I put together a little interactive map of our life and ministry in Banská Bystrica. You can click on the caption link to go to a bigger map or you can use the map above to explore our lives in Slovakia. Click on the icons on the map to find out more information about where we go to school and work or where we have some fun. You can also zoom out and find other cities in Slovakia where we’ve been involved in ministry over the years.
You might think it strange but we are headed back to the States this summer (end of June to early-mid August) for home assignment. Why so soon? Three reasons. First, our mission has a mandatory European conference every other year and we need to go on home assignment in the off years. So either we come this year or in 2014. Second, we felt like it would be good to finish off the kids’ transition with a trip to the States. That will help them know that the States is not so far away after all. Hopefully, that will help them maintain a firm foot in both cultures. And finally, I need to return to defend my dissertation so we’ll bring the whole family and make it a home assignment. Merry Christmas from all of us in the Patterson household. Enjoy our 2011 Christmas video greeting!
Well, well, well. I made an inquiry into my visa situation at a non-government organization that helps foreigners in Slovakia with their visas. Specifically, I asked them how long this process usually takes.
I sure do appreciate everyone’s prayers. I felt kind of sure that the foreign police would handle my case this past week but it’s the end of the day on Friday and we’ve still received no word. I can’t imagine it will take any longer than the beginning of next week. Unfortunately, last week I couldn’t have imagined it taking longer than this week. In the meantime, some interesting things have happened.
9:30 am on Wednesday, September 7th at the foreign police office in Banská Bystrica, the police officer is rolling her eyes in disbelief and sighs with a sense of compassion. Foreign Police Officer (FPO): So close. It’s too bad it didn’t come sooner. Todd: It’ll be here tomorrow, I’ve got it set up for official translation tomorrow night and we can have it in your office first thing on Friday. |   |
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