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Friday, May 30, 2014

The Expat Expectation

Expat- short for expatriate; a person who permanently or temporarily lives in a country other than that of their upbringing.

If you are an expat living abroad there are some expectations you must meet. Today I'll focus on one that we are expected to do annually- report to the immigration office in the capital city.

What's interesting is how the office and the whole experience has changed since we arrived in 2008 (woah! 2008?? I just had to check my math!) When we first arrived there were many unknowns (some of these still apply today)-
would there be traffic in the towns in between?
would there be a short wait or a long wait?
is the power going to be on?
will we arrived during lunch time or prayer time?
is today a holiday?

The immigration office has been recently renovated. It resembles an office in Java. There's a nice new desk with people who seem willing to point you in the right direction. It's been such an easy experience- we meet our document guy, take a photo, sign some papers, fingerprint, take some more photos, go grab lunch.

 
This was Kate's first time to "check-in". She had her photo taken and signed her name. There were no fingerprints this time around though.






 

Monday, May 26, 2014

A [Late] Welcome Back

It's hard to believe we've been back for two months! Time has flown by. Kate has grown so fast. She's six months old and weighs about 18 pounds and 27.1 inches long. She can sit up on her own now and enjoys rocking back and forth on her hands and knees. Joyce is her middle name and it means "to rejoice". We praise the Lord for Kate's life and how the joy she brings can cross nationalities. It's beautiful to see her light up with those around her.

This is Kate's first trip to Yajasi, her daddy's office.






 
She also had an opportunity to meet some special friends.


Our neighbors also wanted to say hello :)


 
Images by Freepik