Hi All :)
It's been a while since I posted here, but here is an update on what's happening with my visa.
It's been a while since I posted here, but here is an update on what's happening with my visa.
My volunteer visa that I submitted last month was denied; however, after speaking with a lawyer, I decided to appeal the decision, as we believe it was wrongly denied. The appeal is sent to Home Affairs in South Africa for a decision, so at this point I'm not sure when I will hear back.
I was originally scheduled to arrive back in South Africa today, but for the moment I am still in America. My lawyer has a Plan B which we will be a waiver process where we apply directly to home affairs in South Africa for a waiver. Basically they will advise on what type of visa I should apply for and will waive certain requirements that I don't meet.
While it is not an ideal situation, God has shown His faithfulness in many ways. 1.) Leading me to an amazing lawyer who loves the Lord and believes in the work of The Hidden Place. 2.) Allowing this to happen at a time of year when I have the time to deal with it, and it doesn't overlap with a camp. 3.) The airline working with me and giving me a flight credit which I can use whenever things get sorted out, instead of losing my flight or having to change it to a date that may or may not be the correct one.
During the last month, God has truly given me such a sense of peace and confirmation over my calling to South Africa. I truly believe that He will work all of this out for His glory and good, and I will be back in South Africa with a visa in His timing. This season has not been an easy one, but He is teaching me so much.
A friend of mine sent me a messaged yesterday that said this-"Where you are is not who you are."
It's easy to feel like this situation defines me. Like the season I have been in for the past year is who I am. But it isn't. I am a child of God, and He is reminding me every day of how that defines me.
Many of you have asked how this will affect The Hidden Place. We have no intentions or plans of stopping the ministries of The Hidden Place. Camps will go on as planned. The hope is that I will have a visa long before October, but if not, I will go back in on a 90 day visa, have camp, and then continue with this battle.
Thank you so much for your continued support during this season. Your prayers and interest mean so much to me. Please continue to pray that God would make a way and that His plan would prevail in this situation. Pray for the ministries I am involved with in South Africa and that I would be able to do as much as I can from this side of the globe.
Courtney
A friend of mine sent me a messaged yesterday that said this-"Where you are is not who you are."
It's easy to feel like this situation defines me. Like the season I have been in for the past year is who I am. But it isn't. I am a child of God, and He is reminding me every day of how that defines me.
Many of you have asked how this will affect The Hidden Place. We have no intentions or plans of stopping the ministries of The Hidden Place. Camps will go on as planned. The hope is that I will have a visa long before October, but if not, I will go back in on a 90 day visa, have camp, and then continue with this battle.
Thank you so much for your continued support during this season. Your prayers and interest mean so much to me. Please continue to pray that God would make a way and that His plan would prevail in this situation. Pray for the ministries I am involved with in South Africa and that I would be able to do as much as I can from this side of the globe.
Courtney
