Proverbs 13:12

November 16th, 2022

Approved

It is time for an update on my wife’s immigration status.

At some time during the last 24 hours, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a document known as an I-130 approval. This means they have signed off on our application for Rhodah to join me in the United States.

So now she just jumps on a plane, and I meet her in Orlando!

Actually, no.

The case now moves to the National Visa Center at the Department of State, and they arrange for Rhodah to be interviewed in Zambia. Assuming she convinces them she’s not a problem immigrant, she will then be issued a visa, and THEN I will meet her at the airport.

Along the way, I will have to show I can support her.

This process takes a while, but nothing like the 384 days it took for our petition to be approved. Really, we need a little time to get things in order, so the additional delay isn’t a big deal. She has to dispose of her car and whatever possessions she isn’t bringing. We have to make travel arrangements. I have to make any necessary changes here at the house.

I don’t know how many more trips we will take before she arrives here. We are all set to visit Singapore, and there is no point in canceling. We intend to visit Israel, and I would like to take her to Europe, if only to spite the bureaucrats who kept us out this year.

My understanding is that a US green card makes it easier to get tourist visas from other countries, but they have been pretty irrational so far, so one wonders how it will pan out in practice.

We’re not going to keep going to second-tier and third-tier destinations. Not unless God sends us.

It will be very strange being together with Rhodah 24 hours a day. We’ll be able to do normal-life things together all the time. We’ll be able to travel, go to restaurants, shop, look after our properties…no cell phones or email accounts required. We’ll get used to going various places together. We’ll get used to certain meals. We’ll visit the dump as a team.

It will be great not to have to do every little thing for myself as well as looking after another person from thousands of miles away.

When the visa process is over, I will post the news.

16 Responses to “Proverbs 13:12”

  1. Rick C Says:

    Congratulations!

  2. Vlad Says:

    Praise God!

  3. Ruth H Says:

    I’m a woman, so of course I’m so happy for you two I have tears in my eyes.
    Praise God, prayers for quick legalities.

  4. Ed Bonderenka Says:

    Sounds encouraging.

  5. John Bowen Says:

    That is outstanding news!

  6. Aaron's cc: Says:

    Oh frabjous day! Calloo! Callay!

  7. Joe Says:

    Great news!

  8. Steve H. Says:

    Thanks, everyone. I do appreciate it.

    Aaron, I’m just glad I didn’t get futterschlockied.

  9. OdC Says:

    Congratulations!

  10. XC Says:

    Fantastic news. Marriage is good for you.

    -XC

  11. Freddie Says:

    Praying for the best for you both. Love makes the world go round, and life worthwhile.

    Long-time (like, back to the hog site) reader
    Fred

  12. Aaron's cc: Says:

    I had forgotten Futterschlocky.

  13. Oran Woody Says:

    I never enjoyed wedding receptions so I have no idea of why I am smiling at being a part of what must have been the world’s record longest wedding reception. Maybe it is because this one required more dedication and commitment than seems humanly possible.
    Congratulations.

  14. lauraw Says:

    Wonderful news! Best wishes for a life of love, together at last.

  15. Chris Says:

    I’m really happy to hear this, considering what a major hurdle it’s been. Hopefully the rest will go relatively smoothly.

  16. HEATHER P Says:

    Congratulations!! Such wonderful news!