The Risk Took To Keep My Best Friend In America And What It Taught Us About Love

They say that true friendship knows no boundaries, and this couldn't be truer in the case of my best friend, Sarah, and me. Our story is one of love, sacrifice, and the incredible journey we took to keep our friendship alive despite the odds.

Sarah and I met in college, where we instantly clicked. We were inseparable, sharing everything from late-night study sessions to joyful celebrations of each other's successes. Our friendship grew stronger with each passing day, and before we knew it, we became each other's confidantes, support systems, and partners in crime.

However, life had a different plan for us. After graduation, Sarah had to move back to her home country, Australia, due to unforeseen circumstances. The news hit us like a ton of bricks. We couldn't imagine a life without each other's constant presence, and the thought of losing our treasured friendship was unbearable.

The Marriage Act: The Risk I Took to Keep My Best Friend in America, and What It Taught Us About Love

by Liza Monroy (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1179 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

FREE

But where there is a will, there is a way. Determined to keep our bond intact, we made a pact to fight against all odds. We decided that I would take the risk and bring Sarah to America so that we could continue our journey side by side.

Now, this was no easy feat. Bringing someone from another country involves dealing with immigration, paperwork, legal procedures, and financial considerations. It was a daunting task that required immense dedication, patience, and resources.

Our first step was to gather all the necessary documents and consult immigration lawyers to understand the process. We spent countless hours researching and going through complicated forms, determined to tick every box correctly. We faced numerous setbacks and rejections along the way, but our determination only grew stronger.

We constantly communicated with government agencies, provided additional documentation when requested, and tirelessly followed up on every step of the visa application process. The road was long, and there were moments when we felt like giving up, but our friendship fueled us with the courage to keep pushing forward.

Months turned into years, but we never lost hope. Time seemed to freeze as we awaited the final decision. And then, one day, it happened. Sarah's visa was approved. We were overcome with joy and relief, knowing that our efforts had paid off.

Bringing Sarah to America was just the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. However, we quickly realized that the challenges did not disappear once she arrived. Culture shock, homesickness, and the struggles of adjusting to a new environment threatened to overshadow our friendship.

But love can conquer all, they say. Sarah and I embraced the difficulties head-on. We were open about our fears and vulnerabilities, providing each other with unconditional support. We discovered new interests together, explored the vibrant American culture, and built a network of friends who became an extended family.

Through it all, we learned valuable lessons about love and friendship. We realized that love is not only about the happy moments but about the sacrifices we make for the ones we hold dear. It taught us that true friendship requires effort, understanding, and a willingness to go above and beyond for each other.

Our journey also made us appreciate the power of resilience. We learned that setbacks are temporary and that giving up should never be an option. The challenges we faced gave us the strength to overcome any obstacle that life throws our way.

Today, Sarah and I continue to cherish our friendship, knowing the tremendous risks we took to keep it alive. Our bond has grown deeper and stronger because of the hurdles we faced together. We have come to truly understand the value of having someone by your side, even when miles apart.

So, if you find yourself in a situation where you have to fight for a friendship or a relationship, remember our story. Understand that sometimes, taking the risk is worth it, and that love can conquer distance, bureaucracy, and even the most daunting challenges.

Hold onto the cherished bonds that bring you joy and make your life richer. Embrace the risks, learn from the obstacles, and let love be your guiding force.

The Marriage Act: The Risk I Took to Keep My Best Friend in America, and What It Taught Us About Love

by Liza Monroy (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1179 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

FREE

After her traditional engagement to her high school sweetheart falls apart, Liza Monroy faced the prospect of another devastating loss: the deportation of her best friend Emir. Desperate to stay in America, Emir tried every legal recourse to obtain a green card knowing that his return to the Middle East—where gay men are often beaten and sometimes killed—was too dangerous. So Liza proposes to Emir in efforts to keep him safe and by her side. After a fast wedding in Las Vegas, the couple faces new adventures and obstacles in both L.A. and New York City as they dodge the INS. Their relationship is compounded further by the fact that Liza’s mother works for the State Department preventing immigration fraud. Through it all, Liza and Emir must contend with professional ambition, adversity, and heartbreak and eventually learn the true lessons of companionship and devotion. This marriage that was not a marriage, in the end, really was.

The Marriage Act is a timely and topical look at the changing face of marriage in America and speaks to the emergent generation forming bonds outside of tradition—and sometimes even outside the law.