The Agreement
On May 3, 2013 two weeks before traveling home to USA from Kenya, I said, "I do" to Aldo Onyango before several witnesses in Kisumu at a courthouse. On that day when I agreed to stay committed to him in good times and in bad times, in happy times and in sad times, I had no idea of the future of separation I was agreeing to.
Denied a Visa
Not having anyone in my sphere of influence (at the time) who had been found by her love overseas, I was ignorant to the process it takes to bring a "visitor" to America. See I have traveled the world, 15 countries, and not once was I ever denied a tourist visa into any country of Asia, Africa, Australia or Europe. But my fiancé at the time went for his tourist visa interview and was denied by the American who interviewed him because he had "no assets" in Kenya. They were afraid he would get to America and never return to his home country. I was devastated then but laugh now because they were unaware of the struggle I had to even get Aldo to want to leave the country he had always known to visit a foreign place - even if it was America.
A Long Wait
Within a few days of returning home, I immediately sent a packet of information, spousal visa application and large check to the USCIS. This was nothing like waiting for results from a job or university; I was told I'd hear something between 6 and 12 months. What a range! I mean what am I supposed to do besides twiddle my thumbs, start a book club? Okay I actually did start a book club but seriously after waiting 29 years for a husband, I didn't want to wait another week, nevertheless months.
Focus on the Lord
Micah 7:7 says, "But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me." After that heartbreak at the Embassy in Kenya, something in me still had hope in God. I knew he would save me from this separation. My mama pointed me in the direction of her bookshelf full of, "How to be the perfect Christian Wife" books. Not seriously but I did read nearly all of them. While it has been a challenge, I have taken this time to sit under the wisdom and experience of seasoned wives.
He Inclined to Me
Psalm 40:1 says, "I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry." You know even when I was on my knees and it was only my lips moving with no words coming forth, God heard that cry. He turned my direction and clearly listened to me as I poured out my need before him. I know that every prayer is not answered with a yes but just to know that God cared enough to be a good listener, gives me the peace that surpasses all understanding.
The Decision
So 38 and a half weeks later, I called the USCIS and was told by the representative, "Congratulations. Your case has just been approved." I couldn't scream. I couldn't cry. I just said, "What? Are you serious?"
You know I feel like I just said, "Mother May I" and was told to take 10 giant steps because I am so pumped. Yeah it could be another 3 and a half months before he gets to come here. It could be longer or shorter but I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel now. Some things are worth the wait... or in my case... my husband is worth the wait.
So What Happens Now?
Our approval has been sent to the National Visa Center. The NVC will look over it to assure everything is in place then send word to Aldo in Kenya and me in Kentucky. Aldo will then go for medical visit and then for interview at the Embassy in Nairobi. He will be in a position to receive his visa then get a plane ticket and come to USA. This is not a quick process but it should be quicker than the time we have already spent.
Don't Give Up... Just Hold On...
Pslam 31:14 says, "Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!" This verse is an encouraging verse for all my sisters and brothers out there who are waiting for the Lord to hear their cries. Let your strength be found in Him and trust that He is working it out in his favor. If there is anything I have learned its not to put a time limit on God.
On May 3, 2013 two weeks before traveling home to USA from Kenya, I said, "I do" to Aldo Onyango before several witnesses in Kisumu at a courthouse. On that day when I agreed to stay committed to him in good times and in bad times, in happy times and in sad times, I had no idea of the future of separation I was agreeing to.
Denied a Visa
Not having anyone in my sphere of influence (at the time) who had been found by her love overseas, I was ignorant to the process it takes to bring a "visitor" to America. See I have traveled the world, 15 countries, and not once was I ever denied a tourist visa into any country of Asia, Africa, Australia or Europe. But my fiancé at the time went for his tourist visa interview and was denied by the American who interviewed him because he had "no assets" in Kenya. They were afraid he would get to America and never return to his home country. I was devastated then but laugh now because they were unaware of the struggle I had to even get Aldo to want to leave the country he had always known to visit a foreign place - even if it was America.
A Long Wait
Within a few days of returning home, I immediately sent a packet of information, spousal visa application and large check to the USCIS. This was nothing like waiting for results from a job or university; I was told I'd hear something between 6 and 12 months. What a range! I mean what am I supposed to do besides twiddle my thumbs, start a book club? Okay I actually did start a book club but seriously after waiting 29 years for a husband, I didn't want to wait another week, nevertheless months.
Focus on the Lord
Micah 7:7 says, "But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me." After that heartbreak at the Embassy in Kenya, something in me still had hope in God. I knew he would save me from this separation. My mama pointed me in the direction of her bookshelf full of, "How to be the perfect Christian Wife" books. Not seriously but I did read nearly all of them. While it has been a challenge, I have taken this time to sit under the wisdom and experience of seasoned wives.
He Inclined to Me
Psalm 40:1 says, "I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry." You know even when I was on my knees and it was only my lips moving with no words coming forth, God heard that cry. He turned my direction and clearly listened to me as I poured out my need before him. I know that every prayer is not answered with a yes but just to know that God cared enough to be a good listener, gives me the peace that surpasses all understanding.
The Decision
So 38 and a half weeks later, I called the USCIS and was told by the representative, "Congratulations. Your case has just been approved." I couldn't scream. I couldn't cry. I just said, "What? Are you serious?"
You know I feel like I just said, "Mother May I" and was told to take 10 giant steps because I am so pumped. Yeah it could be another 3 and a half months before he gets to come here. It could be longer or shorter but I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel now. Some things are worth the wait... or in my case... my husband is worth the wait.
So What Happens Now?
Our approval has been sent to the National Visa Center. The NVC will look over it to assure everything is in place then send word to Aldo in Kenya and me in Kentucky. Aldo will then go for medical visit and then for interview at the Embassy in Nairobi. He will be in a position to receive his visa then get a plane ticket and come to USA. This is not a quick process but it should be quicker than the time we have already spent.
Don't Give Up... Just Hold On...
Pslam 31:14 says, "Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!" This verse is an encouraging verse for all my sisters and brothers out there who are waiting for the Lord to hear their cries. Let your strength be found in Him and trust that He is working it out in his favor. If there is anything I have learned its not to put a time limit on God.