It still doesn’t feel real, but it’s finally happening—after months of waiting, countless hours spent navigating paperwork, and a rollercoaster of emotions, my residency decision has been approved! I’m officially on my way to move to Sweden to be with my husband.
This journey started with a simple meeting in the most unexpected way. Who would’ve thought that one casual conversation in June 2022 would lead to all of this? From daily conversations to visiting each other across an ocean, to getting married in February 2024 in Gothenburg (process to get married was in November and that was a process in itself)—every moment has been an adventure, filled with love, resilience, and, let’s be honest, a lot of plane tickets.
When we submitted my residency application back in February, I naively thought, How long could this really take? Well, ten months later, I can confidently say: long enough to test your patience, but short enough to make the outcome feel worth it.
The process wasn’t easy. There were times I felt overwhelmed and stuck, especially when my plans to visit Sweden this fall were disrupted by work and visa delays. Being away from my husband for so long was painful. There’s only so much Discord Voice Chat and late-night texting can do when your heart longs to close that distance. But deep down, we knew it was only a matter of time.
Today, on December 19, we got the news we’d been hoping and praying for: my application was approved! The relief, the joy, the tears—there aren’t enough words to describe the emotions that hit me all at once. I’ve been smiling ever since.
Now, it’s all hands on deck as I prepare to leave the U.S. and start this next chapter of my life in Sweden. Packing up my house, selling almost everything I own, and saying goodbye to family and friends is bittersweet. But it’s also exciting, because I’m not just moving to a new country—I’m moving toward the life I’ve dreamed of, with the person I love most by my side.
I’m so ready for this new adventure: embracing Swedish culture, learning the language (slowly but surely), and building a life together with my husband. I know it won’t always be easy. There will be challenges, moments of homesickness, and plenty of adjusting. But there will also be love, growth, and the joy of being where I belong.
To anyone out there waiting for their own approval, take it from me: the wait is hard, but the reward is worth it. Hold on to hope, lean on your loved ones, and trust that your time will come.
As for me? Sweden, here I come! Let’s do this. 💛
Swedish Wanderlust 