(Marysol writes) This month we celebrate 2 milestones. First, De Wet’s birthday (picture taken above). Secondly, the finalization of the immigration fiasco: HE IS AN AMERICAN CITIZEN. The stressful, expensive, came-as-a-shock-to-our-lives-in-a-crazy-year, daunting process is FINISHED! He is now a fully naturalized US Citizen, complete with passport and all, also keeping full citizenship to South Africa. We can now come & go internationally without fear of deportation or separation from family. Instead of blowing out candles, he waved his flags this year!

There are no words to describe that peace of mind. We cried in relief and gratitude to God for working this all out over the last 6 months. You would think all the other aspects of our lives have been the most stressful, but to be very candid, this ONE has been what has left us up at night and left me crying in frustration multiple times.

To catch up on this immigration journey read from the beginning here, here, here and here.

Here are some photos and captions from De Wet about the actual citizenship ceremony.

Signing in with the clerk and immigration officer.

Swearing allegiance, saying “I DO”. A very proud day.

This is the judge that swore me in. He made a really epic speech about how now you are fully a citizen and to never be ashamed that you are an immigrant. He was also more than willing to pose for lots of photos.

No “It is Finished” post would be complete without giving credit to a man that God used to help us navigate these waters. We were given false information from various sources in the beginning, many who were ignorant of the clauses in the law that favor religious workers abroad. Some of this information might have had permanent consequences if we followed it.

Our immigration lawyer, Gunner Armstrong, sort of fell into our lap. He gave us a tremendous discount since we were missionaries, and dealt honesty with us. If we could have, we would have paid him alot more for his services and hours of time over a 6 month period.

He answered emails quickly, was honest, coached us through each step, helped us weigh our options, even prayed with us when most stressed over the phone. He specializes in family reunification law. Now that we are fully done with the process, we can wholeheartedly recommend him to you should you need services like his. You can find his information here.

Most of all to God be the glory, He has been faithful. This whole process has reminded us what a huge thing it is that ultimately our citizenship is in heaven.

RELATED POSTS:

Frequently Asked Questions

The challenges of a multi-passport family

Why we moved to South Africa (5 Reasons)

See all Archives...

< PREVIOUS (older posts)                    (newer posts) NEXT >