Overdue post 2 ( the judgement day, lol)

 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! :)

Overdue post 1 (before the interview day)

The day before we headed to the Embassy of America we went to Marikina first. We visited one of our dearest friends who we call "nanay ebiang" because she just had a surgery. She was fine and is recovering well. We didn't stay there long because hubby was already very hungry although we usually eat at that friend's house together with her family, my best  friend Chit and her hubby but we opted not to because the host is not in the condition to do so. We didn't want to be a burden as well. So "my handsome" and I ended up at our favorite Italian restaurant in that same city. It's called Cafe Lidia. The manager once again was very nice to us and recognized us as soon as we entered the place. What fascinated me was she still remembered the entree that I usually order. How cool is that? Hubby ordered the house pizza as always and for the first time I ordered coffee. It was much of a delight to my eyes than to my craving because they artistically topped it with a feline character in chocolate syrup. Made me not want to consume it. Ha ha! We could barely move after the sumptuous meal!  We then headed to the mall to check some pair of shoes because the smart me intentionally left a pair at home. Although hubby didn't buy the thought of me really forgetting them. He knew I had something up my sleeves. He just chuckled because we both knew my tactic worked. Got me a pair of new shoes and went back to our hotel. It was a fun day but still I was fidgety for the next day's appointment.

Oh by the way, here's my delightful coffee and hubby's pizza! Yum!

It's around the corner....

and it's giving me the jitters! Although it's going to be a fun weekend filled with different activities. Papers are gathered and some arrived on time. I can't thank my manager and pastor friends enough for all the things they came up with as a support for my big day next week. My students are so high spirited about it,too! Everybody is hoping the best outcome of it. I heard a lot of unsuccessful stories pertaining to this but I know my God is bigger than anything else.  I also believe that if it's His will, nobody and nothing can stop it. 

I love what my student made for me. How can a ten year old be this sweet? I so want to squeeze her. Thank you, Heewon!

Here she is! 

And the card she made for me! 

Although I don't believe in luck because I prefer being blessed, but hey, she's a kid. It's the thought that counts! Isn't it? :) 

Very Unsettling

I have been feeling this for about 4 days now. I have cramps in the lower abdomen and in my lower back. The sensation is like having a monthly visitor but I'm not supposed to have it until the 23rd of this month. It's very unsettling, indeed. I don't know how to sit or position my every move. I hope this gets over soon. It's an agonizing weekend for me but I am still happy that I am alive, however.

Well, I have tons of television shows and movies to watch anyway so I guess I'll just consider this as one of my lazy and tiring days. Got the complete season of Big Bang Theory so I'll just amuse myself with Sheldon Cooper and his gang's antics today. Chop chop, everyone!

Oh, allow me to share the birthday card that "my handsome" made for me. It's a full cast of my favorite TV stars. The card is pretty cool! :)

Later! :)

Phil Keaggy

He is "my handsome's" favorite guitarist. I don't really know him that much but every time I hear him play the guitar and sing it makes me sing along noting that I don't really know the exact lyric of  his songs. Ha ha!  Just in case he gets to read this post, well, he should know he just earned another fan, not a hard core yet but might lead there soon. He he he.

Here's hubby with Phil.

Check him out. See for yourself and enjoy! Be blessed as I am. Title of the song is, True Believers.

Reunions In Heaven

I received a text message just a while ago that a dear mother from the previous church I attended passed away. What got into my mind immediately was that a great reunion was instantaneously happening. A dear sister in Christ had passed away last May,too. I haven't blogged about it because it's not easy to say things or recall memories about how close you were to the person departed. Nevertheless, she was like a younger sister to me. The first person who welcomed me at the church where I used to attend. Her family welcomed me in their household without hesitations. She was very pretty, talented and most of all God fearing. You can always count on her to help you and would go out of her way if she could.

It's nice to think that they are both in heaven now. I wonder what they will talk about. I also wonder how they were welcomed by God. Life is only lived once. Live if it for God. You will never go wrong.

It's not too late to start a relationship with God. Know Him and accept Him as your personal Lord and savior. Knowing and accepting are different ways so accept Him and make Him rule your life.

I challenge you to ask for God's forgiveness and let Him sit in the throne of your heart. Read these verses in the Bible and let them guide you;
John 3:16, Romans 3:23 and Romans 8:28.

To Nanay Mayet, whom I have worked with in God's ministry for many years, enjoy life in heaven. We will miss you and thanks for all the help you've given to me, personally. Cristina or Tetay as I fondly called her, I love you. There is never a day I don't think of you. Thanks for being a wonderful sister and child of God.

Departing life on earth is a grief but knowing one day there's going to be a big reunion with the people we care most is much better to look forward to.

Heaven is God's place for His children's reunion.  Thank you Lord for taking great care of them.


Goodbye for now, Nanay Mayet and Tetay. I will miss you both so much.

THINGS

There are a lot of them to be done! They are driving us crazy but we know all of these will be over soon. Present things are challenging. Past things served as inspirations and teachers. Future things are the ones to be excited about. I can't wait! The Lord knows perfect timings,all the time!

My big day is on the 31st of this month and hopefully will get a positive outcome. It's been almost three years of being married and God has been really blessing me and hubby with so much. Relationships are being reconstructed and families have become closer. Spiritual life is hungrier for God's leading and best of all, God is in control of all THINGS!

God is awesome! :)


Pegs! :)

Taken two weeks ago.

Two nights ago. Cut it myself and had fun. lol.