Home sweet home: an unexpected earlier journey

Hi- dear friends,

I am home! I left home almost 4 days by myself. Finally, I am sitting in the kitchen and brew a pot of mango black tea to sit back and rest a little. I took an unexpected earlier trip this past Sunday to the Twin City.

On Sunday noon, my friend called me and told me if I don't leave right away it will be a problem to leave on Monday as there was a blizzard coming our way. The citizenship interview location got relocated two weeks ago and that made everything harder. I was planning to leave on Monday morning after drop S at school, so she could stay with our friends for a night while I was away. At that time, S was reading her book and I was getting ready to prepare lunch then quickly I went back to the room and start packing what I need for the time being away and S was packing her books away.

The snow started coming rather quick and the wind was picking up the snow dusts.  I dropped S to our friends home then I ventured East 350 miles to the Twin City. On I-29 South, it was almost impossible to see. The visibility was low and I wasn't able to see anything. The white out condition kept through the I-29 south then onto the first 2 hours of I-94 East.  I was tensed and scared! Maybe turn around the car and go back's thoughts came to me. But I knew if I missed the interview I won't be able to reschedule one soon enough.

When I found out the new location for interview. I was upset and worried! The following week, I tried to be calm and plan each day like normal days. S made this {Guild Booklet} for me to encourage me for my interview and trip to the city.  This book has been with me since she delivered to me.  While I was alone in the hotel room.I flipped my {guild booklet} and reminded myself that I can do this! 

After check in the hotel in Twin City, there was a quick though pop in my head, did I turn off the stove?? I wasn't sure if I did or not! I called my colleague who lived closed by us to check the house, if it is still there. The first night was sleepless, what if I didn't turn off the stove? What if it got burn? These two questions were flying in my mind all night long! The next morning, I called my colleague to check the house for me again. The house still there.. I tried to be calm and recall if I'd asked S for any tea or wanted to make coffee. I think no tea and coffee at noon. Then I decided to trust myself not to think more. The road condition in the Twin City was not very good on Monday and I stayed in the hotel room study the civil test. Around noon time, I decided to left the room for some food.  I didn't get enough food for myself, so I ate my dinner at 3p.m. and waited morning to come for my another meal.

The second night wasn't easy as well! Thank to my sister who kept me accompany for most of the part on the phone and told me that I will be fine! Thanks to my friend E text me on the phone.  I got myself all dressed on Tuesday morning at 5a.m. and got some dark coffee. I reviewed the civil questions more and packed my belongs in the car, off I went!

 Arriving at the citizenship center nearly an hour prior the interview. The security told me that I can't enter the building till 8:30. I was sent out for another 30 minutes. The next building has a cafe and I ordered more coffee before my interview. I reviewed more civil questions then I return back to the security check in area and went to the waiting room.  Less than 10 minutes, my name was being called. My shoulder was tense and steps I took was heavy.  Soon enter the interview room and I swore and promise to be true!

 All the process and questions went so quick! I can't really remember what was the first question.  I followed the directions for each steps. All I remember was I said many times of yes, I do! yes, I will. No, I don't. 

Then the interview conductor told me, CONGRATULATION, YOU PASS! 
I look at him and replied.. " I really pass?"
I was send out with a piece of paper  that check on ...

                You passed the tests of English and U.S. history and government 

Below:

               Congratulation! Your application has been recommended for approval.........

I got send back to the same room and waiting for further announcement about Oath ceremony.

While my wait, I couldn't help to text  my friends who have been crossed their fingers and sent good thoughts since the application started.

We had a very simple Oath ceremony and I received my citizenship certificate right away! My whole body was not tense anymore. With two sleepless nights, I wasn't able to drive home that same day. I stayed for extra night to feel better and took the trip back home the next day. 

I miss S so dearly! I wish to call and hug her for the moment of cheers. I had to waited the long distance drive back.  I called her that night and she sounded a bad caught just start on her. I wasn't able to talk much because I had a little mama misses her babe choke.  She was so happy that I pass the interview and can't wait for me to be back.

 As my car slowly pulled into her school pick up drive way.  I saw my pinky girl with all the winter gears on! S saw me as I waited to make the turn. She was jumping and was weaving so hard. As she enter the car, she gave me a super hug and told me, I am so glad you came home!! I really really miss you!

S was excited and was happy to be home! We had a very simple dinner last night together at our small cozy dining table. We talked, talked, talked..... she caught, caught, caught... She was heavily sound in sleep before 8p.m. last night. This morning, she was sounded awful than last night. I asked if she like to stay home for a day. We've spent our quiet time here together. I've catch up some work at home while S is resting in the room. We are ready to have our normal days back!

If you asked me if the stove was ever on.. oh boy!! no!! It was off! Before went pick up S from school. I came home and check on the stove. It was off, but we have had over a foot of snow in front of our door way.   The city got more snow banks.. Snow are new and fresh still.

If you asked me what I had for the first meal being an American Citizen, it was nothing fancy. All I wanted was a hotdog in the bun and some chips!  My second meal was from my friend Beth who made me homemade cheesy potato soup and sandwich. Beth and her family provided a very cozy room for me, so I could rest.  I was out by 9 that night after all the crazy events and drives.

It is a feeling of relief and took another step forward! Yes! I am still exhausted, but I knew you'd wanted to know how did it go!

Cheers to all fellow of Americans... I am proud to be a member of this country~

{Thank you} for your great thoughts and emails.  Sorry, I didn't get to reply all your comments from the last post! I wanted to let you know, {Thank You}!!

We'll be back for the weekending~

xxc