Friday, October 17, 2008

The Honeymoon

The morning after the wedding came very EARLY. We woke up tired, but I was so excited! We were on our way to St Thomas! The flight was good, nice and short. We slept most of the time.
Except when I am evil.

He hates when I do that.

We got to our hotel-- the Emerald beach resort and it was just beautiful. We had an AMAZING view.


Okay- now I need to tell you a funny story--well okay I was horrified when it happened, and I still feel embarrassed, but it also makes me laugh. In fact I was talking to Mr. S about it last night. Who would be horrified to know I am telling this story, but it is just too good to keep to myself. When Mr. S and I checked in, we used our American Express. Well they denied the transaction because Amex wanted to make sure no one had made off with our card to a luxury destination to have some fun. Well when we got to our room, I heard the phone ring (the front desk to tell us our card had been denied), but we were out on the balcony so I missed it. So after I am done looking at our perfect view, I go back into to unpack. Mr. S was not having any of that--we are on our honeymoon after all. Meanwhile, since the lady at the front desk didn't reach us by phone, the other worker was checking in someone else. Well since our card had been declined, it kicked us out of the system and put the next guest in our room. These poor unsuspecting people are so happy to have arrived to this beautiful island. I'm sure they were looking forward to getting to their room to unwind and relax. Instead they open their door and what do they see?? That's right, honeymooners getting it on. I was MORTIFIED. I'm sure that poor lady was too. Needless to say, I was no longer a happy honeymooner and Emerald Beach Resort was out a night of their money. But the rest of the honeymoon went on without a hitch.






March 14, 2008
We pack up and head to the airport. There is no easy way to start this part, so let me get to the point. When I planned the trip to St Thomas, I was not thinking. They said that we just needed our Drivers License. Which I thought was no big deal since Mr. S had one. What I didn't realize is that we would have to go back through customs to come home. I was so caught up in planning the perfect wedding and the perfect honeymoon, I had not stopped to seriously think it through. We got up to the counter and Officer Rodriguez asked for our form and our drivers licenses. He asked for our passports and I told him that we were told we didn't need them. He looked at me and asked me if I was a citizen and I told him yes. My heart was pounding so loud. He looked at Mr. S and asked him the same thing. Mr. S of course said No. My stomach fell out. I could literally feel my whole world tumbling down. They pulled us aside and into the customs office. They looked up Mr. S's information and told me they would have to detain him until the figured things out. I cried and cried. I made Mr. S call my Dad. Mr. S kept telling me that everything would be alright. It was fine, he would be home soon. That he loved me and everything was going to be okay.

I was a wreck. In a minute, in one minute my entire world had come crashing down. They told me I needed to leave to try and catch my flight. They gathered my belongings and put me through security. And wouldn't you know I had been randomly chosen to have additional security screening. The poor lady who was screening me. She sat me down and asked me what was wrong and of course I started bawling all over again. I was crying so hard I could not breathe. She got me some water, I gathered my things and went to the gate. I walked into the boarding room and it was empty. The plane had left. I sat down and cried. I cried and cried. Then the cleaning lady came in and said, "you know that plane's not going to come back." I wanted to kill her, i turned to her and said, "Of that, I am well aware." That was the only plane leaving for the day, I would have to fly home tomorrow. I had to wait forever to go see the ticket people at the airport. I think at this point I had stopped crying. I was in a daze, everything felt so foggy.

I finally get in a taxi and to go back to the hotel. They were booked for the night. I started to cry again, I didn't know what to do, where to go. I was alone. We had turned in the rental car. The lady at the counter was nice enough to call around for me and find one at the holiday inn. It was in the middle of town surrounded by a huge fortress like gate. I went to my hotel room and crawled on the bed. I bawled for hours. I cant even remember anything except crying. I talked to my Dad a couple of times. Customs finally called to tell me that Mr. S was being taken to the jail on the island. I sat up all night, watched the news, and cried. I had never cried so much in my life.

The next morning I went to the jail. Things are so dysfunctional over there. I wandered past security stations because no one was there until I finally ran into someone who told me what to do. So I called up to the third floor and they told me I would have to wait until Tuesday before I could see him. At which point I sobbed until he told me to come back in an hour to talk to the supervisor. The supervisor got back in two hours and told me I would be allowed to see Mr. S for 5 minutes. He also told me how to get Mr. S a money order so he could have some money here. So I ran around the island to the post office just in the nick of time before it closed and got the money order. They let me see Mr. S. But it was scary. It was behind a plate of glass, you know where you have to pick up the phone to talk? That was the last time I saw my husband. I cried some more. Mr. S told me to be strong, that it would be okay. He was fine where he was and it would be soon we would be together again. Two hours later I boarded the plane to come home.

