We are such *kindred spirits* (I loved her way before James had ever even *met* her, I did ;o) that I know that dear Aslaug will not mind (one teeny-weeny-tiny bit) me swooping on her post from her blog, and sharing their joy here--straight from "the horse's" mouth :o) She hasn't been here, in the US, for nearly a year (and a year's a long time when you're in love, is it not?), and we have missed her so much.
As she shares in her post, the wait isn't entirely over yet, *but* this is the big news that they have been waiting for, and the beginning of, the end and a whole new beginning.
Many, many thanks to all of you that prayed for and encouraged them, during this long time of waiting for the visa to come through. It was, and is, kind of you to care.
lovingly, Jewels
|
No, we didn't have a baby, (this is my adorable little cousin, about ten days old in this photo) * Yes, WE GOT THE VISA!!! * DID ANYONE MISS THAT?? * * * We Got The Visa!!! Not that this means the waiting is over. We still have to wait for it to be sent to the NVC and for them to send it to the Embassy and for the Embassy to send me a big heavy letter with information I'll have to get appointments and tests done, I have to contact the Embassy, they have to schedule an interview, I have to go to the interview, and THEN, we're ALMOST THERE.... * * But who cares about all that? I'm SO SO SO EXCITED at the thought of being there *soon*. * The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psalm 28:7 * It came through on August 17, six months to the day from the application was accepted. However, I wasn't aware of it till last night... Wow, thank you all of you for your prayers, for your sweet, kind notes. I am so very thankful. I'll keep you updated, and Raquel, I WILL tell that story, soon, stay tuned =) =) * åslaug abigail |



Congratulations to both families!!! I know you are so excited. We do not know your family personally but have been following you through life via blog and too, feel like we know you. We have been praying for God's guidance for James and his sweet Aslaug. God is faithful.
Posted by: Trixi | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 08:52 AM
Oh my goodness! How absolutely a *huge* excitement that aslaug's Visa came through!!! I pray the rest of the paperwork happens quickly and her and James are reunited soon. I can't imagine being away from Chris for a whole year...I was miserable when he went to Romania, on a mission trip, for two weeks!
I pray for your family, often and am truly so thankful for each one of you. As you mentioned in your post above, although I don't *know* you all...I truly *feel* as though I do. :)
And...how absolutely wonderful that your parents will be with you, again, soon! Five years is such a long time and I am sure they will just absolutely delight in each of your children, especially getting to know dear Celeisa. (I love how her and my Jaxson are the same age!) :)
I truly wish that I lived near to you all, to visit and laugh, to talk and sing. God has used you, and your family, Jewels over these past few years, to encourage and bless me. Thank you for letting yourself be used!
Sending much love to you and yours...and I pray you have an absolutely wonderful time visiting with your parents! :)
Posted by: Katy | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 09:27 AM
Dear Jewels,
Congratulations on soon getting a new daughter-in-love and many fond thoughts and wishes toward their happy upcoming nuptials.
Prayers for you during this time, hoping for your sake (and all concerned) it will soon pass.
Sarah
Posted by: sarahovertherainbow | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 09:43 AM
How exciting...a soon coming wedding to celebrate!! Blessings to all of you and may their happiness last for ever!! Blessings to you too, Jewels, during this time that is difficult for you. I well understand. Sometimes things are too difficult to put on paper, or a blog!!
Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 10:20 AM
Dearest Jewels, I am so happy for everyone, especially the loving-couple. Things are moving along at God's pace. I am so happy that your family is sharing this story with us.
How wonderful that your parents are visiting! I cherish the memories of my own, dear parents driving 500 plus miles to see us every year. Oh, how I miss them. They were married 67 years when The Lord called them home, within five months of one another.
I am sending prayers up for you in your time of need. May The Lord hold you close to His heart. Yours, Rosemary
Posted by: Rosemary | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 10:21 AM
I'm so happy for åslaug and James ~ young love is very sweet and special. :-)
I'm so glad that you were able to follow you posts of sorrow with one of such happy news.
I will gladly remember you in prayer-for I know that He is able in all things to take care of you-no matter what the need is. Such a comfort that gives!
Do enjoy your time with your parents--five years is a very long time! It's been two since I last saw my own mother (my father died when I was 17) and I miss her greatly~so I can imagine how you are feeling.
Posted by: Michelle | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 10:30 AM
You're right, she doesn't mind one teeny-weeny-tiny bit!! Your birth-metaphor was a good one. It's not over yet, but it will be soon =) =)
Love you all so much, say hi to grandma and grandpa, tell them I wish I was there to meet them too!
åslaug
Posted by: åslaug abigail | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 10:30 AM
as i told aslaug yesterday, i am so happy for them, for you all and will continue to keep aslaug and james in my prayers.
i will add you as well, dear jewels.
have a wonderful time with your parents.
Posted by: amy | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 11:11 AM
How wonderful for everyone! Jewels, you are often in my thoughts and prayers feeling bonded in hearts if not location. :) "Kindred Spirits aren't as rare as I once thought!" And I am so glad. Your list of blogs friends comes right out on my own reader/list.
And here we are again, awaiting the arrival of our next little blessing almost three years to the day of his or her big brother.
Posted by: Kimberly | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 11:20 AM
Hurray! Answers to Prayer! I have read her blog for a long time now, though she hasn't been posting recently....I am so happy for her and James.
And for you all, as I know there is great love all around through the family!
Posted by: Deanna | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 11:46 AM
Happy to hear the visa has come through.What a wonderful time for your family and lovely that your parents are visiting.
