Crossroads of our lifes

 
Last week we have received a letter from immigration stating that they have received our case and it is in process.

We were told by our lawyer that the waiting period is about 90 days. I believe what that means is that we are in "line" and in about 90 days it will be our turn to review our case. However, due to some recent changes in how/where immigration is processes cases, we think that it possibly could be sooner then 90 days.

It is so good to know, and also scary that we are finally, after 22 yrs for me and 15 yrs for Troy, are in the place where final decision is going to be made. 

We, as a family, are at the crossroads of our life!

If the waivers are approved I will be issued a visa and we will be able to come HOME!

If the waivers are not approved then we will have to find another place on this planet Earth, and call it home.

There is a lots of uncertainties with that. And in the past there was a lots of fear with that as well. I say in the past, because, through this experience I feel that I have truly learned to trust my Father in Heaven. I could never before say "Thy will be done!"  My mind would say it, by my heart would fail. I wanted  safety and stability for my family. And I felt that in my situation, if I were to say "Thy will be done" those things would be taking away. Well, I got that wrong! How grateful I am for countless miracles that we got to witness. How grateful I am that in my time of weakness, my Father in Heaven, has showed me His love for me and my family. He has in-steal my trust in Him to the degree where I feel at peace in turning my life to Him. No, my faith is not perfect, not at the list of it. But it is so much better, then it was 2 yrs ago, and for that I am grateful!

I am writing this post with a humble and a bit hesitant heart.

Humble, because you, my dear friends, are an amazing people. I look up to you and often ask "what would so and so do/say in this situation?" Thank you, for being Christ-like examples of faith and good works to me.

And hesitant, because I need to ask you something. I hope it is an appropriate request.

This Sunday, is a Fast Sunday. I know that a lot of our family and friends, who read this, are in UT. With recent fires there, I'm sure there is a lots of people who need prayers and fasting. And yet, I would kindly ask of you, who are able, will you please join me and Troy in a fast this Sunday?

We would kindly ask that in your prayers you would ask the Lord that His will, be done, for our family. And what ever the outcome, that we may know with a surety that He will take care of us, as He always had. That what ever the outcome, we will be blessed with peace, and clarity of the path that we should take.

Thank you, dear friends and family. Your prayers are always felt by us. We are grateful for your faith, and your faithfulness  and your kindness to care for us enough to do this. May you be blessed in the way that you and your family stand in need of at this time in your life.

Hugs and kisses

(if you don't know what Fast Sunday is, please feel free to check this link)

Tender Mercies

A while back I heard this wonderful talk, on The Tender Mercies of the Lord. I know many of you remember it as well. The other day my family and I had experience in one of those tender mercies. The Lord is truly aware of our trials, our hopes. I would like to share this with you, and sense I believe all those who are reading my blog knows our family situation, you will see just how remarkable this event is.

For the past 2 years here in the UK, we had elders missionaries in our word, which was wonderful! They were grate, dedicated young men and having them over for diner did wonders for our son Drew. He is hopeful that the Lord will call him to serve in....Russia...that's right...he wants to serve in Russia. He said it will be really cool to be able to know the same language that I know.

As you know missionaries don't stay long in one place and our elders got replaced by fantastic sister missionaries! I was so excited to have sisters in our word, to have them over for diner and have my girls being influenced by their spirit that they bring. It didn't take long for the sisters to learn of our "life saga" and as I drove them home one of the sisters told me that she has a story to share with me. It would be another week before our next diner visit, and I was soooo curios, what story she has to tell?

Here, is her story, as best as I can remember. 

Sister Casasola  was born some where in Mexico. At the age of 4, her parents went through a very nasty divorce resulting in having full custody of her by her father. Her grandparents at that time were already leaving in US and seeing the heart ache that their son went through, and a difficulty in being a single dad to a 4 yr old daughter, they have encouraged him to immigrate to America, which he did.

When she was 10 years old they were introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ and their life has never been the same. Sister Casasola speaks very highly of her father and he seems to be a righteous, loving and hardworking men. She grew up in the home that promoted faith in the Lord and obedience to His teachings.

She spoke of her dreams and aspirations for her life, as a young women. She wanted to go to BUY. As she was gathering all the documents to attend college, she needed her Social Security card. It was at that moment that her whole world as she knew it collapsed. SHE WAS ILLEGAL! Her father has become US citizen long ago, but for some reason he has never filled papers for her, assuming that because she was little she would automatically become US citizen as he became one.

She said that it was a time for her to find exactly what it ment to be "honest with your fellow men". She said she was taught to leave worthy of the Temple recommend and she felt that at 18 she is an adult and is accountable for her own actions in such regards. She decided that in order to be worthy of the Temple blessings she will leave America. She said she doesn't know where she found the strength to do that. To go to a country that she hasn't been in sence 4. She just knew it was an honest thing to do.

When she applied for her visa to come back to the US, it was denied. She was completely devastated. Missing her family and wondering what's next (remember, she is only 18, just graduated from high school, no family or friends and she barely knew Spanish). While in Mexico, she had to take Spanish class to learn to speak and more importantly to read and to write. She moved there when it was hard to find jobs for any locals and yet, she was blessed with one in just 2 weeks being there. She was able to visit her mom and heal that relationship.

She got excepted into University and began to build her NEW dreams. She has found that she always wanted to study abroad, but it is so unlikely. One of the professor at University there has recommended her to the University in Sweden and she got excepted. While in Sweden she had a dream, where she was eating lunch with her dad. She woke up upset wondering when and if it will ever happen. She called her dad, crying and missing her family. Her dad asked her if she believes in miracles? She said she did. He advised her to file for visa AGAIN. She knew her odds, and that she doesn't have job and a student now and besides US did denied it. He again asked her if she believed in miracles and told her to file for visa.

