There are MANY TIMES when we are filled with gratitude at the support we have received in this work. Not only does the financial support to Safe Haven allow us to do this work, but your physical help at times makes things happen that we just couldn’t do on our own! Here’s just one example of why we need a village to do this work here.

PAPERWORK SAGA OVERSEAS

We have been in the process over the last couple of months in doing our annual homestudy update for our adoption. Part of that process included Indiana needing our updated fingerprints. In Indiana (one year ago) we were able to simply go into a local office for quick electronic fingerprints that were soon sent from their office to the police and our homestudy provider. It was a smooth, easy even, and took place during a matter of days.

This year, because we are living abroad and unable to go to that local office, it look a total of 13 extra people / groups, EACH ONE of whom provided a critical piece of the puzzle to make it possible for us to document our fingerprints and provide them for the Indiana State system, a process that took over a two months.

Special thanks and praise for the following people:

• Shanna – homestudy provider helping answer questions
• Martha – sent us the specific papers we needed fingerprints on
• T & C – DHL’d said paperwork to us in country
• International Church’s men’s group – ongoing resource to pull from
• Family – Praying
• Sending Team – Praying

*We should share here that there was a lot of uncertainty on where to go in the city for fingerprinting for something international. In the end, we went to over 6 locations on a wild goose chase. Most of them told us that it was impossible or sheepishly pointed us to another office. At our last stop nearing the end of the day, we sent out prayer requests to family and our team because it seemed less likely every moment. 10-15 seconds after we received responses that people were praying, we looked up and a translator walked up and proceeded to guide us into the building, through the entire process, and back out of the building!

• Translator at the Government office – the woman who in the end we believe God sent to help make it happen!
• D & K – courier for our fingerprint paperwork back to the states
• Dave & Mom – took our paperwork to the state office to get it approved and sent out
• State office receptionist – finally directed us to another location to get it approved
• State police office higher ups – answered final questions and gave us clearer answers on where to go next

We praise God that this is even possible. It was a clear reminder to us of the many situations that just get more difficult while living overseas. No wonder so many are grateful for this counseling! In this instance, while it was fraught with confusion and frustration, we also can see His hand so clearly present. That it is a big faith booster for us!

BECAUSE OF YOU WE CAN SERVE

It is only because we have these and other people’s support behind us that moments like this are possible for us. With that stability, we are able to do more!

Nick continues to provide full time counseling for workers from around the world. He works tightly with a team of psychologists and specialized therapists to serve entire teams and families as well as individuals. Difficult, redemptive work happens here!

Amber has been involved in rebranding, creating a new website and helping visiting counselors find housing and navigate what they need during their time here with us. She continues to use her (slowly) growing language skills to help at the Counseling Center as she helps visitors in the culture or contact repairmen for the office, etc.