I’m proud to be an American…well almost.

And no, I didn’t say that statement for the reason that you think.

This year, I became a legal permanent resident of the United States. Or, in other words, I FINALLY GOT MY GREEN CARD!!

And I’m still in shock because being able to say that has been over 10 years in the making.

My Immigration Story

I moved to the USA in 2006, and shortly after, I completed my high school education. Then in 2008, I entered college in pursuit of a Business degree, which I completed in 2012.

By the end of 2015, after taking  a year off from school to gain some field experience, I completed my MBA (Masters of Business Administration). I felt like I had finally made it, like things were going to be better but that was not the case. Instead, the beginning of 2016 began with a major setback. In a nutshell, a minor error with my paperwork resulted in job loss and 6 months of staying at home. You can read the full story here.

Nevertheless, by April 2016 I was back on my feet with a newly approved employment authorization card, a new job and a new sense of purpose. Not to mention, I was recently engaged and had to start planning a wedding. However, my newfound sense of freedom was interrupted by one more thing – the United States permanent residency process.

What did that mean?

Well, a variety of things. First and foremost, we needed to hire a lawyer to guide us through the process. Secondly, we had to move up our wedding date so that we could have all of the right paperwork submitted in time for me to get a new employment authorization card plus an approved travel document. These would help me keep the job I’d landed and be able to travel on my honeymoon while I awaited final approval of my permanent residency application.

So bae and I got down to business.

We hired a lawyer, submitted our paperwork, and decided to have two weddings. The first one would be a small and intimate ceremony with close friends and family. The second would be our dream wedding in early 2017.

As we put our plans in motion, it became evident that it wouldn’t be a smooth transition. There were wait times, delays, and financial limitations.  In the end, we had to make some tough choices, including canceling our early 2017 affair.

But God never failed us.

Despite the setbacks, on April 28, 2017, I received a letter with the heading “WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES.” It was the official confirmation that I was here to stay.

Blessings On Blessings

Since that day a lot has changed for bae and I.

Not only did I get my job back but God has also moved so much in our finances.

3 months ago, we could barely pay bills. Today, we are able to pay them! And I truly believe that with hard work and faith, we will be operating out of abundance tomorrow!

But what does this mean for you? 

Just one empowering and encouraging reminder: Don’t underestimate what God is doing in your season of waiting. Delays are not denials.

If you’re anything like me, you cringe at the thought of your plans not working out. Or you get frustrated when the money in the bank doesn’t line up with the dreams you have. Setbacks are like heartbreaks. Delays are like death sentences.

But again, I urge you to remember this.

[bctt tweet=”Don’t underestimate what God is doing in your season of waiting. Delays are not denials.” username=”baydiangirl”]

If God can do it for me, He will do it for you too.

A 4th of July Outfit That Will Empower You

With our newfound progress, bae and I have been looking forward to July 4th because this year it means so much more than hot dogs and barbecues. This year July 4th represents a huge milestone.

It’s a reminder that we are overcomers, that we have made it this far, and yes, that I’m almost American.

We truly hope that our 4th of July outfit reminds you to smile and let everyone know that you’re stronger than you were yesterday. You got this!

[bctt tweet=”I am stronger today than I was yesterday” username=”baydiangirl”]

P.S. Have you already chosen your 4th of July outfit yet? Let me know what you are going to wear in the comments!