Open Borders!
After nearly two years, Australia opened its borders to fully vaccinated foreigners on Monday, February 21!
I am now in the process of applying for my Australian visa. The first step is to obtain clean criminal background checks from the FBI and Japan. I've done what I need for the FBI check (an online form and finger-printing), and will be doing the same at the Japanese Consulate in Nashville today, at 11 a.m. I'm told it will take about two months for the Japanese report to be processed, so I am hopeful that I will be heading down under some time in May!
Please do pray that there will not be any unforeseen barricades to my move to Sydney.
God's Timing
While this two year delay in moving to Australia has been difficult, I know that God's timing is alway perfect. In the two years since the pandemic closed world borders, God provided the opportunity for me to be involved in the Birmingham Missions Cohort, and then to expand that to Jackson as well. These ministries are designed to help Christians discern how God is calling them to be involved in the gospel mandate. And through my involvement, I've gained additional tools for my ministry in Sydney, which will be largely an equipping ministry, encouraging young Asian-Australians to go to the ends of the earth with the gospel of Jesus Christ.Another opportunity God gave me during the last two years: I purchased my first home and renovated the basement apartment for my own use during future furloughs (although it's currently a short-term rental in order to help me pay my mortgage).
And most recently, God allowed me the opportunity to spend about six weeks in Iowa to help my mom through some medical issues, and then to sell her home, liquidate many of her things, and help her transition to an independent senior apartment.
God's timing is always good!
