Curve Ball

We have been thrown another curve ball.

Sdam had his long-awaited citizenship interview last week. Up until this point, and even after leaving his interview, we had good reason to believe he would soon be a citizen and we would soon be returning to Cambodia. But a few hours after returning home, we received a notice that Sdam’s application had been denied. We were quite shocked and disappointed, to say the least. They said we did not meet the requirements for the exemption from residency based on missionary employment abroad. Basically, we had not met the requirements since last year when we entered the US. Had we known, of course we have followed those requirements at that time. It is frustrating that we had to get to this point to learn all this. But at the same time we are at peace, and know that God had us in Nebraska for the last year for good reason. Moving forward we are now staying in the US for 2 more years to finish out the standard residency requirements to apply again. Cambodia is still in our hearts, but we believe God is leading us to stay a bit longer in the US before returning.

What does this mean for our work?

I will continue in my ministry with EMI. Just as I have been working for our global office since January, I will continue to support our 11 offices around the world with my skills in graphic design, media, and story telling. The global office runs like all of our offices, with an emphasis on discipleship, professional mentorship, and raising up the next generation. Global often has interns and fellows just like any other office, and in August we had a new graphic design intern start and I will be working with her on various projects providing oversight and professional mentorship. While I have been a spiritual mentor to many interns over the years, it’s not very often that I get to be a professional mentor in this capacity, and I am looking forward to this new opportunity.

At the end of August, before our change in plans, Sdam and were able to travel to Colorado Springs for 3 weeks. It was so good to see different people an to spend time in the office. Working from home, I often miss the community of EMI; devotion times, mentorship opportunities, and just the chance to catch up with co-workers. We were able to attend the yearly EMI picnic and to take part in the annual Global office gathering time.

EMI Global Publications Team (+Chad)

Hanging out with new and old friends in Colorado

We are unsure at this time what this change will mean for Sdam. We are praying for wisdom and guidance. He desires to continue his GED studies, but he is also on the lookout for other opportunities in the US. This could be a job to help improve his English, or a ministry opportunity. Pray that God would lead us to the best use of Sdam’s time for the next few years.

Finally, with our change in plans, we have decided to return to Cambodia for a short visit. We want to meet with friends and Sdam’s family. I will spend time in the EMI Cambodia office, handing off tasks, and making plans for the next few years. We will pack up a few things that we have left there, and say a few “fair well for now’s.”

Mom & Dad

A night out at the Omaha zoo.

Sdam finished the “incline!”

A big thank you to everyone who has been praying along with us for my parents. Since our last update, we have see so much improvement. My dad has just 1 chemo session left and he recovers faster after each one. Mom had successful surgery in June, and has just started radiation; thankfully she will not have to do chemo. We praise God for His protection over us in this journey.