The way of the world

Celebration when USCIS application
was approved!

It has been said many times, these are strange times. As many of you know, we are in US citizenship process for ZigZag. The first stage has been completed (after over 18 months). The second stage of immigration is still in progress. We saw that with their timeline there was no way we were going to make Easy Teasy’s mid-June surgery date. Through December we were in constant prayer about his citizenship application. Letting the Lord know the desires of our heart.  On the other hand since January we have been constantly working on paperwork in addition to contacting everyone possible (the President, Congressmen, NVC, USCIS, Ombudsmen, etc.) and trying to expedite the process. God has heard an answered our prayers and it seems like everything will come through in time. THEN…

Up until 2 days ago life for us was same old same old. The only difference was keeping up with the world and hearing news from the US. But 2 days ago the President closed the border and shut down our international airport. Then yesterday news came out there is a first case in our country. Honestly, we are not concerned for ourselves. I believe that our family would ride the virus without harm.

ZigZag turned 8!

Fire trucks

Driving cars down rug hills

On the other hand, we are concerned for this country where social distancing is not socially acceptable nor socially possible (most homes have 20 people in them). Like many people here, our house help has type 2 diabeties, so my understanding is that she is immune compromised. Because of a situation El Padre was in, we feel like she shouldn’t come to our home for the next two weeks. She doesn’t understand it. She told me this AM. They say if someone touches something than I touch it I will get the virus and she was laughing as if germs spreading that way was the strangest idea in the world. She concluded, if so, we are doomed. At the same time she was loudly denouncing the sickness in the name of Jesus. We do see strong faith here. At the same time, there is an inkling of belief here that if you have enough faith it will go well and if you don’t have enough faith it will go against you.

At this point we don’t have ability to leave and the US has said leave your country now or maybe you won’t be able to return for an indefinite amount of time. Our boys do have visas from last year that are still valid, but we would really prefer to obtain ZigZag’s immigration visa before returning to the US. Of course, the embassy has closed visa services, but they seem willing to work with us by emergency appointment, if necessary.

So just like so many other people we are in a time of waiting and uncertainty. But our level of uncertainty although unwelcome, if bearable.  We are so very grateful because we still have food to put on the table. We still have work and an income. In our country life is very difficult for those who live day to day for their food. They don’t have tomorrow’s food yet. Tomorrow they will wake up to make the necessary money for tomorrow’s food – then go to the market and buy it. But with so much shut down it is going to be very difficult for people. Please pray with us.

-- La Maestra