Dear Epaphras,
Its been several months we’ve sensed the Lord’s leading to Budapest, Hungary. We made the decision prayerfully and in counsel with our leadership thinking the move could be for 2015. Also, 10 days ago we asked you to pray with us during our interview with local immigration authorities in our journey to becoming french citizens. The interview went really well. As the interview was wrapping up however, we asked how moving to Hungary might affect the naturalisation process we began a year ago. We’ve been “assuming” we could continue this process through the French consulate in Budapest. The immigration officer made it very clear however, that would NOT be possible (cela ne sera pas possible!) and that moving would all but cancel our family’s application. We were caught off guard, however, we sense the Lord in this.
Many have asked if we “need” french citizenship to move to Hungary. Good question. No. Technically, we can move to Hungary as American’s. However, obtaining European citizenship is important for several reasons. For example: As European citizens we will have unlimited mobility within the continent; Annie and Julia will have the option to study in either the US or Europe; Annie and Julia will have an identity in Europe, the continent they will have grown up on, which is how TCK (third culture kid) experts have advised us; And, finally, as a dual citizen, Julia will have more options for her future healthcare. Leaving France before we become french will take these future options off the table.
Please join us as we follow Jesus through this change of plans. The naturalisation process could take 1-2 more years. We know there is still a lot to do in France and are asking the Lord to continue using us locally in Bayonne and nationally until He sees fit to move us.
Thankful for you as we follow Him!
Sara, Steve, Annie and Julia
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