Our visas have been delayed again. Apparently increased pressure at the border due to new presidential policies has bogged down visa officers and they haven't had the manpower to process our application. No joke. Crazy, huh?
The new hopeful date for our visa to be completed is April 4th. They have asked us to hold off setting a move date until the visa has officially been processed. "Finally!" was our mental response as it's been ridiculous to expect us to arbitrarily pick a move date while we're not privy to any information from immigration office as to how our visa is coming along. Once the visa is approved, then we'll have a couple days process at the Mexican consulate here in Portland, then we can be on our way.
We've been joking that it's getting kind of awkward: we've been saying a lot of "goodbyes," Ben's work had a surprise going away party for him, etc...and we're still here. "Goodbye...again...and again....and again."
The movers have came and gone, therefore we are without most of our toys, boys, games, etc. But we really haven't missed it much. There's been a couple moments like, "Where are Josh's ear drops?" Or, "I want my popcorn maker!" Then there was the moment that Josh had a complete meltdown because he couldn't build a trailer with his legos. It will be such a treat to open up our crates in a month or so!
Overall, however, we're feeling really relaxed about the whole situation. A little irritated, but definitely not stressed. We're thankful that we didn't know about the delay back in January or February, or we're sure that they would have wanted Ben to temporarily move to Mexico without his family. We're also thankful that we didn't decide to sell or rent out our home, or else we would have been homeless these past few weeks.
We feel like each day here in Scappoose truly is a gift. Today, I got to mow the lawn (with Josh and his mower along side me) and work in my flower beds., while Ben shot baskets with the big boys. We also had a fire pit and s'mores. These were things that we weren't expecting to be able to do this spring. It was so special.
I wish that I was a really eloquent writer able to better express how we're now feeling about the move, but here's the best I can do: when we were approaching the first move day, we were dragging our feet, looking behind us at what we were leaving, bogged down by the stress and details. There were moments I felt like I could barely breathe. But now, we're ready. We're walking straight ahead, shoulders rolled back, looking the challenge of living in a foreign country straight in the eye. We've been given more time of mental preparation, more language training, bonus time with friends and family, and blessed time at home. Whenever it is, bring on Mexico!
Fort is all done and the boys are loving playing in it (Sam, Josh, Seth)
I get to see the daffodils!
These are some of my hellebores. I love these flowers. They are the first blooms of the year to emerge and are just gorgeous. I'm so thankful I've gotten to see them bloom.
Fire pits and s'mores!
Josh, Sam
Seth
No comments:
Post a Comment