118...

...is the number of days that have passed since December 1st, when I first sent in our visa petition. Ninety days later came word that further evidence was needed. Then we waited 12 days , for clarification on what was needed. It took me five days to compile the additional evidence, and then, after I sent the packet back, it was another nine days before there was any acknowledgment of its receipt. Then six more days of processing before today. We got approval of our petition today, finally. Thankfully. The waiting is really brutal.

This is a big step, but it isn't the end of the process. Today is day 118, and on average, it'll take another 75 days, complete with more paperwork, a medical exam, and an interview, for the visa to be granted.

But we're moving on now to the next step. There's nothing like a little progress to make you feel a little less helpless.