Did you notice....

Well, a very big HELLO to all of you.  It seems like it has been so long since I have sat down and written anything on this blog.  For those of you who have been reading my pages, I just wanted to take the time to sincerely thank you for taking the time out of your days to venture over to my little blog.  As you guys know, I started this page to share fragments of my life and to talk about the journey that I was on when I was a single woman.  Because I had been single for a long time, I felt like just sharing some of the things that I have been through, and I also wanted to share with you all about experiences that God was growing me through.  

I did not start this blog for financial gain or anything like that.  I just knew that there were many people out in this world, like me who have experienced the growing pains of being a single, Christian woman.  Looking back at older posts, I wish that I would have shared a little bit more about myself, but I am still a very private person, and I always want to be respectful of my family and friends anytime I share my experiences here on this page.  But as I sit here reflecting on all of these things, I will let you know what has been happening in my world since last year. 

Now, before I get started, please allow me to talk about the obvious changes that have happened.  I wanted to change the name of my blog to "Being Mrs. Lee" because I am definitely in a completely different chapter of my life at this moment.  I got married two years ago to the most gracious and patient man that I have ever known.  He is such an amazing human being, and I thank God every day for him.  However, our story is different because I am here in the United States, and he is there in South Korea.  So, we have spent our first two years of marriage not being in the same place at the same time.  

It's so funny when I meet new people and I tell them about how we met each other, they always ask if my husband is in the military.  I always understand why they ask this question, and I always respond with a chuckle and tell them no, my husband is from South Korea.  He was born there and he has lived there his whole life.   

My husband and I both know that being in a long-distance relationship is not easy.  We have known this for quite some time now.  But for those of you that know what this feels like, you know that every moment that you have with that person, is so precious.  The current time in Korea is 14 hours ahead of my time here.  When my husband wakes up in the morning, it is evening time for me and at this time of my day is when we call each other on the phone.  We have visited each other three times out of the eight years that we have been together.  (The last visit was much longer than the first two visits) Yes, I did say eight years. But that is another story for another time...

So last year, two days before Christmas, we filled out our I130 Visa application with USCIS.  And let me tell you all, it has definitely been a journey for us.  I have to be honest with you guys, it has not been any easy thing to do.  Waiting is so hard.  Let me say that again because I don't think heard me the first time...WAITING IS SOOOOOO HARD!!!  I will admit to the fact that it has definitely challenged me, my marriage and my mental health.  It is has taken me a long time to sit here and write about this because quite frankly, I did not even want to talk about it let alone even write about it.  But I want to be really transparent about my feelings now because I know that we are not the only ones that are going through this. 

Every day I feel the effects of me and my husband not being in the same place.  I believe that we both have good and challenging days but that does not mean that things are always easy.  This time of year, when many are celebrating the Holidays, is always our toughest season and we have had our dark days. But I know that through all of this, God is using this 'waiting season' in our lives to help us grow.  This week, I was having a good conversation with a friend of mine at work, and we were just talking about some of the things that have been weighing heavy on our hearts.  She shared a song with me in her office and as I was listening to the lyrics of the song, I was deeply moved.  There was a part in the chorus that really got to me and it was this specific line...

In your darkest hour, I'd light your way  

As the tears welled up in my eyes, it was just the fresh reminder that I needed to hear.  Even in our darkest hour there is someone there who will light our way.  I know who that is and that is God.  I needed to again understand that even in those darkest moments, He is still there and he will guide us through it.  I cannot say it is easy to thank God in the hard times, but I always want to do it.  We have to thank him always, no matter what we are going through.  He is taking me and my husband through this time to help us and for us both to lean on him even more.  We are never going to be exempt from problems, but what God does promise is that he will light our way for us.  

Well, I think that I have said enough for today.  Once again, I thank all of you for listening to what has been on my heart.  I hope that you all are in a good healthy space in your lives.  Take care of yourself and your mental health!!

Remember to always be thankful not just because Thanksgiving is coming.  Be thankful and gracious to those that are around you.

Now, I know that I have said this before, but I promise I will be back...Please stay tuned.