Would love to to pray for you Jewels. Warm Regards, Angela
Posted by: Angela | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 11:57 AM
Dearest Jewels,
My heart is full of joy for your James and his Aslaug! Also for you and your husband, and the entire family.
Soon, very soon, another wondrous addition to your lovely family, and a blessed beginning to another branch of your family tree.
What ever you have been going through sweet Jewels, as mentioned before, you have been, and shall continue to remain in my prayers.
God will and is bringing you through this victoriously. Yet, I shall double my prayers, and my loving efforts to touch God's heart, on your behalf. May His mercy, grace, and love sustain you through what ever it is. I gladly, shall go to God, and pull on God's heart strings for you, and believe full heartedly for an end to this, and victory over trials.
I am beyond happy for your long overdue visit with your parents. I Know they as well must be thrilled to see you and your family also. For it is never easy for parents to be seperated from their child, or children. It is always as if a portion of one's heart has been removed!
Hug them, kiss them, savor each moment, take many of your lovely photo's, for enjoying at a later time, share meals, tell tails, and just love.
I pray your visit is most blessed with the one's who gave, to us, the world...."Gentle and Lovely...Jewels".
I long to read your heart soon, and enjoy learning of your parents.
Love & Prayers Always,
Ronda
Have A Peachy Keen Day!
Posted by: ronda | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 11:58 AM
Dear Jewels
Praying that you will be carried and sustained by His tender love during this time. May His presence be sweeter than ever to you. Rejoicing too for åslaug and James!
sending love,
Kathie
Posted by: Islandsparrow | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 12:05 PM
Dearest Jewels,
So glad for all the good news! *Ü*
I will pray for you as I do frequently that you will feel God's love and peace as you make your way through this difficult time!
You are thought of and prayed for often...
Have a wonderfully blessed visit with your parents!
Sending hugs!
Posted by: Kelley | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 02:51 PM
Oh what wonderful news, Jewels! I am so happy for James and Auslag.... and so happy for you and your family too. A wedding to plan! And time for family to gather. What could be more wonderful.
It is so lovely to see you posting again. You and your family have been on my mind and in my prayers.
Posted by: Linds | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 03:04 PM
Oh, my sweet friend... that is wonderful news. They seem just perfect for each other.
I continue to keep YOU in my prayers. :)
Your pig,
Posted by: Brenda@Coffeeteabooksandme | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 03:51 PM
Dearest Jewels,
Such exciting news!
Wishing your beautiful family much love and happiness.
May God bless you all.
Melissa
Posted by: vintagerose | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 05:35 PM
I've been praying every day for this miracle to happen. With my brother being a missionary in Indonesia, now for 5 years, I know that this can be a very slow process. May God touch you, Jewels, with a complete healing. I be;lieve in the healing power of our Father, through the blood of His Son, Jesus. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With love to you!
Posted by: Ruth | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 05:41 PM
Hello Jewels,
How lovely to read your exciting post. I feel blessed by every new post you write. You ooze God's love throughyour writings and gently remind me how a Christian wife and mother should live. I pray that your tough times will clear soon and your strength will return quickly. You are so very special and an inspiration to me.
Blessings Gail
Posted by: gail.firenze | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 07:32 PM
I'm so very happy for the entire family. Once these two are reunited, I just know there are going to be smiles all around!
Posted by: Tracy | Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 08:17 PM
Dearest Jewels:
I was so excited when I read the news!!!! Our God is, indeed, faithful to answer prayers. I will be praying for your healing, praying for strength and for grace and mercy to be poured out upon you. Hoping you have a good time with your parents. You have been such a gift to me. Hug everyone for me and know that I am with you in heart, if not in body. But someday . . . .Much love - Raquel xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox XO
Posted by: Raquel | Sunday, August 22, 2010 at 07:08 AM
I've just visited Aslaug's blog to say how happy I am for them both - for all of you. How lovely to have a chance to do the same here too (before the anticipated arrival of this baby [so soon!] leaves me without any time to visit blogs for a while). I know you are so excited. How I hope the rest of the proceedings go smoothly. I will be following and waiting for updates!
Love, Anna
Posted by: Mrs. Anna T | Sunday, August 22, 2010 at 07:42 AM
It's all so sweet, simple, and according to His brilliant plan. She's so delightful and true. What a precious daughter-in-love your are soon to be blessed with.
Posted by: Pom Pom | Sunday, August 22, 2010 at 10:19 AM
Dear Jewels, I was so happy to see new blogs from you and your family! I have missed you!! What wonderful news about Aslaug's visa coming thru. I will be praying that everything else that needs to be done will happen with speed.
I was very sad to read about your potter friend's passing. Death is never easy for us left behind, even if we are christians and know hhe is is now with our dear Lord, Jesus.
How treat it is that your folks are coming for a visit after such a long time! What a blessing. I still miss my parents a lot, and they have been gone 2 & 3 years now. They went to be with the Lord just 9 months apart. Cherish the wonderful time you will have with yours.
My prayers continue to go out for your dear family. A special prayer for you at this difficult time in your life, what ever it my be. I know God is there beside you.
Much Love and Blessings,
Jan in Kansas
Posted by: Jan Richardson | Sunday, August 22, 2010 at 02:32 PM
i am so happy for all of your family, and have been praying for dear Aslaug. God is so wonderfully in tune with our hearts.
Blessings in abundance,
christina
Jesus KNOWS me, this I LOVE.
Posted by: christina | Sunday, August 22, 2010 at 02:49 PM