Everything will be okay...

What's the worst that could happen?

Today I called the NVC. Remember, I had to wait 8 weeks to do this-supposedly people hear something in that amount of time and they don't want people to bother them too much. I wasn't going to call until the official 8 weeks (yep, I'm a rule follower) but George talked to the embassy in Ghana today (finally!) and they said they don't have his paperwork. So I decided to call a day early and figure out what was going on. I always like to think of the worst case scenario when things look bad so I can prepare myself and put things into perspective. I couldn't come up with a worst case for my call today but given the information we had, I didn't think it would be too bad and I didn't think anything would make me cry. I was wrong on both accounts.

The short of it is that George's paperwork is not lost and we are not getting an interview soon. All interviews for the month of June are taken. We will find out in a few weeks if he was lucky enough to get an interview in July, if not, it will be even later. To understand better, keep reading.

Remember back in the day when TV shows and movies often poked fun at bi-national couples getting married and their immigration and green card process? They often referred to INS. Well, INS no longer exists and we now have USCIS and the NVC. In the switch there has been much confusion and a mix of old policies and new policies and often both sides are giving different information. Throw in more confusion and extra policies every time an international terrorist thinks of doing anything to the USA and that's about what we're dealing with. That's why we thought our paperwork was lost in the first place. We were told on some form that after our case was approved, it would be sent to the correct embassy and get an interview as soon as possible. The truth is that the paperwork stays with the NVC and the second week of each month interviews are scheduled for the following month. Once an interview is scheduled, then the paperwork goes to the correct embassy. The other thing we have been told is that both of us will be notified when he gets an interview, as well as, only he will be notified. I was too emotional to get clarification while on the phone today, so we'll see what happens. The second week of June will be the third round for George to get on the interview roster, hopefully the last.

So what's next? Thankfully the phone lines allowed George and I to speak for a long time after all this mess to figure it out. We will keep waiting. I'm moving on Saturday as planned and will continue to pray my butt off. As for George, since we know he won't be leaving at any moment, he is going to try and find work for the meantime. He is also going to see if he has any connections who could assist in getting him an interview in July.

Please, please pray! This is such a difficult and sad time for us being apart. Please pray that we will rest in God and have patience and peace (this is a very hard one for me!). Please pray that George will get an interview in July (sooner would be great, but I'm not getting my hopes up). Pray that he would find work soon. Pray for the eventual interview, that once we have one everything will go smoothly. Also, typically the deeper into summer we get the higher airfare is. So pray that when the time comes his ticket won't be too high.

Thank you for your support and hopefully there will be a positive update soon.

Long weekend, will there ever be a normal?

Memorial day weekend was pretty nice. My little baby brother (who is way bigger than me) graduated from high school! My brother and sister in-law came into town and I had an incredibly fun lingerie shower with my nearest and dearest...it was pretty great! The weekend was packed with family fun, planning, mess making, great parties, lots of people, shopping, eating, a little bit of drama (bleah!) and exhaustion. I was slightly distracted from immigration, which was so nice and got some encouragement from some sweet family friends at my brother's graduation party.

This week I am preparing for my move on Saturday! I'm going to be moving into "our" apartment and setting things up for George's arrival and our future. Last week I was kind of bummed about it since George won't actually be here and the 'our' has turned into 'mine' but I have faith again that things will happen soon. I am beginning to look forward to making our home in preparation for him and at least this is a step forward! I have been so busy lately and am so tired of being busy, life is just full right now. There is so much upheaval in our lives and the lives of my family members and so many unknowns. I wonder when we will have a "normal" and when we will rest. I hope it's soon, but one thing I do know is that we will be very purposeful with our time management and commitments we make, all this craziness is unavoidable right now and not enjoyable.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the PEACE of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Frustrated

There are no words for my level of frustration as I angrily write this post and contemplate what we can possibly do. George has tried yet again to contact the embassy in Ghana and find out what's going on and if he has an interview. Either they won't answer the phone, the line gets disconnected or the phone systems aren't working at all! I could scream! No one on either side answers e-mails in any sort of timely fashion and I can't talk to anyone until next Friday (if you call before specified time, they tell you to wait until specified time). I hate that we are finally nearly to the end and I am this upset by slow progress...we've come so far! I hate that I'm not more patient. I hate that I'm so angry. I hate that I want to cry everyday. I hate that there is nothing I can do. I hate that my man is so, so far away.

Sorry for the vent, but I think that's what a blog is for.

It doesn't get easier...

