Living alone...

I could not leave for Seattle together with my friend on July 15 because my passport with the tourist visa had not arrived. The advice said it usually takes at least  10 days for processing and mailing. Today is  the 9th day, and it has not arrived. Hope and pray it will arrive tomorrow, the 10th day.

So for the past six days I have been alone in the apartment. I went out once to the embassy to see my friends there. And every two days, I would throw away the garbage to the bin exclusively for residents of our apartments and then drop by the grocery store nearby. 

I can't say living alone is boring, because I am a homebody. There are always things to do, aside from cleaning the house, washing and ironing clothes. I upload photographs of our travels I took last month to Facebook, or send some to instagram and CNN iReport. 
And of course now I have time to write my blog.

I have resumed reading again, this time a novel by Dag Solstad, reputably Norway's "bravest, most intelligent novelist" entitled 'Professor Andersen's Night'. This was recommended by a journalist-friend. I haven't read any novel in ages...

But living alone is lonesome. At the end of the day I long for someone to talk to, someone I can share my joys and dreams; someone who can advise me whenever I have problems and heartaches. And of course someone to share the pillow with me.

But prayers help me get by. I turn to God as I always do. I pray to Jesus, Mama Mary, St Joseph and all saints who have always helped me. And I read the Bible readings and gospel for the day. 
My faith helps me get through the day.

Thank God! US tourist visa after denials...

Finally, after two or three denials, my application for tourist visa was approved by the US Embassy here in Oslo. I asked friends and family to pray the Lord will grant me this wish. Thank God, Mama Mary and all saints ( can't mention them all here). 

Last Thursday, July 9 was a red letter day. It was actually the 9th day of my novenas to Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, and St. Expeditus. My friend, Merlyn,told me to relax and believe that the visa will be given. And with a lot of confidence and Faith, I relaxed. 

The Consul/ officer who interviewed me was very nice and not intimidating.I think he was in his early 50's. I was prepared to answer questions they usually asked : about my husband ( we are separated in fact), my daughter, and the purpose of my trip. I didn't bring any documents about financial capability like bank accounts, cars, house,etc. If these were to be asked, I had my friend's Affidavit of Support and Employment Contract. 

The last time my application was denied in Athens (2011), the officer could not believe I  was already separated. "Why are you still wearing your wedding ring?" he asked, looking at my accessory ring. I took it off, showed him that it was just one of those accessories I bought for 7 Euros from a Filipino. It was not my wedding ring. That didn't help.

I have always wondered why my visa applications were denied three times when I had been to the US three times - in 1981 (A2 visa), 1994 (B1/B2 visa) and in 2005 (A2 visa). And I would  emphasize that after all these travels to the US, I always returned to the Philippines. I never thought of doing a TNT even when my daughter was already an immigrant, and now a US citizen.   

This time, the Consul just asked me about the purpose of my trip and my relationship with the friend who was inviting me, about my employer (Diplomat) and about my work as the Private Staff. I had a feeling he already studied my application and whatever appeared in my past applications. After interviewing No. 44, I noticed he was reading documents, and I think it took him about 10 minutes or so. Little did I know that I would be his next interviewee at No. 46!

I was anxiously waiting for the verdict. Then he said, with a smile, " Okay, I will give you your visa. But you come back." I almost cried and said, " Yes, yes, I will. God bless you!"

Now I am waiting for the passport with the US visa. Hope and pray it will arrive soon.

God is good. He answers our prayers in His time. Though I have unanswered prayers yet, I believe He knows what is best.