Hello Family & Friends!
Many people have asked how they can help Oswaldo and I financially with mounting immigration costs, lawyer fees, expenses and fees, and an upcoming wedding that many will not be able to attend. We created this for those who wanted to help and thank you for your support.
For those who don't know, Oswaldo and I's story began in June of 2021 when we were both on vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I was vacationing alone from Seattle, WA and Oswaldo was with friends vacationing from Guadalajara, Mexico. It was an unexpected, chance meeting as we were both staying at the same hotel (RIP Hotel Mercurio). We weren't looking to find someone, but as we talked, got to know each other, and could not stop smiling and laughing, the instant spark and chemistry could not be denied. We became inseparable and didn't want to leave each other! So then began our journey of a long distance relationship going back and forth from Mexico so much so that Guadalajara became a 2nd home to me.
It was during the pandemic, and there were so many challenges to overcome trying to cultivate a relationship across different countries and language barriers, but we could not deny the love we felt and were determined to overcome any obstacles that came our way! After just a few months, we knew that we wanted to spend our lives together, so I proposed to Oswaldo and he said YES! We were ready to build our lives together.
Unbeknownst to us, the immigration process seemed simple at first but quickly escalated into complexity that we could not manage on our own and had to enlist the help of immigation lawyers. In order for us to be together as we dreamed, it has required mountains of paperwork and legal services. There has been a lot of paid paperwork processing (and then resubmitting and paying again), immigration services and agencies, and lawyer fees that have amounted to thousands and thousands of dollars out of pocket. It's quite shocking the costs, the bureaucracy, the hurdles, etc. two people in love from two different countries have to go through in order to be together, but it is what it is, and most importatly it's our love that prevails!
We have made some tough decisions, endured challenges, navigated ups and downs, but we are still fighting our way to be together legally and as many know, we are living in Mexico for the time being as our case is still moving through the system.
In a world that can feel so overwhelming, cherishing love and holding on to hope that love will always find a way inspires us all. Thank you for being a part of our journey and helping to inspire us, so we can then inspire others.
Thank you!
Micah & Oswaldo