A Journey of Love and Resilience: Embracing New Horizons in the United States

Introduction:

In 1992, my husband’s parents made the difficult decision to leave South Africa and pursue a new life in the United States. However, due to his age of 22 and legal adulthood, my husband had to remain in South Africa. Little did we know that this separation would mark the beginning of a challenging journey to reunite our family. Over the course of 12 years, his parents worked tirelessly to navigate the complexities of the immigration system, all while advising us against getting married, fearing it would further delay the process. However, life had unexpected twists in store for us, prompting us to embark on a race against time.

The Struggle for Reunification:

As 2012 approached, the long-awaited green card application began to make progress. At the same time, I was reaching the end of my chemotherapy treatment and preparing for a double mastectomy. If that was not enough, we realise we in fact need to be married before the day of the interview!! That said, with just six weeks remaining until the crucial interview, we faced a daunting array of tasks. These included planning a wedding, obtaining fingerprints, police clearance, and medical clearance, ensuring that my treatments would be successfully concluded before our relocation to the US. This period remains a whirlwind in my memory, with some moments fading into a blur.

New Beginnings:

In 2013, we embarked on a journey to collect our green cards in the United States. Upon our return, we made the bittersweet decision to sell our newly renovated home, including the cherished bar my husband had built, affectionately named “Langs die pad Kroeg.” Settling down in South Florida presented its own set of challenges, as building connections with the locals proved to be more difficult than anticipated. However, fate intervened when I crossed paths with fellow South Africans, leading to the formation of a close-knit group called Saffas Jol South Florida. Through this newfound community, we found solace and support, making the transition to an empty nest far more manageable. Today, we gather monthly to celebrate our shared heritage, forming lifelong friendships.

A Promising Future:

One of our primary motivations for immigrating to the United States was to provide our three boys with a brighter future. We firmly believe that the opportunities and prospects available to them in the US far outweigh those in our homeland. While adapting to a new country and culture has had its fair share of challenges, the hope of a better life for our children continues to fuel our determination.

Love Knows No Boundaries:

Our immigration story mirrors that of many others who face their own unique set of challenges. For instance, my niece initially came to the United States as an au pair but later returned to South Africa. However, the young man she met during her stay followed her back, and after enduring the trials of lockdown together, they decided to tie the knot. They now happily reside in North Dakota, although I cannot fathom how my niece copes with the harsh, cold weather there.

Distance and Loss:

While we have established a new life in the United States, the most heart-wrenching aspect has been the distance that separates us from our loved ones in South Africa. Being unable to be physically present during times of bereavement has been particularly challenging. Most recently, I had to watch from afar as my ex-husband went missing, only to be found a week later and pass away. It has been incredibly difficult for my son to step into the role of next of kin, making important decisions while grappling with family dynamics from another country. The distance amplifies the sorrow and adds an additional layer of complexity to an already challenging situation.

Conclusion:

While adjusting to life in the United States has been a journey filled with both triumphs and hardships, one thing remains certain: we now witness breathtaking pink sunsets, replacing the familiar orange hues of our homeland. Our experience has taught us the power of resilience, love, and the importance of finding a community that supports and uplifts us. Despite the obstacles we face, we remain grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead and maintain hope for a brighter future in our adopted homeland.