In my long absence from posting to this blog many things have happened. So many things, that it is difficult to figure out how I’ll be able to put them all into words to post here.
Why so long? I could argue that there just wasn’t any time for it. There were instances when I really wanted to post about issues in Zandy’s immigration process, but I thought it might be bad to write public criticisms about the people and system in place to make her immigration a reality before it was finished. Or you could just say I’ve been lazy. I think they’re all true. But it is a goal to write all the stories dating back to September 2014 to now, if for no other reason than to not leave things so open ended.
Once the backstories are complete, Zandy and I can use this blog from time-to-time to keep her family up-to-date on her adventures living in a new land. Additionally, this blog as a regular fixture may, in a small way, continue help to fulfill Peace Corps’ third goal: “to help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.” In other words, the blog is not finished.
But, before we go back in time to fill in the details on concluding my service in Peace Corps, traveling to America, getting married, finding work, and so on, let’s get to the point of this post and why it is important right now:
It is with much excitement, relief, satisfaction, and happiness that we can announce that Zandy’s application for permanent residence (AKA her green card) has been approved!
It hasn’t been the easiest of tasks to accomplish. It’s not like in the movies, where people just find a cute way to prove they love each other, the tough immigration officer suddenly has a change of heart, everyone melts into a group hug, and the credits roll. Real life includes stacks of forms and financial statements, doctor visits, lawyer consultations, not to mention hefty processing fees. Also contrary to the movies – in our experience – anytime we dealt with anyone from the US government face-to-face, they were pleasant and usually they were honestly helpful.
Zandy got the notice yesterday in the mail, and the card should be delivered to her in the next few weeks. In the meantime, we can hang the notice on the fridge:
WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
This is to notify you that your application for permanent residence has been approved. It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to permanent resident status in the United States.
Everyone else has already been very welcoming of Zandy in the past eight months, but this is the government after all. They always seem to be a little slow to catch up.
Erik's Peace Corps Adventure 