From the beginning

So here is a breakdown of how things have gone so far.

I started going to Ecuador when I was in 7th grade. Luis and I met while I was on a mission trip working at his home church in late June and early July of 2005. We started "dating" in September, but the relationship was difficult being so far away and only talking online and seeing each other for two weeks of the year. But we made it through and on July 2, 2007 we got engaged.

When I was in Ecuador this summer, Luis and I went to the U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil, on July 3, where I was able to get a notarized document, for $30 that proved that I was not married to anyone. From there were married, on Friday, July 4, 2008. We have some friends who have done a lot of the process already and when we were at the consulate they gave us a paper listing all of the things that we need to get done before we begin the process. Before I left we spent over $300 and many hours of travel time getting documents, having them stamped and notarized according to procedure.

Now that I am in the states, I have contacted Senator Olympia Snowe's office for guidance. They helped me in the past to get my passport in a hurry so that I could go on the mission trip to Ecuador, and agreed to help however they can now. We were told that the first thing that we needed to do was get our marriage license translated and notarized. My friend helped me find an agency online, which is recognized by the department of homeland security, Worldaccess Translations, who would do it for $40. Well that was money I didn't have so it would have to wait. I also decided that it would be a good idea to get my name changed to my married name on all of my accounts and such so I tried to get a Missouri state ID ($11 that I didn't have) and that was also full of issues- problems with my birth certificate, etc. - but I finally got that accomplished today. I tried to get my bank account changed, but then I didn't have my marriage license translated yet or my new state ID, and my dad who is also on the account, wasn't with me, yet another road block.

Beyond all that, I need to get a new passport with my married name, so that when Luis comes we can pass through security together, which will cost about $120 altogether. I also need to get the petition filed, in order to get the process started with the government, which will cost $400.

So that is the story so far. I was blessed a few weeks ago with $60 in my mailbox here at school so that took care of my Marriage license translation, which I paid for and faxed today and should receive in the next couple weeks, and the State ID which I was able to get today.

Next I will need to change the name on my bank account and get my passport.

I could use all the prayer I can get, and any advice you might have would be greatly appreciated. I really miss my husband, and I can't just pack up and leave because I am currently still in school working on my Bachelor of Science program in Cross-Cultural Ministry at Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, Missouri. After I graduate in May of 2009, I will be going back to Maine to find a job and begin paying back my loans. I would love to have my husband here soon so that I can have him with me as I work and so that he can meet my family.