The 10 Best Cities to Move to in 2015 – http://www.simplemovinglabor.com/blog/the-10-best-cities-to-move-to-in-2015#.VQXcaHY3dgs.facebook
Well the US emigration adventure is moving forward. On August 11th, 36 days after applying, I got the approval letter from the US Embassy, which allows me to proceed to the next step of the visa process.
Then another eleven days later, on Saturday August 22nd, I received the crucial LND number that allows me to fix a date for my medical examination – probably in late September. If that goes well, and I pass muster, then the final step will be the interview at the US Embassy in London.
This all presumes that we can fix the medical date for late September. The medical is only valid for six months, but most of those are winter months when it could be hard to move the animals to the US – they can’t fly if it is too cold or too hot. Without a house, moving is near impossible. And my brother holds the purse strings, so everything is on hold until he gives the go-ahead, which could be next year.
However, there is a more immediate concern. Ironically, my MS shouldn’t be the problem, except the stress on hyper-drive. I have all the relevant documents from my doctor and health experts – the local practise put all my records on a disc. These go back quite a few years, well before I was diagnosed in 2000. Although I will have to sign up for medical insurance in the US, having a disease like MS is not a ‘fail’ as such. And once I ensure that I am fully up-to-date with my vaccinations, then there shouldn’t be a problem – I hope.
So what’s the problem? Why the hurdle?
The examination is at Knightsbridge in London, a six and a half hour drive from Harlech for us. I no longer drive. Juanita doesn’t have a full UK licence so we can’t use the motorways. And like many people, she doesn’t want to drive in London. Even though I’ve lived there and driven extensively in the capital, I totally sympathise. It’s a stressful task. So we’ll be looking for some form of chauffeur… well a kind friend.
Incontinence is a problem already solved, and I’m prepared for the exhaustion, but then there is my car sickness, which had been banished for numerous decades, but that problem has now re-turned in all its childhood nastiness. (See “The Candle”.) Maybe my worsening MS might be at the root of the sickness. When we moved up here in February 2014, I had no severe sickness, even though it was an eight hour journey. However, when the Red Cross drove me to Bangor Hospital, I felt terrible. Maybe the same pills that I took for the 2014 move will work for the trek to London.
Let’s hope they do. Otherwise, I’ll be the wrong colour when I see the US doctor… and the US Embassy official a few weeks later.
Should these be called hurdles or fences? What else looms? Beyond the house purchase and sale, I see a huge water jump. That’s massive – and another post. Where do you think that jump lies?
(Source: ithoroughbred)
Writing Wings 
Reblogged this on THE DUSKWEALD.
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You will fly over the hurdles my friend!
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You will fly over the hurdles.
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Thank you Joann
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Sorry to hear about the health issues. However it’s refreshing to read an immigration story where someone is going through legal channels. It may be a big hassle at times, but it’s the right thing to do. Illegal immigration is a big problem throughout the world.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
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Thanks Arlee. The hassle will be worth it, yes. I sympathise with some of the ‘iilegal’ migrants that are forced to leave their own country and then struggle to find anywhere to go, and get exploited in the process. How much of the internal crisis that pushed them out, was caused by foreign interference? As a Brit, for instance, I’ve seen both sides of what the British Raj did in India. Not always the case though.
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I would love to emigrate to the U.S. but presumed my EDS would be an issue so reading this has lifted my spirits. I’m glad illness doesn’t stop you getting in. Have you looked at how much medical insurance will cost once you’re over there?
And as far as getting to London, would the train be easier? I’ve found as long as it’s not in peak hours the train down to the capital isn’t that expensive.
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Glad to help Rebecca. I was surprised that my MS was no problem. My wife followed the experiences of a man with cerebral-palsy, who recently got his Visa without any difficulty. They are weeding out people with communicable diseases, mental illness, or drug usage.
Main thing is to meet the financial guidelines, and have a valid reason to go – i.e. a US spouse, or job offer.
As for medical insurance, that is something that is on our ‘to do’ list. One of those things that is easier with a US address.
Now looking at train to London, although only two trains a day from around here so will have to pay the peak rate, if we attempt a day-trip.
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Ah, I don’t have a valid reason for going, which is a shame. Wishing you all the best with it.
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In time you might… keep hoping.
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Best of luck Roland – I know all about health hurdles. We’d passed all muster in our attempt to get into Australia over twenty years ago. Only the medical hurdle remained. And a few days before that date arrived, my husband went down with cancer….. what will be will be. He’s survived the cancer, and we are surviving the consequences in our tiny two-bed flat in Eastbourne.
I think the train to London idea is probably your best. My thoughts and prayers go with you.
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Many thanks Jane. Hopefully we will get to the USA eventually. Sorry that you never made it to Australia, but glad that cancer has been held at bay. Selfishly you not going to Oz, meant we got to meet at Borde Hill HT, but with the internet we could have still met as writers. All the best.
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