So getting a work permit in Kenya is one of those 'essentials' requirements to remain in the country for longer than 3 months. God has been good to us in bringing the Church of God into our path as our receiving agency in Kenya. Joseph, the pastor and chief of the village we are moving to, is affiliated with them and they have graciously agreed to assist us with this process.
While we were in Kenya in June, we had a chance to meet the Bishop of the Church of God to move things forward. We definitely experienced what it was like to feel Kenyan that day. We got up at 5:30 am and drove for 6 hours (supposed to be 4) over horrific roads (hence the additional 2 hours) to arrive 10 minutes late to our meeting. These 10 minutes cost us an additional 6 hours as we 'just missed' the Bishop. He had left for a funeral - which lasted - you guessed it - 6 hours.
But we waited, we didn't drive 6 hours (and fly 24 and drive another 6) for nothing. When we finally had our audience, we sat with him for a sparse 10 minutes. He asked a few questions and requested 2 documents - a passport photo and Rick's diploma.
And that's when we had our God sighting - when the Bishop asked for the diploma. Rick and I looked at each other and laughed. Out of sheer respect for my dad, Rick has been working on finishing his Master of Divinity degree at Trinity. After 10 years, he finally graduated this May. This May - May 2010! No one here cared that he had that degree, not the Chapel, not our campus - no one. But we needed it to get a work permit in Kenya. And God knew that. And that's why following Him is so cool!
