Urgent Prayer Request

Dear Praying Friends,

Several weeks ago, we began the process to get Kristy a residence permit for Romania. Normally when one comes into Romania, one has a 90 day tourist visa. This was typically renewed every time that person came back into the country. So on March 5th, we spent the day in Hungary and came back into Romania, expecting this to give Kristy another 90 days in Romania. However, we found out that the law has changed and states that one only has 90 days in Romania in a 180 day period. The first time that we entered Romania in the last 180 days was December 28th, which means those 90 days expire on Thursday, March 27th. So we quickly got everything together and sent off for Kristy's new passport (with her new name), which we thankfully received back on Wednesday.

So, yesterday, we got together the documents necessary for applying for a residence permit for Kristy and took them to the Immigration office. They told us that Kristy needs Romanian health insurance first, and then we can apply for residency. We are planning to go to the Health Insurance office Monday to see what we need to do to get Romanian health insurance for Kristy, but this usually takes a few days. Please pray that we will be able to get everything necessary to apply for residency before Thursday, and that we will be able to apply for a permanent residence permit next week. The one woman in the office has been particularly problematic, and seems to tell us (and other Americans that have had to deal with her) something different than the other people that work there. She said that Kristy cannot get a permanent residence permit, but that she has to get a temporary residence permit. The other people that I have asked there at other times said she will receive a permanent residence permit since that is what I have. This woman also said that the 90 day visa is calculated from the last entry into Romania (which was March 5th), but I'm not sure we can trust that. So, we are praying that they will give Kristy a permanent residence visa, and that we will be able to apply for it next week.

Often official government workers are arrogant and rude, so please be praying for everything to go smoothly, and that we will have helpful, friendly people dealing with us. The Lord has this all worked out already, and we are looking forward to what He will do through the prayers of His children!

Serving Him,
Jonathan and Kristy Heisey