'Tis the Season

And the day arrived for our interview - December 3, 2011.  It's been a while since the public rush to "Keep Oli and Jelena in the US," and it has been quiet. We went on about our business, left our home on the market (but it did not sell - so we're still here) and planned to get the girls back in public school. I think I just had enough of business, and needed rest. But, we prepared for this day for many years it seemed, and it was finally here.

We put together a binder of all documents needed, photos, letters many wrote on our behalf, copies of bills, tax records, and many other things necessary.  Our lawyer and his son showed up, along with the news teams to show evidence of our approval. We went into the Immigration Office in Irving, TX and after a short interview we were granted permission to live here for ten years with our permanent residency, with hope to apply for citizenship in three years!!!!! It was nerve-wrecking at first, (I think my sister bit all of her nails and hair ends off) but it was awesome to spend the day with our husbands and our lawyer who worked so hard on our behalf.

The news media team captured the momentous time as we left the immigration building with the kids and lawyers beside us. I felt like the NASA team in the movie "Armageddon" coming off the shuttle. On a much smaller scale, I know, but to me it meant the world. I could not believe it was finally over, and honestly I still cannot get past the idea. Since the decision from the San Antonio official that removed us from the deportation preceding, the extreme push to make our case known significantly slowed down, and especially so after the decision in Virginia that approved our motion to reopen our case. When we for approved for green cards in December, our family and friends were sure it was a done deal and it was certainly no longer a what if - but no way any other way!

We celebrated this day and let our friends know of the great news which we could not wait to get out! The funny thing was, that our actual "green" cards, much like a drivers license card but indeed green, arrived in the mail like a credit card, in a plain white envelope. The amazing thing was that our green card arrived in the mail on Christmas Eve.  It was a long awaited and anticipated present. I thank the LORD for the journey, the favor, and the many friends along the way. Although hard and extremely trying in so many ways, He gave us strength to persevere, and hope for good. I know I cannot explain all that went on personally between Best Friend and me, but all that matters is that we know. We both know Who was in charge beyond doubt. We both know He has good plans for us. We alone know the intimate conversations, prayers, and confessions throughout it all. It was a cleansing period, but a time of growth. Merry Merry Christmas to us!!!