do-it-with-ddodsons

[do-it-with-ddodsons]

March..

This month has flown by. The whirlwind of February slowly faded, giving way to a majestic March. Then, on March 4th, I finally received my interview letter. I had been hoping it would come on the first Monday, and when it didn’t, I felt disappointed and tried to let it go.

But when the email finally arrived, I couldn’t contain myself—I shouted from the next room, “Oh my God, oh my God… JOSHHHH!!” He immediately knew what it was. With excitement in his voice, he simply asked, “You got it?” I burst into tears, hugged him tight, and in that moment, we were just so incredibly happy.

Now, we’re just waiting—hopefully only a couple more months. Two or three, that’s the goal

Then came the next step: the medical exam. Everyone says it’s the bigger hurdle—more stressful than the actual interview. That only added to my frustration because, honestly, this one thing could determine whether a couple more months get added to our stay or not.

So, I didn’t waste time. I booked my medical appointment and biometrics all within the same week and arranged some time off work to get it all done. Everything now feels like a countdown—and every detail matters.

I had about two weeks to stay healthy before the medical, so I avoided anything that could make me sick. I’d read so many posts from applicants who were sent for a sputum test (for tuberculosis), even if they were non-smokers and seemed perfectly fine. That’s when my anxiety kicked in. I have the weakest lungs—seriously. As a child, I had multiple bouts of pneumonitis and pneumonia. Even baby powder could trigger an allergic reaction.

So I went into full prep mode. Thankfully, I was breathing in fresh provincial air and ocean breeze, which helped a lot. I drank turmeric tea daily, boosted my immune system, and made sure to take long walks each day. I got all my documents in order and moved forward.

I stayed at Manila Prince Hotel, and honestly, I enjoyed my time there. The accommodation was part of what my husband had paid for earlier, which was a nice touch. I didn’t tell anyone I was going through the process—not even family. Especially not my judgmental side of the family (special mention to them). I just didn’t want anything jinxed. So I kept it all to myself until it was done.

And thankfully—my prayers were answered. My lungs were clear. I cried after the first day and again on the second, when I received multiple vaccines. But those tears were full of relief and happiness. I told my husband, and of course, he was over the moon.

Now I have about 20 days left before my interview—the final step. And every time I’m reminded that I’m healthy, I cry all over again, like a baby, and wrap my arms around my husband. It’s been a journey.

Exhausted but worth it.

Another blessing I think I can count is the job offer I received recently—though it’s for a completely different line of work than what I’m used to. I’m still unsure if I should move forward with it. It took the employer quite some time to finalize everything (I get it, he was busy), but maybe it was also partly on me—I hesitated and took a while to actually sign the contract.

Now I’m sitting in this space of uncertainty, wondering if it’s still meant for me, or if it was just a passing opportunity. Either way, I’m still grateful. A door opened, and that alone already felt like a sign of better days ahead.

This month’s been so full of tension and waiting that, naturally, intimacy took a bit of a backseat. There was less connection in the bedroom, but I completely understand why. The stress, the pressure, the constant mental load—it all adds up. We were both just trying to get through each day, holding it together. And honestly, just having each other to lean on was enough. We knew this was temporary.

One last step and we are all set. I am happy that everything is coming together..and looking forward to greater things ahead. Me, Josh and Bailey and pur future kid(s).

"I am fully prepared and calm for my US spousal visa interview. The consul will be understanding and will not ask about the last time I was with my husband. My interview will be short, straightforward, and successful. I receive my visa approval effortlessly!"