Well, I finally received my Employment Authorization Card and have applied and received my social security card. This is after 5 years and 3 months after I first started the filing process with immigration. Woohoo!

I've also applied for ChampVA, which covers my medical and prescriptions. I haven't had any healthcare since moving here in 2003. Also, we finally sent in the forms to the VA, specifying me as my husbands wife and dependent. This means a few extra bucks each month for our fixed income, so yay!

I do love this country, but I have to say, the government does what it can to discourage anyone from immigrating here. We've spent over $4000 in filing and lawyer fees over these 5+ years and once I have my green card, I'll be charged another $1000 to become a permanent citizen. It wouldn't be so bad if we weren't on that fixed income.

It seems to be all coming together and falling in place. We've been jerked around for so long and so much, that it's kind of unbelievable that all of this torture might actually come to an end.

Five years and three months. That's how long it's been since I've seen my nieces. They were 3 and 6 when I last saw them and I get asked every time I talk to them on the phone, when are you coming back? Money is an issue when you're talking about flying 4 people, so the idea of them coming here is just too expensive. But if it all works out, I SHOULD be able to surprise the girls and see them in July. The idea of just showing up and not telling them I'm coming to see them.... oh gosh.

I have got to get someone to take pictures of their expressions when they first see me