An amazing experience

 Original air date - July 24, 2014. I consider this one of my first photo essay's and what an amazing time to capture. Binyam became a US citizen on this day. A lot of people thought this was an extremely long process because we've been married for ten years and this was just happening. In reality the process is extremely efficient and quite quick, when you actually start it, which is another story.....We found out at the court that day we had the privilege of a federal court date because Binyam had to have an official name change. In a nut shell. He changed his  name from Binyam Worku to Binyam Worku. Every document he has has his name as Binyam Worku except one, his birth certificate. So in true American fashion, making a mountain out of a mole hill, we got all the pomp and circumstance of the federal courthouse which was actually quite fun!!!!!!!

 Binyam's good friend and my co-worker, Ole came with us and it made it ever so more special.

I loved seeing this rescue mission across the street, a beautiful visual reminder that God was with us!

 He was the last guy into the court room which made for a nice photo!

 He was last in and we were first in so we got a great seat right behind him!

 The  actual oath seemed to come out of nowhere, fast and furious. I think I almost broke someone's legs trying to get out and snap this photo of the actual oath time.

 The federal judge reminded us all that usual his court days are not happy days. Sad things usually occur in this place but this day was quite different. He actually stood at one point and gave them a standing ovation. I have spent many years in court rooms, and this touched my heart.

 A rare family photo.

One of my favorites. Reminds me of the verse,  Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

And there you have it. The making of an American citizen.