Things Happen in GOD's Time

Things been sometimes smooth and sometimes rough as we go on with our journey being married and being a family. We never know what lies ahead of us. As like what is going to happen in few months from now. Before jumping on whats gonna happen the soonest, I would like to go on to a little bit detail.

One thing that truly we can say an accomplishment is that, my husband James already got his permanent resident visa here in the Philippines. And we thank GOD so much on that. Finishing the process was full of ups and downs. Sometimes we have different decision that ends up with nothing in good. Several times we went to Cebu Immigration thinking everything was prepared and okay but then in the end of the day nothing good happens because of some new processing requirements. As the night in the hotel, things seems to bitter that time. We can't think good, we both were frustrated and exhausted, trying to figure out how to get the additional requirements.

Although sometimes hope was very little to be notice but we keep the courage and make things as if good. We never waste a time to be able to get the additional requirements. Good thing we have my father in law (Larry Strand) who always there with us every time we need help. He never said "no" although sometimes we feel ashamed because it would be additional work for him aside from his work. He never fail to make us feel his love as a father although we are far from him (He is in America and we are in the Philippines). We feel so blessed to have him as a father. We love him so much!!

Anyways, we got all the things needed for my husband's (James) permanent visa paper. And it got approved and his passport been stamped with permanent visa status. Another good thing, Bureau of Immigration Cebu staff and personnel were nice and good. Thank GOD, one step closer.

Now, since James is done with the process, we are preparing for the things for our two boys to get their temporary resident visa (they all need to go through temporary before having the permanent resident visa). The boys stay here in the Philippines will soon to end. They are given 3 years to stay as a tourist visa. And they are in their 2 years and 9 months stayed already. So we have little time to do the process. 3 months in exact then one more 2 months extension to stay.

Now, the problem is we cannot submit the application in Cebu since I am not the biological mother of the boys. So we were told in the information window in Cebu BI that we need to submit the application in Manila, the main office of Bureau of Immigration. We felt a little bit down, we both prefer Cebu not only that we are already familiar with the area and knows whose person to talk to but also it is closer where we live. We live in the Island of Mindanao. But we have no choice but to follow the instruction.

We gather all the requirements needed. We include all possible extra papers needed encase they will ask. So we went to Manila together with the boys (Xavier and Xylon) on Sunday May 11, 2014. We stayed at Garden City Hotel. In the following day we went to BI main. They gave as form. We filled up the form. It took us time to filled it up because we want it all right and good to go. We submitted it to the person incharge for assessment. All paper requirements was there except that we need a red ribbon/authentication for the boys birth certificate. We were told to go to DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) to get the red ribbon.

So we went to the DFA (it was like 11:00 in the morning). We were shocked to see the long line. But still we don't care, we want it to be done. We were given a form to fill up. After that we fall in line. It took us almost an hour to have our turn. It would have more than that time but the good thing was the guard let me fall in line closer to the window and just let James and the boys have their seat. I don't know why maybe because I am with a foreigner and kids.

Then it was my turn, I gave the paper to the person in the window. I was happy because its my turn. But the happiness within didn't last long when the person said my paper needs to be authenticated first by the US embassy consulate Manila or by the Philippine embassy nearest to the place where the document was originated (which means in the USA which is impossible for us). I so wanna cry. I can feel my eyes was burning, I know anytime tears will come out. I just need to take a deep breath before I need to talk as James sitting looking at me with a facial expression like "What's wrong?".

Form from DFA. He checked what we need to do first!!

So we had an option to go to US embassy for authentication. So we went to the US embassy (Almost 1:00 in the afternoon). We talked to the guard and he said we cannot get inside unless we have the appointment. He gave us a paper for an instructions on how to get an appointment through online. After that we went to eat lunch and went to the hotel to set for an appointment. The earliest available slot was the 21st of May which is 9 days more to wait. So we don't care, as again we want it to be done. So we got the date and printed the Appointment.

US embassy Appointment was set and printed!!

As I read more on to the US embassy site for notarial or authentication, as I want to be aware on what possible requirements do we need to bring with in time. I felt so discouraged when I read that the US embassy will not authenticate documents issued in the United States. My heart was to down. I told James. I cannot hold back but to cry. I don't know if James seen me, as I also feel that he was exhausted and so down to think that all effort we did ends to nothing. We were both silent. The only ones who were chirpy and happy were to two boys (Xavier and Xylon). I looked at them very innocent didn't know what's happening. And it made me cry more. I went to the bathroom, took a bath, to hide my tears and disappointments.

This is what I read in the website of US embassy when it comes to authentication of documents!

