We are now able to share with everyone the name of our new Chaplain, although with the caveat that it is still subject to obtaining a Visa from the Spanish authorities!
His name is Rev. Dr. Tony Carroll and together with his wife Gisela, they are looking forward to joining us. There is a picture and a short introduction from Tony below and a link to a video that he has recorded for us.
His actual start date is still dependant on getting the appropriate Visa and post-Brexit this is a lot more complicated than it was before as well as a lot more expensive. We have needed to engage a specialist visa/immigration law firm to navigate the process and help with the paperwork of which there is a great deal, much of which needs to be officially translated into Spanish and notarised. In addition, we now believe that we will need to provide private medical insurance for the first year in order to get any visa approved.
We hope that the visa application can be submitted shortly but after that, the consulate then has three months to respond. This puts the expected start date of December at risk, and we are making provision for an Easter start date if this proves necessary. However, we are hoping that Tony and Gisela can come over for about 3 weeks over Christmas & New Year to spend with us and get to know us. More details will be shared as they become available.