How was Finland?

Well, by God's grace we made it back with another three month 

visa! I can't express the bitter sweet this time has been for us. Those of you who know me know that I inherited my mother's skills in planning. Before we left I crossed every "t" and dotted every "i"; we had maps of the Moscow metro system (which we had to navigate early in the morning during rush hour with luggage and children in tow); we had maps and directions to the Russian embassy in Finland as well as all our needed visa papers, money, pictures and two dozen other papers just in case. When we arrived at our housing in Finland we were all exhausted, and Elias and Rayma were just beginning to get sick. 

The symptoms were flu-like and seemed similar to what was going around in Perm and even America at the time.

A couple days later I went to the Russian embassy with all the needed materials to get our visas. When I arrived at the embassy location, it was almost unrecognizable as any kind of official facility except for a dull and grimy Russian flag that waved overhead. I approached the locked, rusty gate and pressed the somewhat grubby button. Sure enough a Russian answered and the gate buzzed as it unlocked. Walking passed the gate I approached the embassy door and again it was automatically unlocked. After walking through the large wooden door, I saw a thick glass window and, of course, a Russian security guard behind it. Once he saw I was no threat he opened the third door for me.

I walked into a beautiful hall with a large red carpet and marble stair case. I suddenly felt like I was in an old black and white James Bond spy movie. My sense was only enhanced as I turned into the waiting area and saw a large shiny silver door standing 8 feet tall and the width of a small car. It looked more like a vault than a door. I couldn't believe the world I had suddenly stepped into. The security guard announced my presence and I was asked to sit in one of the waiting chairs. This was easy to do since I was the only other person in the building from the "outside world."

Shortly after I had sat down in one of the chairs, a small Russian gal who spoke English stuck her head through the 'vault' door. "Can I help you?" she asked with one foot still in the door.

 "I'm here to get new visas for my family."

 She asked, "Are you a resident of Finland?"

 "I am not, but I've called here four times and each time I was told that it wouldn't be a problem."

 "That was on the telephone" she said, "You can't trust anything someone says to you on the telephone. Sorry we can't help you."

 I was shocked, "But you said we could come, please you have to make an exception."

 Feeling bad for us she took our papers and returned after speaking with her supervisor. As she opened the door, the director of the entire embassy came through. "What does this guy want?" He asked her.

 "A three month visa" she said.

 "Is he a citizen?"

 "No"

 "Than there is no way we will do it. Tell him no."

 I understood half of what he said and knew it wasn't good. She explained to me that it would be impossible now that the director had said no and there was nothing she could do. She handed me our papers and began to walk away.

"Wait!" I shouted, "My wife and son are sick, we traveled here all the way from Perm because you said we could come. We spent all our money to get here and have no where to go! What are we supposed to do?"

In my intensity I think I overwhelmed her and she stood there speechless for a moment or two. Finally she said, "Ok. I'll tell you a secret. It's impossible for you to get your visa here because you don't have residency and the director has already seen your face. But in town there is a 'special' travel agency who can help you. They work with us a lot, and if they apply for you we will process your visas."

 "Ok," I mumbled a little confused. "Please can you tell me their phone number?" I asked.

 "I can't!" she said.

 "What is their name?"

 "I can't tell you."

 "Can you tell me your name?"

 "I'm sorry; I can't tell you that either, good luck." And with that she slipped behind the large vault door and was gone.        

 
As I walked passed the marble staircase, the red carpet, and the 3 security doors I tried to recite the instructions I was just given. Find the 'special' travel agency with the 'secret' name and phone number not given to me by the 'secret' 'special' lady at the scary Russian embassy. Right! I'm sure! I explained it all to Rayma and it took her twenty minutes before she actually believed me. We went to the nearest travel agency and asked them, "are you the 'special' travel agency…" they said "No, but we know who you're talking about." The kind lady pulled out a paper and drew me a map. Now our spy story was complete because we finally had a 'secret' map. We found the agency and explained our situation; they took our papers and processed the visas in 2 days for $20 dollars more per person, of course, but that was to be expected.

Eventually, Rayma and Elias came to full recovery and we were able to enjoy the remainder of our time in Finland. 

We had a very restful stay and were blessed to breathe the fresh Finnish air. As I reflected on my visit to the embassy, I thought about the children of Israel. After they were delivered from Egypt, God led them to the Red Sea. It looked like a dead end, and many of them may have thought 'God brought us out here to kill us.' I can now relate to that feeling. But as we know God didn't lead them to the Red Sea to let them die but to show them, and every other nation watching, that He is not only miraculous but always in control. He is bigger than any situation!

Will we stay in Russia? Absolutely! It's obvious we can't go back to Finland to get another visa however this does not mean the door is shut. Kiev, Ukraine is still actively giving three month religious visas to Americans. In May when we need to leave to get another visa we plan to go there. It sounds like it will be less expensive than Finland and more convenient for our family.

Even though we are still able to get three month visas, we realize now that it would be too difficult to continue to do this. Instead, I am planning to look for a job. We know this is Biblical, that even Paul was willing to build tents to support his ministry. As of now my hope is to be brought on as a teacher's assistant in one of the many English schools in town. The plan is to offer my services for 10-14 hrs. a week. I could be used for tutoring, special music, cultural insight, improving accents, or even just mopping the floors. The amount of money I would make is equivalent to about $50 a month; however, I would offer my services for free in exchange for a 5-year workers visa.

From what I understand, many of the English schools in town would do almost anything for a native English speaker. Each of them would like to say that they have a native English speaker in their program because it makes their program more attractive to students. This could also open up a lot of doors to do ministry outside of the church. Please pray for this possibility that the Lord's will be done and that He would speak clearly to us as we test the waters in this area.      

Some of you have asked about Rayma and the kids so she will be putting together a little update on Russian life from the family perspective. Keep an eye out for it. Thanks for all your love and prayers. We will continue to keep you all updated as things progress.

In Christ Love,   

The Barnharts