Interview Outcome

What a day!!!  I am so tired, more emotionally than physically, I think.

Anyway, the important news.  I have verbally been given my status of Permanent Resident and I believe your prayers made all the difference, so we thank you. 

The interview itself was horrible.  It didn't last long, but the interviewer was not impressed that I had been out of the country for more than a year and she proceeded to give me a mini lecture and then spent about 30 seconds 'um'ing and 'ah'ing about whether to allow me to return to the States. 

During those seconds (which felt like minutes) I was constantly praying and asking the Lord to let me return.  When she finally told me she would approve my application my whole body relaxed and I let out a huge sigh and thanked her.  But she was quick to inform me that I couldn't return just yet.  First I need to jump through a few more hoops (my interpretation of her words ;)


I need to obtain and fill out a whole bunch of paperwork, along with a police background check and a medical.  I have already begun working on my list and have my medical scheduled for the 11 August (for which I have to return to London).  Once all my paperwork is done (including the medical) then I have to return to London again for yet another interview.  If everything is in order then I should receive my visa, but if anything is wrong then my application could still be denied. 

 So, in short, I think we have jumped the biggest hurdle, but we are not out of the woods yet.  Therefore we would appreciate your continued prayers for this situation. 

Tonight I will sleep well,  thankful to my Heavenly Father for His kindness to us and for the many friends and family who have been praying for us, but I have to admit my heart is still heavy. I miss my husband and my boys and I struggle with not knowing when we will be together again.

Michelle

The Interview - 11am Tuesday (UK Time)

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is a big day here as I will be traveling to London to have my interview at the American Embassy and the outcome of the interview will determine when (and maybe even if ...) I am allowed to return to America as a Permanent Resident.


I have been asked how we have found ourselves in this position as I first received my 'Green card' (which by the way is not green at all!!) aka Permanent Resident Visa over 15 years ago.  Doesn't 'permanent' mean just that - forever!?   We would have thought so too, but we found out just before we left the States that if you are gone from the Country for any period over 1 year then you loose your right to automatically reenter.  Instead we have to ask for permission for me to return, proving that when I left I wasn't abandoning America and that I still have ties there.


In theory this interview should be straight forward.  We kept a bank account in the US while we were gone and retained membership and support of our local church yet, I have to admit I am nervous.  Nervous because we are dealing with governments and someone else is making the decision as to whether I can return and if so when.  Nervous because I want desperately to be with my husband and sons again (we have now been separated for 5 long weeks).


I often have to remind myself of the truth.  That God is in control of all.  That nothing is outside His sovereignty and control.   But I still find the butterflies creeping back in my stomach.


Please pray with us that the Lord will grant us favor tomorrow.  That I will be able to leave the US Embassy with clearance to return and that the Northcutts will be reunited soon.


Please also remember Jeremiah, Deanna, Elaina and Naomi in your prayers tomorrow as they are a little concerned about letting me out of their sight.   I think because their Dad has been gone so long they are concerned about something happening to me.  Elaina even offered to come to London with me in case I get lost in a crowd ?!!

Thank you ... and I promise to put a post up tomorrow evening (UK time) to let you know how things went.