We are still waiting for that interview and for a glimmer hope. Being apart does not get easier and we will never get used to it. Everyday seems more difficult than the last. I have to keep reminding myself that we are almost finished and that we will be together regardless of how immigration works out. Hopefully we will have good news soon!

I really, REALLY miss my man!

I waited 2 weeks for that?!?

I finally received a response from the National Visa Center about our case. I have been waiting for a reply for weeks, praying someone can tell us what's going on with our paperwork and have been trying to be patient while not giving up (meaning they have gotten several e-mails from me). Alas, the long awaited reply to this question....a form letter. It's the exact same one I got about 6 weeks ago when the case was first complete. UGGGHHHH!!!

Bridal Shower #2

Another shower! Last night I had another wonderful shower filled with sweet people, great fellowship, encouragement and wonderful things to help George and me set up our home! I had a great time. It is so good for me to be reminded that people care and are praying for us and when I'm encouraged, George is encouraged (and vice-versa). I am so blessed by the sweet ladies who put this together and can't find the right words to say thanks. Thanks Hamiltons and Lisa!!

Lisa always does such beautiful events!

My dress had no shoulders, so we had to figure out a way for me to wear a corsage. :)

Mom, sis in-law and me...having a blast!

My sis in-law (and brother) gave a super thoughtful/creative/fun gift. All the fixings for mimosas (even fresh oranges)! She bought the ice bucket from my registry last year and when George didn't get to come she held onto it because she had faith that he would definitely come! How sweet! I am so blessed by them!

That's my sis Tiffany, she took most of the pics so she isn't in very many. Then sis in-law Kimberly and friend Amanda.

We have pictures of the sweet hostesses but they weren't quite perfect for both ladies in the same pic...so I'll spare them. ;)

And of course, we are STILL praying for some good news and for an interview date SOON!

Faith Like Potatoes, etc...

So I just saw this movie called Faith Like Potatoes. I knew nothing about it, nor had I ever even heard of it, but it was the only good thing RedBox had (Yay $1 movies! Boo tons of bad movies!). Anyway, it was just what I needed to see so I thought I would share. First of all, it's horribly amazing. If you're looking for cinematic excellence, highly developed characters and great acting- this is not the movie for you. However, if you miss Africa (it's not West though) and need encouragement (or I guess if you just like corny stuff) -get this movie! It's based on a true story and it's just sweet and God shows up big...which I always like. :)

As for the point of this blog-we are still waiting on immigration news and to find out where our paperwork is and when an interview might be happening. Is it just me or do I seem to say the same thing all the time? I'm trying to have faith (you know, like potatoes;) and be patient...it's hard! Sometimes I feel like this will never happen, I hope that doesn't sound whiney, because I'm serious and not just a baby. Soon, I keep telling myself, soon...I need a new word, maybe eventually? Nope, I hate that word.

Speaking of words, I have realized that through this process of continued frustration my language has gotten a little out of hand. So, my goal is to eliminate the word "pissed"....as well as a few others by the time George comes. Sometimes I sound like I've been hanging out with a bunch of 5 year olds though, one of my new favorite frustration words is dumb-dumb.

A few days ago I realized I feel truly healthy again, I'm back to 100% and praise God that I'm malaria free!

Tomorrow is my bridal shower with church ladies. I'm so excited! Even though we don't have a date and nothing in our lives seems normal, it's nice to feel like a normal bride for a little while. I am really looking forward to the encouragement of all the sweet ladies who will be there. It's easy sometimes to feel alone in this process and I know I will be reminded that there are many people who love us and care for us and are praying for us. I will try to post pictures a little faster this time.

Bridal Shower

I had my first bridal shower this past Sunday (took me long enough to post about it!) and it was amazing! While obviously, it was nice to get gifts that will help George and I set up our home, the best part truly was the fellowship. I felt so supported, loved and cared for, it was such a blessing!

I'm thankful for George. I am so happy and blessed to have such an amazing man that is worth this horrible wait. There's just not enough time to go on and on about him.

I'm thankful for my family...all of them. I am especially thankful to my mom though. She seems to feel my pain and joy better than anyone else. She is always praying for us, she is my biggest cheerleader and she is a whole lot of fun...seriously, a lot of fun!

I'm thankful for my job. It is great provision, my boss lets me Skype George during the day, and taking care of an adorable baby makes me smile.

I'm thankful for my friends who encourage me. I hope I am being a good friend right back.

I'm thankful for my car.

I'm thankful for my bridal showers and for the sweet people who are helping us set up our home.

I'm thankful that we have a place to live.

I'm thankful for the gym.

I'm thankful for my zebra chair, laughter, bagels, chocolate and so much more!