It's Good to be Back

Having an expired visa and dinky-looking receipt that says your application is in process just doesn't cut it with the passport control staff in Tel Aviv. That is, unless you're a petite, smiling Korean girl who couldn't possibly be held responsible for such a minor infraction as remaining in the country on an expired visa. Yes, Christie sailed through the exit process without hassle, while Nick and I were detained for extra questioning, stone-cold responses to our entreaties, and the parting words "good luck." Needless to say we were a little concerned about our chances of getting back into the country.

Two weeks later we nervously approached the front of the line and prayed that we would face a slightly more sympathetic agent, maybe even one without a permanent grimace on her face. The expired visa triggered the usual round of questions. Then came the familiar phone call for approval from a higher-up. But this time, I'm pretty sure God was on the other end because after a brief conversation the woman hung up, stamped our passports, and sent us merrily on our way.

And great news to report: yesterday we received a 1-year visa! At this point in time, that's not an easy thing to get, so we're thanking God for this sweet provision. Many thanks to all who prayed on our behalf.

So we've been back at it a week now. The song continually playing in my head for the first couple days was a comical reflection of reality: "I'm back in the saddle again."

Everything has become familiar, as if we haven't missed a beat. And all the issues that loomed large in my mind have revealed themselves to be paltry and surmountable. Typical.