I just received word from the Interior Ministry that our new permanent residence permits have been granted.  Thank all of you for praying for this matter.  A number of things we do will be easier now that we have the permits.

Whenever we have to get new passports, all we need to do is bring $20 and a passport sized picture and fill out a one page form.  That day or the next, they will put a sticker in our new passport.  So long as we abide by the requirements, they cannot deny our request to stay.