 blocks away and she's right.  He would bring me over if I couldn't find the entrance to the University.

Last week Fisher, a missionary who is visiting until December, told her mother that I know everyone. I assured them I don't. But today, when I walked into that huge university's PT office and the person working at the front desk greeted me by name, I felt like maybe I do know a lot of people here.