Visa Victory!!!

 My one year visa expires May 24.  I was told I could get a 3 month extension on it, but I am never sure about visa related issues here.  I prayed a lot about what God would have me do during the rainy season, (June-September).  For the past 2 years the Lord has taken us away from BYT during that time.  This year I reasoned together with the Lord that if He wanted me to stay in BYT during the rainy season, then He would let me get the 3 month extension.  This would keep me until the end of August.  It would still be raining but I would have to go then, even if I had to walk out.As I stepped into the immigration office in Mae Sot to apply for an extension, the thought crossed my mind to ask about a retirement visa.  As the lady told me what was needed, I decided it could be done.  That day I gathered the bank  statements, the passport copies and had the property owner of the LKY school fill out the required forms.  After 3 days and 3 trips to immigration, presenting more forms and papers each time, high officials approved my retirement visa!!!   I am praising the Lord continually because this is a major victory for my work here in Thailand!  I do not have to go out of the country every 3 months and pay the charge, I only have to go to immigration every 3 months and get my passport stamped for free.  At the end of the year I simply pay 1900 baht and continue for another year!Now we plan to be in BYT for the rainy season!    I am thrilled to think that God wants me with these people during this season when their health needs are the greatest. I must stock up on supplies to last for 3 -4 months of rain.  Blet Jaw will be able to come out routinely on the motorbike with chains, but the truck will be impossible to use during that time.