It is so difficult for me to tell that story because all the emotions come rushing back. It was one of the worst days of my entire life. Since then, Mr. S has been housed in Puerto Rico(because they have a bigger facility than St Thomas). They have charged him criminally for Entry without proper documentation. The maximum penalty for that is six months. He has now been there for seven months. We are waiting for a decision on a motion to dismiss and a sentencing hearing. We have been told that will happen in November. I pray to God every day that is the case. It has been pushed back 5 times now. It is very difficult to get anything in St Thomas done. Please pray that the case is dismissed because if so it will really help Mr. S's immigration case. After criminal proceedings, Mr. S will continued to be detained because of immigration. We will then begin immigration proceedings. We have a really great immigration lawyer thanks to Wendy ! She is how I started back into blogging. Wendy and Leo had their own battle with immigration and our lawyer Linda really helped. Linda believes that she may be able to get Mr. S out on bond so he can come home while we go through immigration proceedings. She believes that the strongest possibility is that we will need to go back to Brazil while we work on papers for Mr. S. I pray every day that if that is the case that we will be able to return to the USA. While I am scared to have to move to Brazil, I am excited for the opportunity as well. I miss Mr. S every single day. We never dreamed it would take this long and we pray every day that it will be over soon and he will be out of jail. I can not wait for his return and for us to begin a life together where ever that may be. So this is my story of the road less traveled. It is only the beginning and I am so glad to have met so many of you wonderful people. It has been so fun thus far to learn about your lives and to be able to tell you about mine. Thank you for the support, I promise you, you have no idea how much it means.

"Hope is a rare gift, that if we are lucky, comes to us with the power to heal our lives. I've come to know that the deepest sense of hope often springs from the hardest lessons in life. It is in the darkest skies that the stars are best seen- perhaps it is divine irony that within the darkest moments we are capable of revealing the greatest light, demonstrating what is best with humanity."
--Richard Paul Evans--

37 comments:

mrsmouthy said...

OMG, what a crazy story. Sidnei sounds like an amazing voice of reason for you. I'm still giggling about the hotel SNAFU...I hope they compensated you for their mistake!

Anonymous said...

Oh my Goodness! I'm so sorry. I had no idea this was happening to you. I know we hardly know each other but please let me know if you ever need to talk. I really, really hope everything works out for you and that your husband gets out of jail soon.

Wep said...

OMG that is crazy. Hang in there...

Unknown said...

Wow. You were not kidding about the story. I hope that by sharing it you feel a bit better knowing that there are people out here rooting for you. Although we just met I will keep you and your husband in my thoughts. Your story is amazing and I wish you all the best.

Kori said...

march 14th is my birthday not that, that has anything to do with this. Just thought I would mention.

I'm so sorry you guys have had to go through all this. Your love is strong just hang in there you'll be together soon.

Unknown said...

Many thanks for visiting my blog,on my SITS Day, on Thursday. :-)

I'm so sorry that his is happening to you!!

Being an immigrant, myself, I know what a nightmare it can be, dealing with INS, etc. YOur situation is beyond a nightmare!

I so hope it gets cleared up sonn..

Pennies In My Pocket said...

OK and that story about your honeymoon...SO funny and yes, you HAD to share it!

Awwww Sidnei is such a wonderful man! He's blessed to have you as well. I can't believe the story! Praying it will be a distant distant memory soon!

~melody~

Laura Marchant said...

Holy cow! First the honeymooners story in the beginning made me want to pee my pants. But OMG, I am so sorry for everything you are going through. I can't believe all of this is happening.

Claremont First Ward said...

I can't even imagine. Just can't. You have been through the ringer, and I'm so sorry.

And that first story. Oh boy. I'm pretty sure if that was me, I would have died.

nikkicrumpet said...

That is such a heartbreaking story. Poor Sidnei..he sounds like such a tough guy...I love how he is strong for you so that you can hang in there. I hope everything gets worked out soon so the two of you can be back together...I can't imagine how hard this must be! But it will only serve to strengthen your bond. Hang in there!

Unknown said...

holy crap ha ha How have you not told me that hilarious story yet?!

~amber~ said...

Wow, that is a lot that you are going through and being newlyweds and having to deal with it... I am sure you two are a strong couple though and you will get through it. I will keep you both in my prayers.

I know you don't know me very well, but I don't live far from you, maybe 20 minutes or so, but if you ever need help or need to talk, let me know. :)

I found your blog from Midwest Mommy's in case you care.

Laural Out Loud said...

I'm just now catching up on blogs, and it looks like I missed quite the series on yours! Loved how you wrote about your story (and I can't believe you only got one night free after getting walked in on like that!!), but so sad about your current situation. No matter where you are, soon you'll be together, and that is priceless. Just hang in there.

Unknown said...

Of course the day I am whining like a big fat BABY I come by & read this. I am soo sorry that you are going through this... I still need to go back & read how he ended up in the states & y'all met etc. it is UNBELIEVABLE that they can hold him this long. I was joking about not having BjĆørns papers in order when we went back to the states this summer, but this could totally have been us! Hang in there girl!

Unknown said...

I just found your blog through Mamasphere....

I am sorry that this has happened. Your husband and you are very strong and amazing. My thoughts and prayers are with you...and hoping this will get resolved soon.

(((hugs)))

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

What a story. You started it off so funny...and then the horribleness. I sure hope things get worked out pronto.