She got a job earned her visa fees (which are very high) and filed it again. She was asked to come in for an interview where she was questioned thoroughly. She remembers being so scared that while waiting for her turn she had to go to the bathroom and put her hands under hot water, they were ice cold. She promised herself that she will be completely honest and let the Lord work His miracle. And He did! Her visa was approved and more then that it is 10 yrs long (which is very rare).She was able to come home and see her family and now serving mission for our Lord, here, in England.

I wish all of you who read this would of felt what I felt when she spoke. When she testified of the power that the Lord has. That if it is His will, nothing will stop Him from performing a miracles.

I felt that our evening with this lovely beacon of light, for that is what I feel when I am around her, was a tender mercies of the Lord. How wonderful that our Father in Heaven knows our worries and sends his angels to comfort us.

"But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender ^cmercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of ^ddeliverance." 1Nephi: 1:20

                    Sister Casasola  and sister Cubova

P.S. Sister Cubova is from Czech Republic, next time we will have to ask her how she joined the church ;)

Happy Valentines!

I woke up this morning with a nice surprise...flowers and soft toy with a card of words of love from my sweet husband.

The part that I love the most is the heart shape stickers that I have been finding all over the house....random places....but places where I felt Troy thought, my eyes would most likely look at. Like tooth brush cupboard, mirror, door nobs in different places, pictures , lotion that I use...I have to say that my favorite so far is trim on my tea cup ;) and surprise inside TP ;) It made me smile.

Thank you honey...I love you very much!

Kids got up to the balloons, cards, a little trinkets and of course chocolate ;)

Drew said, that it feels like Christmas ;) I was happy!

Made some yummy breakfast for me

and mine
kids have been making me cards, for the past hour...I am a lucky girl!!

Happy Valentine to all,

P.S. This is a fantastic talk....worth every minute of listening

Guilt free cheese cake

You can take dessert out of a girl, but you can't take a girl out of a dessert ;)
Today is my day #6 of 100 day challenge of no sugar, flour, soda or processed foods. The first 3 days were hard....but this little number has helped me through, so I thought I would share, it's only fare, right?
You would need:
Milled Flaxseed, Agave Syrup, Blue Berries, Greek fat free yogurt

Now, the picture doesn't do justice to how delicious this really is.
IT DOES taste just like cheesecake.
Here is a little info if you are interested on how good flax seeds are for you. I add it to pancakes, salads, protein shakes and use it as a base for yummy healthy desserts. ;) It tasteless, but benefits are awesome!

Enjoy!

Kairos time begginings

"Kairos time. Kairos is God's time. It's time outside of time. It's metaphysical time. It's those magical moments in which time stands still." This quote came from this post I read the other day. It got me thinking of my Kairos time with kids and family. I have those moments, I believe we all do. So I decided to start my own posts of Kairos time, for they are worth recording.


Kairos time:

I was seating at church today with Drew next to me. He is such a sweet, and tender boy. His body was leaning against mine, resting his head on my chest. My arm embracing him over his back. Ryder came by, stared at us for a minute or so and then rested his little body against mine as well. I looked down at two little heads, stroking their hair, feeling so grateful for having those boys in my life.The time stood still.

Happy 18th Birthday Hailey!

Summer 1997.

Your Dad calls me on the phone: "Hey, she is here. Do you want to meet her?" I get to his house and standing next to the window, in your red and white checker outfit, I see big blue eyes, plump lips and oh, so round cheeks! I'm in love at first sight! Little do I know at that moment that you will become such a huge part of my life.

October 1998.

"Troy, if you are not willing to commit, then I will have to move on" Strange, but it's not the break up with your Dad that is so hard. Its loosing you in the process that is breaking my heart.

April 1999.

"Dad, will you pick me up like a prince does!" It's our wedding day and your face is glowing when your dad grants your wish. Our wedding is a fairytale in your eyes, and I love you in that moment so much!

May 2001.

New beginning. You've become a big sister. And although it takes you 5 min to figure out how it all works out, once you get it you are the best big sister Rylee can ask for.

July 2003.
I love that you were able to be with us at the time when Drew was born. I still see the look on your face as you witnessed that little miracle that just took place. I always felt that experience have created a bond between you and him.

November 2007.
Driving to Disneyland. You are on the back seat between two little ones. Brooklyn starts throwing up ALL OVER YOU and gets panic. I am amazed how calm and collected you are at your young age. Comforting and reassuring her that she is ok. You are not concern about anything but the well being of your little sister. My heart is full of gratitude for you.

Summer 2009.

Being raised of different faith, you are putting your trust in our hands and go to Young Women's Camp. Four days later I drive to the canyon for the testimony meeting. I am so nervous. "Will she totally hate me?" And then I see you in a distance with other girls. Dirty face, messy hair, BIG smile on your face. "She is a trooper", I say.

Summer 2010.

London, England! You walk through the door with tears on your face and I KNOW in that moment that you are mine and we are yours! OUR FAMILY ONLY COMPLETE WHEN YOU ARE WITH US!

Dear Hailey, I am so grateful that you have come into my life. You have been such a fun and easy girl to love. I feel so blessed for the relationship that you and I have. It's funny, for I often have to remind myself that I am your "mother figure" and not your girlfriend. ;) But I LOVE having you as a girlfriend! ;)

Thank you for being fun, loving, easy going, never complaining, good hearted, level headed, determent, strong young women !

Happy Birthday beautiful girl!

Love you to bits and pieces!

Mom Anya