It's quite often we take advantage of the "normal" things in our lives that are always consistent and seemingly simple. Like waking up every morning nestled into your cacoon of soft warmth, for a job that may not pay you what you're worth but it pays. It's the food that somehow multiplies overnight at your local market that you frequent, always making sure your favorite treats are stocked for your next visit. It's the money, however little or much, that rests in your wallet until you chose to exchange it for something you find worthy. Countless things I forget are such a luxury. But this is not however a reprimand for enjoying the life and privileges we share, this is a celebration of sorts for one particular privilege I have not been able to enjoy until this week.
March 17, 1997 part of my already small family arrived in this beautiful melting pot of the USA. It's been an incredible experience I've loved almost every step of the way. Ive enjoyed living inside this beautiful county but unfortunately have not been able to enjoy leaving and returning to it since that far off day in March. This is not because I never wanted to but rather because of a series of unfortunate events and a clearly incompetent immigration lawyer, that I wasn't legally allowed to exit the country and then return. A little dramatic but almost as though being trapped in a cage surrounded by a forest of trees and other free flying creatures. Trapped.
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> The grueling process of immigration contains mounts of paper work smeared with lawyer jargon and countless fees of amounts best not mentioned. Then there's the waiting and nail biting for the desired "approval" notice that for years seemed to get interrupted or delayed or even lost. 14 years, 6 mo and 2 days later, Craig joined me in the final interview for the application to become a permanent resident in the United States which was finally approved. I am now free to roam the world and return with ease. I'm inclined to book myself on the next flight to anywhere but will refrain and wait our wait until nov when we leave for our long awaited journey. Its still a surreal reality that i don't think will set in until I'm actually on the plane holding a ticket to Sydney Australia.
Australia will be our first of many destinations I can't wait to share with you all! A tentative itinerary will be posted on here next week for any and all of you to take a look at for potential meeting spots along the way. We would love to share this trip with you not only through the blog but also in person when possible. This is an exciting time for both Craig and I and we look forward to having you participate in any way you choose.
PS. More frequent posts to come!
PSS. Please share this blog with anyone you think may be interested.
Cheers and aloha
