This is how getting your residency works, they give you a list of requirements that you have to fulfill. For example, you have to hire a lawyer to work your case and then provide immigration with a copy of your passport, background check from the States and from Honduras, a passport sized picture, and some other paperwork. You also have to have a physical and bloodwork done. After all of that is done, they come and do a house visit and make sure it all checks out.
We fulfilled all of their requirements that were on the piece of paper that they gave us but they kept asking for more paperwork that was not on the list of requirements. No matter how many times we fulfilled what they asked us to, there was always more. In the mean time, other people who applied didn't have the same problems and were able to get their residencies.
So unfortunately, there is not much more that we can do. Without residency, I can't buy a vehicle, house, or other important things that I would need to get in the future. I also can't get a Honduran driver's license. Without a Honduran driver's license I can't apply for a Honduran CDL to be able to drive the new van and truck for the teams. As you can see, the doors seem to be closing here and after three years it feels like God is calling me back to the States.
I will be flying back home June 18th. I want to thank you all for your financial and prayerful support that you have provided me these four years and four months. I also want to publicly thank Michael and Glenda Miller for teaching me and guiding me during all of these years. It has been amazing to watch God work and have Him use me here in Honduras. I wouldn't trade these four years for anything. I have had awesome experiences and I have learned a lot.
I pray that even though I will no longer be serving with Border Buddies as a missionary that you would continue to support Border Buddies prayerfully and financially. This ministry is very dear to my heart and is an amazing blessing to the Honduran people. Any support can be mailed to the BBM P.O. box.
Border Buddies Ministries, Inc.
P.O. Box 1254
Elmira, NY 14902
Again, thank you so much for all of your support over these years and I hope to see you all when I get back home.
Blessings to all,
Ben Holton