Visa

In case anyone was wondering what our plans are for the next 4 months, let me try to fill you in so you can pray.

Mgcini and I are getting married end of July 2017. Come hell or high water - in Zimbabwe or the USA, it's happening.

The goal is to be married in the US. Short reason for that is simply so he can meet my family in person and we can start our life in a more stable nation.

How we get here is a little complicated. Right now we are in the process of applying for a Fiance visa so that Mgcini can come to the US. We would have to get married within 90 days of his arrival, and then can apply for him to get a green card to stay a few years longer.

We sent in this visa application at the end of December 2016 and expect to hear literally nothing until at least the end of March.

Please pray for us. This is hard. Really hard.

Best case scenario at the end of March we hear the visa petition was accepted and Mgcini can then move on to be interviewed at the embassy. Ideally receiving his visa by the end of April. I will be going to Zimbabwe in May with a team from SBU, will stay a week or so after they leave to have a celebration with Mgcini's family and friends, and then Mgcini and I will fly together to the good old US of A. We meet more family, get married, and live in Bolivar a few years minimum as we work and do school.

Worst case scenario the visa is denied or we hear nothing at all from immigration until after I leave for Zimbabwe this May with a team from SBU... in which case I will be moving to Zimbabwe at that time.

We know that no matter what happens with the visa, it's God's will. This is comforting, but it doesn't fully remove the stress and anxiety of waiting months to hear if our life will be in Missouri or Southern Africa in a few months.

We covet your prayers. Average time to receive this type of visa is 3-5 months. That's what we are praying for. Unfortunately I hear horror stories of people being denied or having to wait 8 or more months to even hear any news.

God is big. I am so thankful for the encouragement Mgcini and I have received from both sides of this planet. We are praying for a miracle and eagerly await to see what God has planned for us.

He's my best friend, and obviously I love him a whole lot. Pray with us as we journey through this season of life. Right now it seems impossibly hard at times, but we can't wait to look back at this and see how God's hand was at work.

Valentine

This is the first ever Valentine's that I've been in a relationship.... and my fiance is approximately 8,800 miles away from me. This has been a great day of reflecting and thankfulness. Allow me to be sappy for a minute so every year Facebook can keep bringing this up for us.

I am so thankful for you, Mgcini. When we first met, you showed your heart through your kindness to me and to others. You became my best friend because I never felt like I had to pretend around you. You let me be myself and we had the best of times. You're one of a few people that I have so much fun with I let all guard down and literally dance, laugh, and sing like no one's watching.

On Valentine's day last year you bought the entire training house chocolate. You went out of your way to make us an amazing breakfast - and lunch - to make sure everyone felt special.

You're genuine. Open. Honest.

Finally one day you told me you liked me. When I told you "sorry, I like you too, but I can't..." you were content to wait a whole year to take the next step.

You never pressure me to do anything. You respect me. Genuinely care about me. You helped me get through tough times last year and you drive me closer to Jesus each day. You are willing to suffer through countless phone calls with a three second delay just to make sure you can hear about my day and tell me you love me, miss me, and think I'm amazing.

So here's an open letter to you, and the world, to make sure everyone knows you are amazing.

When you asked me if I wanted to marry you, it was one of the easiest questions I've ever answered. Your love for the Lord and passion for sticking to the Truth is just one of many things that makes me excited to follow you for the rest of my days. You are an amazing leader. You will be an incredible dad. You fill my heart with joy like no other.

Come what may, we thank God that He has brought us this far and look forward to where He will take us. Thanks for being willing to embark in life as a sojourner with me as we prepare to finally find our home in the arms of Jesus. Love you to the moon and back. ❤

Ladies, let me encourage you that there are some incredible solid men out there. They may be right in front of you, or God may take you on a crazy journey before He plops him in your lap. Just know that God's timing is oh so perfect and He literally always knows best.