The bad news is that Immigration Control would not allow AJ into the country. The nutshell of their reason for refusal was tied to the fact that his recent visa rejection flagged his passport when it was scanned in London and we had not yet purchased him a return ticket. Just doing there job as it were, the immigration agents could not make their decision based on our intentions but on the facts.

 

The fact is that I messed up and didn't anticipate his refused to just visit the country and live with us for a few months. But that's the way the system is in all countries, you have to have proof that you are planning to return to your home country on a certain date or they don't let you in without a visa. I know that now.

 

As you can imagine, this has thrown a wet blanket on our otherwise happy arrival in London. The people have been outstanding; Phil, Jean, and Stephen met us at the airport and helped us with our large assortment of bags, the house is move-in ready (photos next week) with beautiful furniture and a fully stocked cupboard, and the sun has even been shining most of the afternoon.

Our only problem was AJ's entry clearance, but thankfully United Airlines will fly him back to Orlando at no cost to us! Brad Montgomery is picking him up at OIA around midnight and you'll probably see him at church on Sunday. Eventually we'll get him up to Panama City to live with his grandmother, only a little sooner than we planned. None of this means he can never visit us in London, it just means he can't stay an indefinite period of time. We will miss him terribly and we are so very sorry he won't get to experience London with his family until later.

 

Please understand that I am in no way criticizing the British government. The immigration system is there for a very important purpose and we just failed to meet their requirements. We've learned a great deal and in case I need to say it again, "God is good and He's in control!"

Home Telephone Number
We already have a home telephone number in London. You can reach us by dialing 011 44 20 7281 0508, but remember we are 5 hours ahead of you in the Eastern Time Zone, so don't call us late at night!:-)

 

Support Appreciated
We really appreciate your prayer support and gifts to our London ministry. You have been a tremendous blessing to us. If God prompts you to make a donation to our mission fund you can give a designated gift through FBC Clermont at 498 W. Montrose St., Clermont, FL, 34711. Make sure your check is made payable to the church and designated to the Ecker family.