Bitterness in the Heart

As many of you are aware, my wife, Carol, is currently in the United States awaiting her settlement visa from the British government.

The initial application was refused because there was no evidence supplied that I was a British citizen.  What happened was I thought I sent Carol along with my birth certificate, but I didn't, and it wasn't known until after the refusal when I was able to account for all the copies of my birth certificate here with me in England.

So we submitted an appeal, and since they requested only copies of supporting documentation, I provided my wife with scanned copies of my birth certificate and UK passport.

Weeks turned into a month, and then it was two months.  The frustration of the wait, and not knowing what was going on was building.  I was getting desperate.  

I was prepared to contact the media (the Guardian and the Independent).  I was also prepared to contact the Citizens Advice Bureau.  

I was talking with a wonderful man at church (Rob).  I was explaining to him everything I was prepared to do, and about the mounting frustration I was feeling.  He asked to pray for me.  Not only did he pray that the Lord would overcome the hurdles put in place by bureaucracy but he also prayed that the Lord would prevent bitterness from building up in my heart.

Then it struck me.  That is exactly what I was allowing to happen.  The frustration from the process caused me to become bitter towards the British government. 

On Monday, as I was still contemplating sending emails to the Guardian and the Independent, and lawyers, and probing my MP (member of Parliament), etc.  I stopped.  I prayed that the Lord would just give me a peace about this entire situation and not allow the bitterness to creep into my heart.

That evening when I got home, there was a letter from HM Courts & Tribunal Service saying that the Respondent (UK Embassy in NYC) had reversed the original decision and that the Tribunal was satisfied that the appeal had been withdrawn.  Of course, in excitement, I called the hotline the very next day.  Unfortunately, the person was not able to provide me with any official status outside the fact that the appeal was withdrawn by the respondent.  However, she did say that 90% of the time this was because they planned on providing a visa.

I received the Appeal Withdrawal notice on the 10th of September.  It has now been two weeks since, again with no further details.  Again the frustration is starting to creep in.  And with the frustration, the bitterness as well.

So, I am appealing to all my brothers and sisters in Christ that they will pray for me.  Pray that the Lord will help me stave off this bitterness and to again give me the peace regarding this situation.  Bitterness only leads to darkness and I can't afford to fall into darkness again.  For my children's sake, my wife's sake and for my marriage sake, pray for me.