Anonymous said...

I wish you and your husband much luck at getting this cleared up. Government never works fast as you well know by now.

ko said...

KNow that I will be praying for you!!!!!!!!! OHHH I cant even imagine! I found you through Nikki..my favorite blogger!!!! Sidnei will be prayed for also!!!! My husband works in Brazil. In fact he called me from Rio De Janeiro this morning! He is at the airport.....for the 100th time, but his car was not there to pick him up.....so he is a bit frustrated.....he know a bit of Portuguese so can figure out what he needs to do!!! I would be lost, scared crying! I would love to move to Brazil, in fact I have thought of our family moving over there as missionaries, I havent worked up the courage yet though!!!!!!!
Blessing to you!!! You are precious and God is going to work something AMAZING out of all of this sadness!
Kyley

Jaime said...

I will pray for your husband, and you. I'm so sorry this has happened, to what sounds like very very nice people. I hope you'll find some sort of comfort from God at this time in your life. May you be blessed for your patience. Take Care!

JSue said...

I am stunned...shocked even.

I had to pause mid-story to say a little prayer for you and Sidnei. My girls and I will continue to pray for you every night until you are back together again.

Ashley said...

OMG! Okay, so I think that is how all your other commenters have started but my jaw is on the floor right now. I seriously cannot believe this story. And it hits so close to home for me. My husband is Colombian. We were married in February of 2007. My husband Lucas left his job in Miami to come live with me in Alabama. So (although his work Visa was valid for a few more months I think) he technically did not work there anymore and could not use that Visa. However, we were applying for his Permanent Residency within the allotted time frame. But we didn't want to leave the country for fear something like this might happen so we honeymooned in the Smokey Mountains and had our tropical getaway for our first anniversary after his Residency was confirmed. We played it safe but I never really thought it would happen. What a nightmare for both of you. I will now be an avid of your blog to find out what happens. We are in the midst of the Residency / Citizenship process now. It sucks but I am now even more thankful for the relative ease we have had through the process.

By the way, found you through Emma - The Mindless Banterer.

Crystal Rae said...

What an amazing story. I commented earlier asking if he was still away, and reading this blog ive discovered he is. I will be praying for the both of you and quick return of your Husband!

marine's words said...

I am so sorry these happen to you
I pray the 2 of you will be back together soon.. Don't lose faith tust in the Lord and he well make a way. marina

Anonymous said...

I just want to say I have just finished reading your entire story of you and your lovely husband. I smiled as I read about your first meeting and journey to your big wedding day and then cried floods and floods of tears for both of you as I sat at my office desk.
I will constantly be thingking of you both this month in hopes that your beloved returns safely home to you and so you can finally start the new chapter of your extrodinary life together ...thank you for sharing this !

Unknown said...

Wow what a story - I hope for the both of you that you will be able to be with each other very very soon!! What a terrible way to be separated. Good luck!!

Britt said...

Oh, you ran through the entire range of emotions in a short time! I'm so sorry all of this has happened to you two .. I hope everything is straightened out for the two of you as soon as possible!

Unknown said...

I just don't even have the words... what a terrible nightmare to go through. You are an AMAZING woman!

You know what day I look foward to? The day that you sit there with your grandkids all around you and you're telling them this story and the happy ending it's going to have.

Betty said...

Oh Stephanie! What a horrible story!! I´m so sorry you had to go through this! I really feel for you and will be praying that your husband´s case will be dismissed!!
Of course now I am hooked on you blog and will be checking in frequently for updates!!

Rhea said...

What a mess. I can't believe this happened to you. I'm so sorry. I hope Sindei can come home to you soon.

whoopsadasie said...

I came over from Kori.

Your story is unbelieveable! I am so sorry you are having to go through this trial. Just remember that the Lord doesn't give us anything that he knows we can't handle. Keep the faith!

Beth said...

I came over from Kori, via Kat @Sunshine & Lemonade.

I am appalled at your story! I am so sorry this had to happen!! Makes me want to never travel outside of the states! (Not that I could afford it anyway!) Just think, though. If you two can make it through this, you can make it through ANYTHING. And you WILL make it through. I will keep you and Sidnei in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful & touching love and such a crazy twist of events!

I have faith that he will be home soon.

By the way, your blog is beautiful!

Kelsey said...

I just came over from Kori's blog and I got the chance to read your story.
I can't believe that they've kept your poor husband for so long. I'm praying that they'll let him come home to you soon!
You are so strong, not many people would be able to handle what you've been through.

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

I came from Kori's blog too. I'm so sorry for what you are going through, and my prayers are with you!

2012 Events said...

How awful! You are a very strong person.. Poor Mr.S

Bethany said...

I came here from another blog...can't remember which one, but I just finished ready your whole story-- wow, what an awful experience to go through!

bordersaside said...

And I thought what happened to us was scary. I cant imagine if I had been away from all those I loved and had to deal with it on my own. This must have been so scary.

Unknown said...

What Amanda said. Eek! Having my apartment surrounded was nothing compared to this!