Sorry to get your hopes up from the title, we are not off to Manila yet. However good news came in the mail today. The National Visa Center informed us that as of February 10th, they have sent our visa approval on to the US Embassy in Manila. From what I understand, the US Embassy will log this approval in to their database and schedule a medical appointment and interview for Shelby. This takes about six to eight weeks. The visa is issued about 10 days following those appointments. Then we will given our invitation to travel. So the good news is that we could travel in as little as two months. That being said, I looked at the calendar to find that falls very close to Easter. I've been doing some reading on the Philippines and have found that being a predominantly Catholic country, the celebration of Holy Week is huge. I mean REALLY BIG! Everything shuts down and there are festivals, parades, and goings on every day. Therefore realistically, our travel will probably be pushed off until May.
In some ways we are so ready, and in others we are not nearly ready. We have a lot physically to get done to the house in that amount of time. I know my husband is already feeling that pressure. I also know that my life, schedule, and independence will drastically change as well. You easily forget how demanding little ones can be once they are big enough to be on the go with you. And honestly, we don't know how drastically her needs may change our lives. We are still excited but just coveting your prayers... for God's timing, for physical and emotional strength, and for a good transition for our little girl and our whole family. Thank you for all the praying you have already been doing; we've seen God move clearly in this whole process. We can't wait to see what He will continue to do.
1 comment:
Yay! Just a few more steps! Continuing to keep your family in prayer.
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