What began with surrender, uncertainty, and waiting ended in peace, provision, and answered prayer. This reflection is about the final stretch of a journey from the Philippines to Arizona—finding a home, celebrating a wedding, receiving unexpected favor, and seeing how God faithfully carried every step.
In the midst of wedding planning and preparations, Dennis and I found ourselves stepping into another important part of our journey—finding a home where we would begin our life together.
It felt surreal.
I was reminded of a dream I carried in my twenties—to one day become a homemaker. I longed for a space I could call my own, a home I could design, nurture, and fill with warmth and love. And now, that dream was unfolding right before my eyes.
Together, Dennis and I searched for a place that truly felt like us. Since we are both homebodies, we wanted more than just a house—we wanted a home where we could rest, grow, and simply enjoy being together.
After viewing around ten homes, God gently led us to the one.
This was it.
On May 15, 2025, we signed the lease. As we were handed the keys, we stepped into an empty space—full of possibility. It meant starting from scratch: furniture, appliances, décor—everything.
And honestly, it excited me.
We were not just filling a house—we were building a home.
Our first home—a place of new beginnings, answered prayer, and grace in the details.
Every piece we chose, every corner we arranged, reflected the life we were beginning to create together. Alongside wedding preparations, we were also setting up our home—two major milestones happening at the same time.
Yet by God’s grace, with His wisdom and strength, everything came together.
Within a month, our home was ready. And so was our wedding.
Once again, I saw His hand in every detail.
Then came our wedding day.
It was everything we had prayed for—and more.
A joyful glimpse of a day filled with answered prayer, celebration, and grace.
One of the most meaningful moments for me was seeing my 80-year-old father there. Despite the long journey, he made it. Not just him, but all five of my siblings were present. Friends and relatives from the U.S. also came to celebrate with us.
One of the sweetest gifts of that day was being surrounded by family, loved ones, and the joy of shared celebration.
My heart was full.
It was a beautiful day. It was unforgettable. It was… epic.
And in a way only God could orchestrate, I had a cactus-themed wedding—in cactus land. It was such a personal and joyful reminder that God not only meets our needs—He delights in the desires of our hearts.
Ephesians 3:20
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…”
And truly, He did.
After the wedding, a new kind of process began.
I needed to prepare and submit all the legal documents for my change of status in the U.S. Many had warned me that it would be long, complicated, and costly. There were countless forms, detailed requirements, medical exams, biometrics, and layers of documentation to complete.
It was overwhelming.
But I was not alone.
I was deeply grateful for Dennis—his support, his partnership, and his steady presence through it all. He quickly gathered everything needed on his side, and together, we worked through every requirement.
For a month, we focused on completing and submitting everything to USCIS.
Waiting.
There was uncertainty. Questions filled my mind. Would I be approved? Would everything go through?
While waiting, I also applied for a U.S. work and travel permit, hoping to begin the next chapter of my career as soon as possible.
Then, something unexpected happened.
In less than two months, I received my green card—my permanent residency status.
I was speechless. In awe. Overwhelmed with gratitude.
In the midst of all the noise and complexity surrounding government processes, God made a way—smooth, timely, and unmistakably clear.
It was His doing.
The green light was on.
I ended the year 2025 in a way I could have never planned on my own.
Only by Him. Only through Him.
What began with uncertainty, surrender, and letting go… ended in fulfillment, peace, and answered prayers.
It was more than a transition. More than a milestone.
It was truly— a faith adventure.
A Prayer of Surrender and Trust
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being the Author of our lives—the One who sees the beginning and the end, and lovingly leads us in between.
Thank You for Your faithfulness in every step of this journey. For guiding when I could not see clearly, For providing before I even knew what to ask, And for surrounding me with Your peace when my heart was overwhelmed.
Lord, I surrender my plans to You—again and again. Teach me to trust You not only in the big decisions, but in the daily walk. Help me to follow where You lead, even when the path is unfamiliar.
Thank You for the gift of marriage, for our home, and for this new season. May our life together honor You. May our home be a place of love, peace, and Your presence. And may our story always point back to Your goodness and grace.
Lead us, Lord, in every step ahead.
We trust You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.