Monday we decided to start getting ready for the trip. Tom got our passports out of the safe and I hear,"I'm Doomed!" or "AKKK" or some such comment. He checked his passport and it expired the day we leave for Europe-- Feb 24th. PANIC! It's a holiday- President's Day, so there's no one we can call.
We head online. There are services that say passport in 24 hours. We see there is a processing place in Hot Springs-- about 4 hours away. We call the automated line. First appointment is on Feb 25th.
We had a visiting teaching, home teaching appointment set up, so we went to that. I kept thinking about the passport and wondering what to do. When we got home, I called some of the Passport in a day places. For about $450 you could get your passport in a few days... but no guarantees. I'm thinking, if they can do it, we should be able to do it on our own for just the $170 for an expedited renewal.
Tom gets the local phone number for the Federal Passport processing place in Little Rock and calls them first thing Tuesday morning. They directed him back to the automated line for an appointment but said, just keep clicking the prompts and eventually you can plead your case to a human. It took about 45 minutes, but he did get some humans... and an appointment for 1pm that day.
So off he dashes to Hot Springs. (We had downloaded and filled out all the paperwork the day before. And gotten passport photos.) He gets back home about dinner time with no passport, but a promise it would be overnight expressed on Thursday. Everyone really was very nice. He even stopped at the commissary on the way home.
In the mean time, I got my hair cut-- which I desperately needed to do. I had also bid on a job writing sales copy for a relationship coach. I had a call with the client and that went well. I also needed to finish a chapter for my Insurance agent on using Infinite Banking for charities and I finally had a chance to talk with them and get a better understanding of how it can work. And finally I had a critique group going over headlines at 6:30. I was pleased that my headline rated well.
I did get a chance to try out for the relationship coach and write a 4 page sales letter. I showed it to a single friend of mine and she said, "I want to buy that!" So I guess it works.
Wednesday Tom and I went to a lunch put on by the Salvation Army. They are trying to raise funds for a transitional family living center. It's a place for homeless families to live while they counsel them and teach principles so they can get back on their feet. They'd invited all the pastors from around the area. I have a soft spot for the Salvation Army. I think they do a lot of good. I liked it that they screened applicants for aid instead of just giving it to them. This is something I can support. I volunteered to help with publicity.
I've been working on getting counselors for my stake calling. I also spent time talking to relief society presidents and visiting with the former Stake RS President from our last stake. She was very helpful. I don't think I will see counselors before we leave on our trip. I think I'm gaining an opportunity to learn patience. When we return, I'll be speaking three different places in the next week.
Thursday morning I realized I had a conflict. I'd agreed to take a neighbor to our Relief Society evening meeting and I was supposed to teach institute about the same time. Tom was sweet enough to take my institute class. I think they are in the process of calling someone to teach it. I've loved how these young single adults have joined together. They went out with the missionaries for salsa and chips. They went hiking together. After institute they'll go and cheer on one of the YSA who is on a bowling team. I love how they are enjoying one another.
Friday we went and did house inspections. We were both pleased that most all the tenants seemed to be neat and clean. Many expressed appreciation for the house they were renting. They loved it. And we only uncovered a few minor problems that needed fixing.
Friday afternoon, Tom's passport arrived! Yahoo! There was much rejoicing.
I felt like I had many uncertainties in my life and I was blessed to have some resolutions by Saturday. I learned that my two counselors had been approved by the Stake Presidency. Now they need to be called and agree to serve. I was stressed that I had not heard back about my Kid Finance course, and I got a positive response on the material I'd sent. I also sent in and got favorable feedback on the Relationship coach copy I submitted. It looks like that could turn into a long term job.
The weather has been nice and warm this week. Saturday morning Tom got some mulch and we put it in the front flower garden. I also pruned some of the trees. Later I had a chance to visit with my new RS secretary and talk about plans. Tom went to West Plains for a youth activity Saturday night.
I will go there Sunday for a meeting. after church. And then Monday we head for the airport and fly out to Europe with Rebecca. We will meet up with Dan there and visit Germany, Switzerland and Italy. I'm looking forward to it.
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