As the old silent movies used to announce: “The plot thickens!”

But, first, a word on Ann’s passport: the lost has been found! Thanks for your prayers. It was in the bottom of a suitcase. She’s rebooked her flight for June 2nd. I can hardly wait to see her!

Regarding the bank:

I truly hope that this is the last time I’ll need to ask you to pray for the bank decision on our mortgage application! Here goes:

First of all, we have no idea why this has taken so long (other than the spiritual benefit of stretching our faith and nerves to the outer limit!).

German banks are very powerful, very official, very secretive and, frankly, not too “service oriented”. Be that as it may, we have received word indirectly that our application is being smiled upon, but a FINAL decision will be made today (Thursday) or tomorrow by the Board of Directors and we should get the official word on Monday (May 29 – Memorial Day in the U.S.)

So: please continue to EARNESTLY pray!

Meanwhile, we haven’t been sitting on our hands! I spent last week moving out, with the help of an unemployed TV repairman and two high school boys, the furniture that we will keep for student rooms and other needs. Then Davin and Charissa arrived and I got some serious extra support. (I’ve rediscovered muscles that I’d forgotten I have!) Finally, on Monday, a professional removal crew came in and tackled the rest. The boss of the work gang said casually, “Oh, we’ll have this done in two days!” Serious underestimate! After three full days of work and two containers more to haul away than they figured on, he now estimates they’ll need at least one more full day to finish up.

So far, the timing has actually been perfect: the real work on walls can only begin when we get a green light from the bank regarding the mortgage application, but the preliminary removal work isn’t finished yet anyway.

Please also pray for sufficient funds to come in for this first phase of the renovation.

Today is an official holiday in Germany: Ascension Day. It is a powerful reminder that Our Lord is not puzzled or confused by the twists and turns of mortgage applications or history or by the perversity of sin and cosmic rebellion. He “sits at the right hand of the Father, from where He will come to judge the living and the dead” and all power is His. Hallelujah!