Since nothing will gonna happen that day or the following, we talked and came up with a decision to go to somewhere outside the Philippines to spend a night or two. We have no choice but to exit the boys in the country since their paper was the only one to have a problem. Now the problem is I won't be able to go with because I don't have passport. James said it would be more comfortable for me to come with because he cannot look after the two boys alone since he is broke and the boys are so active. But the fact is I won't be to because I don't have the passport.

So we decided to go home. We talked to a travel agent to get an available flight going to Ozamiz. And still no good because all flight is fully book. Even the neighboring cities flight which is near to our place Tangub City was fully book. So we end up getting the flight from Manila to Cebu and then we will just ride a ferry going to Ozamiz.. And the cheapest ticket for all of us was still very expensive flight. Still we have no choice than trying to get cheaper ones which is 4 or 5 days away which means we need to pay for another night in the hotel then the expenses for food, its not wise.

Our ticket booked for Cebu!!

At the night before the flight to Cebu, James asked me how long will I get a passport. I don't know. So I tried to search in the site on the requirements on getting a passport. I just need a renewal since my old passport was in my maiden name still. I checked and I have all the requirements except that Guidance and Counseling Certificate from CFO since my husband is a foreigner. So I told him when we get to Cebu maybe I can attend for a seminar for CFO to get the certificate we need for the passport. And take note we haven't book a ferry ticket yet because the travel agent didn't have access to other ferries aside from 2go which was fully book. We both think that we can get the ticket once we get to Cebu and we are pretty sure that the time of the departure will be at night. So I will have enough time for the CFO seminar.

Early as 3:00 in the morning (May 13, 2014) we went to the Ninoy International Airport Terminal 3, waited for our flight to Cebu. The kids were so good boys they never whine when we woke them up very early. The flight was delayed because of some passenger documents they need. We arrived at Cebu Airport at 7:35 in the morning.

Boarding Pass for Cebu!!

We went straight to the hotel pier cuatro to leave our baggage then start for another thing. We went to SM mall so we can get a ferry ticket but sad to say they don't have access no more to the ferry cokaliong. So we tried to asked the TransAsia but they are fully book. So we rode a taxi going to the main office of the Cokaliong ferry. There we got ticket and James decided to depart on May 16 because he wants me to get the certificate. So if ever we will not get the certificate this day atleast we have enough time to get it. So went back to the hotel then had early lunch so the boys can have a rest as we feel that they are tired.

While the boys were resting, I searched the address of the CFO building in Cebu. I saved in my phone. After a little while we get ready for another thing. We ready the boys and we went to the address of the CFO building, we rode a taxi . The good thing is it was just near to the hotel we are staying. We didn't know. So we went upstair and talked to the guard and inquire the requirements. The guard asked for our marriage certificate(original and photocopy), birth certificate (original and photocopy), valid IDs (old passport, philhealth and BIR id - original and photocopy). He gave me a form to fill up and let me wait for my name to be called.

I was just there to asked for requirements I did not mean to have it process that day since we all were tired and we want to have a little long rest. So I just sit and wait. Waited for 1 and a half hour. Then the guard asked me if I already had a picture taken I said "no". So he talked to the personnel incharged and then the lady called my name and had my picture taken, gave me back all my original documents and told me to prepare 400 pesos for payment. So I payed and I sit back but the guard told me that I will have the seminar on room 1. I was surprised because I thought they would give me a schedule to when I'm going to have the seminar since the slots they had that day was already closed. But I thank GOD for that.

So I went to room 1. There were lots of people there waiting for the seminar. Most were applying for spouses and fiancee visas. Then the guard told us that US and Canada bound transfer to room 3. So we did. Then the we have a lady counselor. She is pretty and young. She was firmed on her word but so nice. Then after the seminar we were asked to went outside the room and wait for our name to be called for one on one interview with the counselor. The seminar took like 3 hours.

While outside I talked to a lady, a spouse going to US. We talked about life and all just to passed time by. I was the last one interviewed. The counselor asked about the previous marriage of my husband. My husband was widowed twice so she asked for death certificate of his wives. She asked picture of us together. She asked for my husband permanent resident card. She asked how many times my husband visit me. The first time we talked each other. When we become boyfriend-girlfriend. She was nice the whole interview. She asked me if we have plans to travel. I said "Yes in Hongkong". Then he told me to submit a photocopy of the permanent resident visa of my husband and death certificate of the previous wives.

I submitted what the counselor asked and then they released the certificate. The counselor smile at me and told me "Goodluck". I was so happy and so relieved. We thank GOD so much on that.

