The year 2013 is a bit bitter-sweet for us. It is always present in life the ups and downs, but we are thankful that through it all we keep our spirit strong to face it all and here we are, welcoming a new year and a new beginning of another amazing and colorful year.
Remembering all the panicking moments we had.
May 2013. When James broke his ankle. We went to have an xray of his foot and the doctor said he needs surgery. We were worried because we don't have much trust of the doctor here specially in our place. My husband was in so much pain for like 3 weeks. Seeing him in the situation was like a stab on me. And because our budget was so tight that time so it ended up that we visited a massage therapy dude (hilot guy in the philippines). And slowly James ankle put back in its place. We had like 4 times to do massage.
June 2013. When we applied for the amendment of James Permanent Visa, during the application it wasn't accepted because the immigration put additional requirements which we didn't knew. We needed to submit NBI clearance for him and a police clearance from his home country. Getting the NBI clearance for him in the Philippines was not easy because we needed to travel all the way to Manila because NBI branches nearest our place won't release a clearance for foreigners. They always refer it to the Main Office. So we went to Manila apply for the NBI and the worst was it won't be release at the same time but after 2-3 weeks. So James traveled with my father after 3 weeks and in GOD's grace he got it. So now, getting the police clearance from his country, I did a lot of research on how the process to obtain one. We did all the paper required and sent it via DHL. The good thing Daddy Larry (Thank you so much Dad) got a copy of his police clearance so we got a copy earlier than we expected. We still received the reply from FBI (USA) after like 3 months. And this time we already submitted the application in Immigration Cebu.
September 2013. James application was sent back to Cebu from Manila office and was not approved yet because of the signature lacking. The lawyer during the interview forgot to put a date on the paper. So we needed to hang in and wait again for another months.
Remembering all the sweet moments we had.
January 2013, was our first anniversary being a husband and a wife. And for me being a mother as well. There was so much changes in my life from being a simple office worker and a cultural dancer. There were lots of adjustments. Dividing my time for my husband and for my kids. But I will say I am proud of myself...well GOD made me proud of myself because I did it all...say its "a good job".
May 2013, when I passed the Civil Service Examination. I really believe the saying "You reap what you sow". I remember the hard times we had. James trying to be a father and a mother this time. After my work during weekends I can't stay home because I needed to go to school for a review. And James and my family was very supportive. And I did all extra possible things to learn and study. And YES I passed. And thank GOD.
June 2013, finally my "once a dream" dream come true. I was transferred and hired as a teacher in a college school. And I pretty much love the job. Although I missed my work and my workmates but the resent job I have is I am happy and content. :). Another thing happened this month was we were able to visit xylon's Family in Cebu again. We got the chance to visit his Mommy Angel Maria for the second time. It was a fun and another memorable moments. Full of emotions and happiness. Thanks be to GOD.
August 2013, we moved to our own house. Another adjustments since I never been away from home with my parents and other siblings. But oh well, I am married its interesting to discover life just with your own family. We are establishing our own life and family here. And so far, I love it.
November 2013, James permanent Resident Visa here in the Philippines was finally approved. It was a very happy moments receiving the good news. Finally all the effort was paid off and its one step closer.
December 2013, James received his Permanent Resident Visa I-card. And now its time to work for our boys visa as well. Another thing Xylon's grandma Becky also visited the boys in our house. And the boys got the chance to spend time with their grandma. It made our year-end very fulfilling.
The year is quiet interesting and a bit thrilling. But we face it all with faith in GOD Jesus and believe that HE won't let us down. GOD is truly amazing and always been with us through the whole year.
The first and above all, we thank the HOLY one above that continue to guide us and look at us in every step of the way. We are nothing and will be completely lost without HIM. We "thank you all" for all the people that GOD sends on our way as an instrument to do HIS WILL for us. For our family and friends here in the Philippines and the US, a very very BIG thank you. The thankfulness we felt cannot be expressed into words but truly in our hearts "THANK YOU".
Now a sweet ending 2013 and an amazing a promising beginning of 2014!!
GOD bless us all!!!
