We have packed up the family and relocated to Auckland New Zealand! Our application for permanent residence in Vanuatu has taken much longer than expected. Immigration had some initial confusions that took months to straighten out. We have finally gotten everything straight but passed our 4 month visitor status maximum.
By suggestion of the principal immigration officer we have decided to go out of Vanuatu and reapply for residency so there will be none of the original confusions attached to our immigration status. We hope to return to our home in Luganville by September.
We are now staying in Auckland New Zealand while our paperwork is finished.
This gave us the opportunity to push up a trip we had planned. We had hoped to meet up with either our Australia or New Zealand office in our first 3 year term. Missionary Ventures has an office here in New Zealand. We have already had great opportunities to meet the staff here and get to know some of their contacts in New Zealand.
This is a great time of rest and recuperation for our family also. We have been working constantly to get this ministry off the ground for the past 18 months with no time off. After all the hard work we have really enjoyed a short vacation. The Lord even saw fit to provide a house for us while we are here. A friend of Andrew and Margaret Marriott (MVNZ Directors) was returning to the field to work out some visa issues of her own. This left her house empty and she graciously offered to allow us to house sit for her!
Now we are back to work. Tania has started the kids back in school here at our house in New Zealand. I have started making meetings with folks interested in Vanuatu. God has been faithful to make this unexpected visit to New Zealand very enjoyable for us. The wonderful people here have been amazingly accommodating. Andrew and Margaret Marriott, the directors of the MV New Zealand office have been the most gracious hosts. Thank you Andrew and Margaret we have enjoyed "eating tea" with you!
Now that we have constant access to internet we will be updating our website and blog as often as possible. Check back for the latest info!
Blessings Galore
The tRibe
In Sunnynook NZ
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