The Sudbrock Scoop

Visa permits

For 12 years now we have been praying for a permanent residence visa. This is not a work permit but rather just permission to stay in Germany and live here as long as we would like. Repeatedly we have been told that this is impossible, but year after year we have gone back and applied for it anyhow. Our current temporary permit expires on May 30th. I went in last week to start the process of applying for another extension for our family. There I was given a new list of requirements to fulfill and worked on completing everything before returning this afternoon. Right after lunch I gathered up the paperwork and pictures and double checked the list to be sure I had everything before the girls and I headed downtown. We turned in the paperwork to a different person than we picked the list up from and found that we need one more letter. That was a little exasperating, but then came the glimmer of hope that we have been waiting for. The lady said that they had been discussing our case in the office and that they think that a new law has made it possible for us to receive our permanent permits. She needs to check into it further, but she is hopeful that she can give us all permanent permits when we go back to the office in 8 weeks. She did warn that the cost of these permits would be quite a bit higher than the $50 per person that we are accustomed to paying each time. Please pray with us during the coming weeks that God's will will be done. For years we have prayed that God would either soften the hearts of these two ladies or remove them from their office. We are so thankful to be able to report that there has been an obvious softening of their attitudes towards us. We covet your prayers in regards to our visa permits. We are so very hopeful that this will be the last time that we have to complete this process.

Chelli