Court Summons

Yesterday afternoon, Tonio and I were both home working on projects, me sewing, him varnishing wood, and the door bell rings...

The old school sound of a real bell... R-I-I-I-I-I-N-G !

I thought it was a delivery guy at first, then he says the word "convocation," and I knew he was going to need more than just my signature and a "Bonnes Fêtes!"  I was a tiny bit nervous.

Tonio comes to the door, "Bonjour Monsieur."

For a little back story, a few weeks ago, I submitted my application for a 10-year visa, so I'm not surprised this man from the national police showed up unannounced at our door to find out if we are really and truly married.

He came to summon us to court.  Thankfully, he asked if we had 5 minutes, so he could just take care of it right then and there.

He asked us all sorts of questions : [mind you, this is ALL in French]
When did you meet?
Where did you meet?
What happened after Austria?
What kind of visa did she have while in Cyprus? 
When did you move to France?
Do you have a job?
Madame, what do you do here?
Do you have kids?
Is your wife's name on the gas or electric bill?
Can I look at these pictures on the walls?
Are you both in these pictures?

I even volunteered our wedding album, but he wasn't interested.  A very serious fellow.  I must admit, I do not envy his job.  He must see some pretty terrible parts of society.  I think, in a way, we were a tiny breath of fresh air for him.  He could see we weren't lying just to get me a French visa.

Also, we were able to talk a bit about churches and Christianity, since Tonio's job description is not your run-of-the-mill title.  We talked about Christianity in France and in the states.  He couldn't believe that we would want to stay in France, when we could both so easily move to the states where he thought there must be so many more Christians.  Tonio shared that actually that's why we want to stay, just for that reason... to share what we believe with the French.

AND... I was wearing my hippopotamus slippers the whole time !!!  HAHAHA !!!  I think the Monsieur looked down at them once, but didn't say anything.

He told me that I will have a response by March or April 2014 of whether or not I get the 10-year visa.  I'm praying I do.  If it's not granted, I'll just have to try again next year.

And of course all of this made me think of one of my favorite chick flicks, The Proposal.  The ending is laughable.  It wasn't this bad for us, but I think I can relate a little bit.  Enjoy. (email & blog readers, hop on over to the actual blog to watch the video)


We are thankful that we were both home.  This saved us a whole day of collecting more paperwork, appearing before the police and a judge, answering more questions, etc...

I think my hippo slippers convinced him - HA !

Thank you Jesus for always going before us and preparing the way.  I love this verse:
“And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you.
He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you;
Do not fear nor be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8

Love "legal" Linz