the MA diaries

F.A.Q. Regarding Derek, Janice & Ethan’s situation

i have decided to write and FAQ (frequently asked questions) because, well, we get the same questions a lot.  Hopefully this will update everyone where we’re at, but also how and what to pray for.  This is right at the end of the post, so make sure to read all the way to the end!  Also, many people asked for our bank details.  These are also included at the end.  thanks for reading this and I hope this answers your questions!

What the heck happened?

Janice was flagged at the border while we were returning to the States.  She could have had her visa application revoked and been bared from the States for 5 years, but that didn’t happen.  Janice was then ordered to stay out of the States until the visa is done. 

After careful consideration, Derek and Ethan decided to return to the States for personal, financial and stability issues.  Janice will stay in Canada until the visa is sorted.

How did Ethan take leaving mommy behind?

Ethan was very strong.  Yesterday (June 11), Derek and Ethan drove back to Portland.  We feared that Ethan would melt down and really struggle, however he did not.  He did not cry and was even able to say goodbye and give kisses to momma.  The same can not be said for daddy and mommy.  We’ve been back for a day now, and Ethan has been great.  He has spoken with his mommy numerous times over Facetime, so she is never a call away.

Can Derek and Ethan visit Janice?

Yes.  However due to a number of reasons we can’t stay there, nor visit too often.  Yet if things get desperate, Derek & Ethan can drive up at a moments notice and be with Janice.  

What’s wrong with the Visa?

We’ve had numerous back and forth’s with the NVC (National Visa Office) and they’ve asked for things that not necessary for us, so there’s been miscommunication.  We finally called them directly and hopefully by next week (June 13) we’ll have more answers.  We will keep this updated.

What’s next?

We have now settled everything and are waiting for the NVC to contact us.  Once the application clears, then Janice will have to get a medical done, and then go to Montreal to take her interview.  Once that is over, she’ll wait until her visa is processed, THEN she can return.  We have no idea what the time frame will be, but we have been given a range from 1 month to many months.

What about Derek’s studies?

Derek is on summer holiday until the end of August, so he will be taking care of Ethan full time until then.  If Janice’s visa issue is not sorted out by then then he may possibly skip the Fall semester.  We are believing that it will not need to come to this.

How your financial situation?

Was dire, now temporarily manageable.  Before we went to Canada, we were literally on our last few hundred dollars of savings, but since then we have had an influx of support.  We can now manage for the next few months, but there are still major looming issues such as Janice’s flight to Montreal, Ethan’s tuition come August, Derek & Ethan’s traveling to and from Canada, and of course our general expenses.

How can I help?

Firstly: prayer, secondly: check in on us, thirdly: financial support.  

We value prayer and if you want to know our specific prayer requests please see the next section.  Checking in on us will help us deal with being apart, and will especially help Janice as she’s the one separated from her son.  whatsapp, phone, text, facetime, skype, mail… anything would be appreciated.  

If you would like to support us financially in any way whatsoever then please contact me and i’ll sort out details.  

How can I pray for you

- For the Janice’s visa to be sorted out quickly

- For our family.  Obviously being separated is tough for everyone, especially for Janice as she’s without Ethan.  Pray that Ethan will be able to continue to be strong and comprehend the situation.  Pray for Derek that he does not go insane.

- For finances.  God has supported us this far, so we continue to press into Him for His grace to keep going.

- For faith.  In this time we are choosing to believe that the Lord will see us through this, but it is still a challenge.  Please pray that we’ll be able to be strong, or stronger in our devotion.

if you’ve read this far you must either be really bored and care enough to read this in it’s entirety.  Well whoever you are, we thank God for you and we appreciate that you’re a part of our lives.  Thank you for praying/caring/supporting us and we hope that very soon this whole episode will becoming a great testimony of God’s amazing Grace.  

In Him, and with love,

-Derek, Janice and Ethan.