THE RIGHT WAY

365 Days of Thanksliving — Day 201

Once upon a time, about ten years ago, a teenager from a far-off land called Vietnam was sent to the United States to seek a better education. Leaving behind the crowded high-rises of Ho Chi Minh City for the sun-drenched streets of Phoenix, the boy was welcomed into a new country and into the home of a generous people who would become his American family for the next four years.

Sure, he missed his home, but he came to love his new family, too, and the vast country that had taken him in. What’s more, he was introduced to the God of the Bible, and slowly but surely, the boy gave his life to Jesus Christ. He worked hard, studying late into the night and always doing things the right way. Because of his diligence, a great door opened, and he received a full ride to a university. It was there, in the heart of the city, that the boy found new friends, joined a church, and, by his second year, noticed a cute young girl who had joined his church.

A true chip off the old block, this girl was much like her mom. For a time, she was shy around the boy, but one day they became friends. In time, that friendship grew, though neither was seeking romance. But even love has a way of growing when the ground is right, until one day the girl broke the news to her parents that she had begun dating a boy. She wondered, since he had nowhere else to go, could he come home with her for Christmas? And as the fairytale story goes, the rest, as they say, is history.

By now, I’m sure you’ve realized that the girl is our daughter, and that boy is now our son-in-law, Duc. Tonight, I have wonderful news to share—the kind that leaves me uber grateful. No, we’re not expecting another grandchild. This morning, Gracie texted to say they’d learned Duc is now one major step closer to becoming an American citizen.

For the past year, Duc and Gracie have been carefully putting their ducks in order so he could apply for a Green Card. For nine long years, he kept his nose clean as a foreigner on a student visa. Then, after graduating with both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in only five years, his employer sponsored his visa. But as of last night, the chapter turned, and Duc was officially granted permanent status as a Green Card holder.

All along, Duc has done things the right way. Never once has he tried to cheat the system, take shortcuts, or look for the easy way out. After falling in love with our little princess, he took things slow. When he knew she was the one, in true gentleman and old-fashioned form, he picked up the phone and asked my permission for my daughter’s hand in marriage.

We are so proud of our son-in-law and the life he is making with our daughter. Together, they’re like peas and carrots, fit for one another in so many ways. While we’ve always been thankful God put Duc in Gracie’s life (and vice versa), tonight we’re exceptionally thankful that neither Duc nor Gracie has to live with any hesitation or fear that his status in this country will change.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for my son-in-law Duc, who has done things the right way—in all ways. Thank you also, God, for granting Duc permanent residence here, so he and Gracie can continue making their life together in Christ.