another life update

I've mentioned before that we've been mired in paperwork...for Kyalo's birth certificate and then passport, school applications for Dexter, Green Card application for Dexter, and so on. It feels unending...but, I do think we're beginning to see the light at the end of a very long tunnel.

We have applied to five schools and two of them have responded in the last few days inviting Dexter to an in-person interview as well as clinical test of his dental skills.  This is very exciting, and we would like you to rejoice with us! (We never got this far in our previous application process, so it is very encouraging for us).

But, there's still a LOT of uncertainty and a lot to do.  The first set of interviews, at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (in Newark), is October 17 &18, and the second set, at SUNY-Buffalo is in November. 

Here's the rub.  We don't have the green card or any visa for Dexter to actually travel to the US.  Oh, and he's supposed to let UMDNJ know TODAY if he's coming to the interview! Yikes.  We're almost done with the gathering of documents for the application and then can schedule an appointment.  Will you please pray with us that Dexter can get an appointment at the US Embassy very quickly (next week?) and that he can get to these interviews.  After all the effort we've put into the school process it would be a shame to be unable to continue because of a visa issue.

So. Schools in 2012.  We have a greater glimmer of hope and that's exciting.  UMDNJ starts in March and Buffalo starts in June.  Selfishly, I prefer Buffalo because of the later start date.  I love Kijabe and still feel like we're getting settled back into things here.  Leaving once again will be very hard.  BUT. I know that leaving for Dexter to go to school is absolutely, without a doubt the right thing to do.  And, I know that God will take us to the right school for us, no matter what the start date.  Knowing those things doesn't make the possibility of leaving any easier though. 

Here are the things we'd like you to pray for, if you don't mind me asking...for an expedited appointment date at the embassy and quick approval of the green card.  For acceptance into one of the five dental schools.  For wise financial choices in the coming weeks and months.  For clarity of mind as we have a lot of decisions to make in the next few days and weeks.  And for peace about whatever happens. 

Thank you!

Here's a photo of Dexter and Kyalo as a reward for getting through this long-winded post.  It is the best of the bunch from that day...Kyalo's recently discovered how fun it is to pull hair, and most of the pictures Dexter looks rather tortured. :)