The most wonderful moment that I have experienced so far is when my family received the news that our visa to the United States had been approved by the US Embassy Officer

The most wonderful moment that I have experienced so far is when my family received the news that our visa to the United States had been approved by the US Embassy Officer. At that moment, I knew that my life would change forever, and I would be embarking on a new exciting journey. Applying for a special immigrant visa is not an easy process for Middle Eastern people. I was so ecstatic when I heard the news that I was given the opportunity to start a new life and get a better education in the U.S. ; it was evident that all my parents hard work had finally paid off. I had butterflies in my stomach and my eyes were wide open because I knew the endless possibilities that were awaiting me.
We had 20 days to pack our stuff and leave. My father clasped his wrists behind his back and momma massaged her temples thinking of how we’re supposed to pack everything in only 20 days, they were both extremely frustrated. My brother and I were sitting in the back, our foreheads wrinkled as we stared, watching our childhood home being emptied out. At first, I had no idea what was going on, I thought we were just moving and it was not such a big deal. A bunch of big brown boxes were getting stacked up in front of the house and I thought ”I didn’t even know we had this much stuff inside one home that only four people lived in”.
Days went by rapidly and reality came closer. Everything went so fast I did not think of all the people I would be leaving here. All my friends at school, my family, etc. The other side of my family did not live in Dubai but in Iraq. It still hurt to leave them too even though I barely got to see them especially because I lived way closer to them than I do now.
The 20 days were over, We woke up early to pack the last few things and say goodbye to our home. We took a taxi to my grandparent’s house since we didn’t have a car and stayed there until it was time to go to the airport. Before that, we stopped at the school my brother and I went to and said goodbye to our friends and teachers. We finally arrived to the airport with a ton of suitcases. Tears were running down my face and my palms were covering them. My grandmother gave me the tightest hug she’s ever given me and said ”You have just begun the greatest journey, good luck Amna and i will see you soon, I love you”.