With Love

[Ricca711 1]

To the VJ Family,

First, let me say right now, that if I forget anyone in this post, please hold it against my head and not my heart. This has been one emotional yet exciting journey, and although it is far from over, I am just glad we got through the interview. So, now that I have come down off my Visa approval high, and had some sleep, there a few people that I feel compelled to acknowledge with special thanks.

First, Zeenusah. If you don’t already work for USCIS you need to change your profession. Your attention to detail and unrelenting commitment to giving unbiased and solid information is above and beyond reproach. Zee, our paths may never cross, but you will not be forgotten.

Next, Lisa (KNL) you were one of the first people I talked with on the website. You and I shared a lot of personal stories as well as cheering one another on to what are now successful reunions with our SO’s. I wish you all the best of everything. Let’s keep in touch.

Pushbrk….man…you are another one that should work for USCIS. I could always count on you to give accurate and unwavering advice.

Zainab…we met later in the game, but you kept me from going insane during my meltdown towards the end. Your sense of humor got me through what I thought was going to be a disaster. Thank you for keeping it real!

AsanteMaroon…AKA Superwomen…Go Head Mama! Thank you for coming out of sabbatical with your new hubby when I needed you.

Yoda1165…man you are awesome. I want everyone to know Greg is a praying man and stayed up with me all night Sunday night. I can’t say enough about what you did. I know you sick of me but you are too nice to say it. LOL!!!

I’mMrs.Akindel… another prayer warrior. You are fierce and I know good things will be coming your way very soon.

Quietstorm…you silly!!! (phone call) Get you butt on over to Ghana and get your man.

LovinLiberia, Brownsugarhoney and K&A….you ladies are my cheering section. The text messages and PM’s got me through. Thank you so much.

Last but definitely not least. Omoba & Unononehigher.. My heart broke when I read your stories. I felt so helpless, because I felt there was nothing that I could say that would make either of you feel better or change your situation. So, I will just say this: Omoba I know you have heard a lot of well wishes, advice and encouragement. But I can’t help but feel that you and Stephen’s journey is far from over. And Unononehigher, something tells me that you have got the situation under control!!! You both are at a level that I must admit I do not know if I have reached. I often wondered what I would do if our visa was denied. My first inclination was to just never to post again, because I thought I would be too embarrassed. But you guys have shown me, that even the midst of adversity you continue to help others. Now that’s truly living like Christ.

To the entire VJ family. With your prayers and help my journey is now a reality. We greet people face to face everyday and sometimes not with a smile. Yet, it is amazing how people from different cultures, races, religions and places can come together on a website for a common cause……LOVE. I only ask that God continues to use me in thy service and if this is how He wants me to be used I am right where I need to be.

With the most sincerest respect for each and every one of you,

Erika & Samuel

[Simply_Uno 1]

OMG, Erika;

No one has ever shewn me respect for being who I undeniably am. I am humbled.

I thank God every day for giving me strength to

push (pray. until. something. happens.) on and keeping me in my right mind.

Since my fiasco...ahem marriage, I have had to call on the name of JESUS more than once.

I am not bitter, I refuse to play the "he scammed me card, and I know that the battle is not mine.

I must admit, I was personally embarrassed, ashamed, and jealous of the progress you guys were making, but I had to "come back to the middle."

What God has for me, is for me and nothing that anyone says or does is going to change that.

So me being on a "level" as you say. Thats not my doing, that is He that lives in me.

The only gift I have for anyone is "love" and all I know is how to help others.

And if strangers can take notice, then I must be on the right path.

I am praying for you and Samuel to be united, not just in the physical life but also in the spirtual life. I pray you longevity, peace, understanding and joy beyond joy in your marriagehood. I pray your marriage is an example for all to see and emulate. I pray God Bless you and yours.

UNO

[LovinLiberia 0]

That was so sweet. I'm glad that I could help cheer you on.

[Zee Bee 61]

Erika, you give me too much credit

[Ta Ta 1]

It will be hard to follow behind the eloquent words by Uno.

So I just want to say a simple thank you for your kindness and for your hope that our journey is not over. It may be that God has allowed

mine and Stephen's path to cross for reasons far greater than a visa. I don't know when or where this journey will end and how far

I can carry this dream but I know that God will order my steps. I know that God has refined us during this process and we have become

one step closer to the mold the potter has in mind for us, be it together or not.

I am thankful for having had the opportunity to go to Africa and having been blessed with so many friends along the visa journey. I will never regret that.

I accept God's plan for me. I will be very sad if it is without Stephen but God knows best.

If the Lord will close all doors and for some reason our dream won't manifest then so be it. God is first in my life and may His will be done.

I may be able to give an update some day when I have complete clarity but am now in the trenches dodging bullets...........no weapon formed against me shall prosper ! I am drawing closer to God for now, hiding quietly under His wing and that is the best place for me to be.

I am so happy that you will be reunited soon and wish you a smooth transition into your new life together.

I will look forward to your updates.

God bless.

[K&A 0]

Awwww Ricca that was so sweet!

[Bassi and Zainab 1]

Girl that was sooooo sweet! Imagine I'm crying on VJ and it's not because I miss my sweetie. I'm so happy for you.

[stevi1123 0]

That was so BEAUTIFUL. Thank you for sharing.

[BrownSugarHoney 0]

AWWWWWWWW! Erica! You have been so helpful to me! Again, I am soooo happy for you and Sammie. I have been blessed to find this sight and all the people who have been so willing to share their up's and down's.

I still want to see pics of the wedding!

[I'm Mrs. Akindel 0]

ERRRICCAAA,

You know we all love you back God is still in the blessing business so I credit no one but the Lord for all he has done for me. The Book says The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and I have so much confidence in what the Lord has spoken over our lives. I want you to be and stay encouraged in the Lord. Because with him we know we can win the victory.

much Love and respect,

Sharee Akindele

[Perseverance 1]

this is so heart warming it needs a bump