Belgian Residents!

If you've talked to me at all about this journey to Belgium, you already know that one of the most frustrating things for us to deal with has been trying to become Belgian residents...bureaucracy, paperwork, bureaucracy, police visits, and more bureaucracy!! Because Cole has a work visa, he was able to obtain residency status quickly, but the boys and I have had such a difficult time for some reason. As a disclaimer, I'm sure it's difficult to do something similar in the U.S...ever been to the DMV?! But this process has been such a mess for us! I don't really care that much about being considered a Belgian resident, although I love it here...more important to me is the fact that we are now allowed to travel! We were not supposed to travel outside of the country until we received our national numbers and the residency cards that go with them. We were able to get around the travel issue a few times to go to France because we did not have to have our passports checked anywhere, but it was going to be nearly impossible for the boys and me to go to the U.S. and come back to Belgium without these cards! We had planned to go home for a visit back in July, but July came and went without any luck getting our cards. So, after 8 1/2 months, 8 visits to the immigration office, at least 10 hours of waiting at the immigration office, and an immigration lawyer, we all finally have our cards!!!!!! That means, in a little over one week, we will be going home to visit! I am so excited to see all our friends and family and to catch up on all the exciting things that have happened since we've been gone. New babies, houses, jobs...you name it, I can't wait to hear all about it! I am also looking forward to our small group couples retreat as well as attending services at our home church! I am so thankful that this process is over and we are now free to travel wherever we want to go, including the U.S. Can't wait to see everyone!