So, here I am now (9/17) adding to this post with the details about today! Our phones have been buzzing off the hook, so I am going to try and finish this as fast as I can. We just got home from Salt Lake City. The swearing in ceremony took place at Rose Wagner Theater. We had no idea what to expect when we got there. By the time we made it this morning, around 9 am, there was already a ton of people in line waiting to get in. The district judge said 170 people swore in today from 39 countries, so it was a pretty full house! The ceremony itself was pretty simple. A local high school choir sang a few songs, a few students gave speeches about the constitution, and there were more remarks by a few other adults about voting and what it means to be a citizen. Then, all the people swearing in today stood up and took the oath. After that, the district judge spoke and I LOVED what he said. My opinion of him may be biased because he threw in a few Harry Potter references throughout the ceremony. :D One thing he said was that he had visited a classroom once and he asked the students to name all the Hogwarts houses. He then asked them to name the 3 branches of government. He said that more people could name the Hogwarts houses than the branches of government. It’s totally okay to know pop culture references, but you should have the equivalent amount of knowledge about your government, if not more!
One thing that was kind of funny, but actually sad when you think about it… Close to the end of the ceremony, they announced that they had a message to show from President Trump. You could hear the groans! The funny thing is, they tried about 5 times, but the video clip never worked! It would have been interesting to hear what he would have said, but we overheard several people say it was a blessing in disguise that we did not. We have prayed for Trump’s heart to be softened so that he would be able to better understand how to help these people who just want to be treated as fairly as everyone else. His administration is making this whole process a lot harder. Just this month, a new law passed that will make things way more stressful. We are SO lucky that we were able to get this all done when we did and we pray daily for the people who are currently still in this mess.
Anyway, at the very end, they gave the newly sworn in citizens a chance to speak. The passed a microphone around and let a few people share their stories. It was so humbling and neat to hear of stories similar to Bruno’s and to hear stories that were completely different! But everyone had the same intentions and love for our country. I realized how many blessings I have been taking for granted! Bruno, of course, did speak and he spoke a lot about his students and his history teaching experience. He got so many compliments and much praise after the ceremony. One new citizen was even a first grade teacher! I just wanted to give her a big hug! Anyway, after the district judge heard Bruno’s story, he announced that he wanted Bruno to hang around afterwards so that he could get his contact info. He said he wanted to come speak in Bruno’s classes! When we met with his secretary afterwards, she said she was really shocked that he was willing to do that because he doesn’t normally do those sorts of things. Bruno also got contact info. from a few other people who wanted to come present to his class.
We noticed that Fox 13 news was in the room during the ceremony, but didn’t think too much of it. As we were walking out to leave, Bruno was asked to do an interview! He might be on TV tonight!! How cool would that be?! We’ll have to watch. Anyway, Bruno’s mom got to be there today and I’m so glad she could! I am forever indebted to her for sacrificing herself all those years ago and for taking a HUGE risk in hopes of providing Bruno (and eventually his sister) a better life. She has been nothing short of successful in how she raised him.
It is insane to think that this day has come and will soon be gone like every other day. So much TIME, energy, MONEY, stress, PRAYER, fasting, & faith has been put towards this dream. And the thing is, even though Bruno has FINALLY made it to the finish line, we are not done. We will help carry the burdens of others’ who are going through this process. We will advocate for a better immigration system. This will always be an issue that is near and dear to our hearts. We have friends who are treading through these high waters right now. They know who they are and I want them to know that we are praying for them, by name, every. single. day. There is a light at the end of the tunnel! If anyone is going through this and needs to talk to someone who has been there -- please reach out!
It’s funny, because Bruno and I were talking about how not much is actually going to change now that he’s a citizen. Obviously, he’ll gain more rights and freedoms, (he already registered to vote), but life will still go on as is. He’ll still be the amazing father and husband that he is. He’ll still be teaching history the same way that he was, and he’ll still serve in his church callings and in his community in the best way that he always has.
Anyway, I’m so grateful for all the love and support we’ve had throughout this entire process. Our families and friends have always been huge blessings. Most importantly, we are grateful for Heavenly Father’s plan and we know this was something we needed to go through. I thank him every day for providing a way for Bruno to get to me. I would not be living the life I’ve always dreamed of without him. If Bruno and I can get through the stress this caused, we can get through anything. I am so proud of us for finally making it to the top.
I’m also grateful for our lawyer. While he was not cheap, he has been extremely crucial in this process. I’m glad there are people out there, like him, who want to help and are making a huge difference in the lives of immigrants.
Last, but not least, I’m grateful that I have the privilege of being a citizen in this amazing country. It was something I took for granted until I met Bruno. We sing the first and last verses of the National Anthem as a school every Friday. Last Friday, I couldn’t even make it through without crying -- knowing what was finally happening today. It’s been a crazy roller coaster, to say the least! If you’ve read this far -- thank you, from the bottom of our hearts! We’ve been so anxious and excited to share our story!
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