Thanks for the encouragement, Write a Congressman

It has really been incredible, the amount of encouragement and support we have gotten over these past two days. So many calls and emails expressing sadness for the way things turned out, while at the same time echoing the reassurance that God's plans were not thwarted.

Many have visited the blog, and I would encourage you to continue. Please sign in even if you do not comment, but please, by all means, let us hear your thoughts.

I have been in correspondence with John Bucchi of Advancing Native Missions over the past two days via email and telephone regarding any effects this might have on our passports and travel status. As far as we can tell, and according to what we were told while detained, there will be no negative consequences of this denial for future trips. We were assured that it was not, "deportation", simply denial to enter. We should not be on any blacklists and hopefully it will not cause any "flagging" in the future.

I have had reports of some of our parents writing and emailing congressmen, informing them of our situation. I think that if done with the proper attitude and with due respect, this could certainly bring about an awareness that could get some things changed. If you are so inclined, I would encourage you to do the same. Locally, two men I know would be interested are Louie Gomhert and Bryan Hughes. We had guys on the trip from all over the state and I would encourage you to help us make sure government officials from all those areas are aware of the difficulties we faced. If nothing else, just contact them and refer them to the blog.

Mr. Bucchi actually suggested that we look into trying to go back next week. That would be great but I had packed the summer schedule around this trip so tightly that I just can't pull it off. We are looking into July and early August to see if there would be any opportunity at all. It may just have to wait till next year, or at least till after the Stagg Bowl in December. You know, the Stagg Bowl, the Div. III National Championship game. We'll see, you just never know!

God bless and Go Tigers!!