Guidance and Counseling Certificate after CFO Seminar. Excuse my face I was just tired.

In the following day, Xylon's grandmother (she let me called her Mama Becky) called and asked if she can get the boys and let them stay in their house. We said yes. She will going to pick up the boys at the night after her work. And Mama Becky said that we can apply for a passport in Cebu. Our plan was to get the passport in Cagayan de Oro City but since we have plenty of time we will try to get it in Cebu DFA. And so in the afternoon this day we went to DFA at Pacific Mall. We went to the 4th floor and asked to were is the line to get a priority number. There were so many people waiting. The guard asked us from where we at, I said Mindanao. He let as come inside and talk to the person in the information so I will get a number. But the lady incharge said that they are already close. The applications they accept were already more than 500. So she told us to come back tomorrow at 6:30.

 In the following day May 15, 2014 at 6:00 in the morning we went to DFA. Holy molly.... there were already very long line of people who wants to get passport. We don't have choice but to fall in line. At 8:30 the guard started to gave numbers. We waited for 2 and a half hours to get the number. I got the priority number #416. The person told us to come back at 3:00 in the afternoon. James requested if he can have a coffee before we go back to hotel. So he ordered coffee and cold milk for me. After that we went back to the hotel, had breakfast since it was just 9:30 the hotel were still serving.

After 3 hours we went back to DFA. Lunch time. Then the transaction resume at 1:00 pm. Still lots of people were waiting. The number they were calling were still at 250-275. So we waited in the corner. At exactly 3:00 oclock the guard were calling number from 401 to 425. Finally my number was called. I went inside waiting for my turn. Then submitted all the requirements for assessment. Then submitted the paper to window 2 for payment. Then waiting. After 40 minutes I was called then I payed. The guy told me then to go to encoding section. I was happy but then gosh I need to fall in line again. I thought the people who are sitting inside the room was just people waiting but then the line was until outside the room.

So I waited again. After 2 and a half, I finally got inside the room. The another 45 minutes to wait to finally my turn to have a picture taken, signature and finger print. Then the person who took a picture told me to wait in the corner my name will be called. I waited 5 minutes, then the lady called my name and gave me back some of the documents. Then she said you are done. I asked her if there is a way I can just have it delivered because we live in Mindanao. She told me to talk to the LBC inside the other room.

So I went inside and talked to a person incharge. He asked for my receipt, I gave him my receipt and he said they can't deliver my passport because in my receipt it said "Hold". I was worried why it was "Hold" then he asked me where is my old passport.

I gave him my old passport  and he said my passport was not canceled that's why they put "hold" on my receipt. I told him if there's any way I can asked for someone to cancel it. He said only the person who assess my application can cancel it. But the problem was, the person already went home since it was already almost 7:00 in the evening. I asked if I can come back tomorrow to get it canceled they said "YES". The scary thing happened this day was there an earthquake. The building was shaking and I really felt it. It was scary especially we were in the 4th floor. But everything was okay, no damage so far.

So, its Friday. At 10:00 in the morning we went to DFA and  had my old passport to be canceled. It took us 30 minutes to make it done. Then I went to the LBC booth they have inside the DFA office. They took my official receipt of payment for my new passport. I payed 120 pesos. And then he gave me receipt with tracking number.After that we went to SM to have lunch and will see our boys (Xavier and Xylon) because their Auntie Mai will going to bring them in a pizza hut.

Receipt I received from the LBC courier that will deliver my passport at home!!

We get the boys then we let them play and have fun for 2 hours. At 4:00 oclock in the afternoon we went back to the hotel and pack all our things and ready to go to pier 1.

Arrived at Cebu port pier 1 at 4:45 pm. Got into the shuttle cub at 5:50. Get inside the ferry and settled at 6:15.

Cokaliong Ferry ticket going home!!

Arrived at Port Ozamiz at 5:15 in the morning. Home Sweet Home at 7:00 am.

Flying to Hongkong is confirmed. So in GOD's time, we will be flying together. My prayer now is that I wish I can get my passport as soon as possible. GOD will bless us all!! We trust it all to HIM.

And today I tried to cancel the appointment we have to US embassy Manila but I can't get through, it always said "Appointment not found or the information you entered is incorrect". I did it many times making sure information I typed is correct. I keep trying and trying but eventually I gave up.

Message I received every after I cancel our appointment to US embassy Manila!!

We thank GOD so much because although things weren't as what we had planned but things went okay as alright,  GOD made it all favorable to us after all!!

GOD bless us everyone!!   

P.S. Pictures just taken today!!