July 31, 2012 was the big day although it was hard to sleep the night before the interview knowing you will be scrutinized the following day specifically with your intentions of visiting one's country. US Embassy has the reputation of denying a lot of applicants even though the applicants have presented much evidence that they are intending to go back after the purpose of their trip. I am so blessed to have a massive of people as intercessors. They are from all over the world! Asia, Europe and America! Friends and families who really care and pray. They are all so supportive and encouraging. Prayer works and God does wonders that we humans can never imagine!
As for my part, I did my best to organize the papers that the consul might ask. I went there very well prepared! I labeled each file to access them quick whenever I will be asked of certain documents. We actually arrived at 5 a.m. since my appointment was at 6:30. I thought there wouldn't be a line that early but I was mistaken. Turned out I was already in the number 20 slot. We finally got in at around 6 and hubby needed to head to the waiting area because I had to deal with the interview by myself. Oh, I mean me, my thousands of angels and of course, God! :)
The interview process has three categories. First one is the screening, second is the acquiring of your biometrics and last is the interview with the consul. Unfortunately, I didn't pass at the screening because my picture didn't meet the required photo specs but I was told not to worry because they have a photo booth just outside the building. I was relieved about the issue but wasn't with the outcome of the photo! I looked totally aghast! Anyway, I went back in and handed the picture and was informed to wait for my number to flash on the screen for my biometrics. I jokingly told the person at the biometrics booth not to be scared with my picture, he smiled and said, you'll do good. I said, thank you. Was that a hint, somehow? I was clueless.
I had to sit and wait again for my number to flash indicating the number of the window that will conduct the interview. I, of course was praying and hoping that I wouldn't faint if I finally get called. As I was fidgeting in my seat I also took the chance of looking around. I saw people with very confident smiles. I thought maybe this is not their first time. Also, there were people who were displaying anxieties.Walking back and forth and blabbing non-stop with other people which I think they just had an acquaintance during the process. And then suddenly I noticed window number 10. She is an American lady. She is also a consul. I can hear her voice from where I was seated. Her questions were logical and practical. The tone of her voice also suggests that she's a hyper person. Seems kind-hearted as well. Most people she interviewed walked away floating in happiness. They were approved. There were only a few denied. So, I talked to God silently. I said, Lord, can you lead me to window 10, please? I think she's the person you would want to interview me. An estimation of maybe five minutes only after I prayed, I saw my number flashed on the board and lo and behold, I was assigned to window number 10! I thought I heard the angels sing, hallelujah! I didn't even know how I made it to the window. God is just amazing! He was next to me when I talked to Him. Like a father leading His child and telling her, okay my child, it's your turn now. Here it is. I was just overwhelmed!
And overwhelmed indeed that I missed the first question asked by the consul. Ha ha ha! I thought she was asking my name while she was actually asking my job and how much I earn a month. God led me through all the questions. I didn't pretend to be someone else. I just answered everything as honestly as I could. Among all the papers I prepared the consul only asked for our marriage contract. She didn't even bother to ask for my in-law's supporting documents. As the interview was going on and while she was tinkering on the computer, I was telling God, go on, tell her to give me the visa now. What is she still doing? Again, after saying that the consul just handed me back the marriage contract and said, alright, wait for your passport after a week. I was stunned to the highest level! Speechless and wasn't able to even lift the paper off the counter. Maybe she noticed it but I didn't care. It was the moment that my total being worshiped God. I am approved! Somehow I managed to say thank you very much and left. While exiting the place I had to call the attention of another attendant to ask her if I just got approved if the consul took my passport. What she said next sounded like a melody.... Yes, unless she asked you to do something else. Otherwise, just wait for your passport with the visa stamped on it. Wait for at least a week. She then finalized it by saying, you passed! I was still shocked but smiling and headed out.
In my mind, I was pondering on how to tell the good news to my hubby, I thought of screaming and running and maybe singing! But I also thought they might apprehend me for making such big scenario. Ha ha! Instead I told him that I didn't make it. A lot of people at the waiting area saw my sad face and hand gesturing that I didn't make it. Hubby started to show assurance that it's okay and that we'll just talk about it on our way home. He was saying, it's alright. Let's go. Let's talk somewhere else. And of course, the sly me just smiled and took it back! I told him, no because I actually made it! Ha ha ha! He hit me in the butt and called me butt-head! Sorry if it sounds offensive but we've gotten accustomed to calling each other that way if we knew that the other one is just trying to be silly. The people seated at the waiting area were laughing so hard. I knew they were happy for us too. Hubby's smile and laughter were priceless. We were in seventh heaven. We were praising God all the way to the exit. Oh, before I forget I pulled another antic just when we were about to go out of the building. I told one of the guards to shake my hand and congratulate me for making it through the interview. He smiled and stretched his hand and said, okay! We all broke to laughter! It was a victorious day! God displayed His power and favor. I am still amazed until now!
I don't credit myself for making it but to God alone all the credits belong! You are awesome, Jesus! :)
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