I am a mom to an amazing girl and a boy. A wife to the most supportive husband, and a nurse by profession. I am originally from Kenya. Despite my love for nursing, I was an underpaid nurse and I was unappreciated as a nurse. I always believed I could do more and be more. The staffing ratios at our hospital were also pathetic for nurses and doctors. I wanted better.

I love being a nurse but my work environment back in Kenya was wanting. I was lucky to have met a recruiting agency and gotten this amazing job in Sarasota, Florida. However, the US embassy was taking forever and there always seemed to be a reason for a delay. There was Covid, then the unending backlog, predicted unrest during our election period, etc. After months of waiting, I remember a movie I had been introduced to back in high school, The Secret. After searching high and low for it, which was not easy in Kenya, I finally found it and watched it while making notes. I was beyond ready to “Ask, Believe, and Receive.”

After watching the movie I began printing and changing the names of the visas I had downloaded. They even had our pictures on them and I stuck them on my vision board. I also added 4 boarding passes with our names and the dates I wanted to relocate. I tried my best to avoid negative WhatsApp groups that were discussing the embassy and instead, I intentionally focused on the positive and being grateful.

A month after that in April, I got a pleasant surprise in my mail. It was an invitation for an embassy interview. The whole process was smooth, effortless, and full of favor, from getting our medicals to the actual embassy interview. It felt like heaven when the consular officer said “Congratulations! Your visas have been approved, enjoy your stay in Florida.”

Tears of joy rolled down my cheeks as I looked at the 4 visas 2 days later. It was magical. We even had more than enough funds for relocation.

The flight to JFK and through the port of entry all felt like Deja Vu. Sarasota has been magical. My Family fit right in. I work at one of the largest healthcare systems in Florida where everyone is so friendly and helpful. I feel appreciated and love my role here. I also love the autonomy and motivation a US RN has. My husband also got this amazing tech job, my daughter is in an amazing school, and the daycare system for my son is beautiful. There are many beautiful beaches and activities. My home is beautiful and I have a million things to be grateful for.