Heidi G karlsson

I went swimming the other day. I swim. Not well, but ever improving. Well, it was spring break. Even though it was only 7:30 am on a non-school spring break day, there were these two youngsters paddling back and forth in the fast lane. Anyway, so there I was with my hot goggles and my sweet old swimcap and adorable swimsuit looking all hardcore ready to swim. I stood in the lane and sort of looked at them for a bit. They just lolly-gagged back and forth with those little floatation devices. I jumped in and figured they’d get it pretty quick and get out of my way. I didn’t see them go past me, but I smelled them. I’ve never experienced that before. First him, then her. Two distinct perfume smells. Times like that I roll my eyes and try not to think about what other sweat particles, boogers, and whatever else lands in the water and I thank God for chlorine. What are kids doing up so early on a holiday anyway? Weird. And do you know we are 21 days into the rain and if we go 6 more we b...

It is February 27, 2007. My computer tells me so. And yet again I write from the downstairs of the house in Abbotsford. Canada. Yes. I remain in my home and native land. Here’s the condensed version: In order to work for Pastor Jim I need a US work visa. We decided to apply for a Religious Workers visa – the R1. As a Canadian I can apply for it while going through the border, provided I have the appropriate application and supporting documents. I have tried to do this three times. Each time I have been politely refused and given different reasons for this refusal. Oh that elusive R1 Visa. As we speak, my case is in the midst of a congressional appeal. The congresswoman in Pastor Jim’s riding in Spokane has agreed to appeal on our behalf. Port authorities and people in Washington, DC are considering my case. The outcome isn’t a free Visa (unless something quite strange occurs). This process is simply to clarify and lay out what it is that I specifically need to do in order to work for L...