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    Home » Faith

    PUBLISHED: Apr 2, 2017 · UPDATED: Apr 7, 2017 by Precious · This post may contain affiliate links · 60 Comments

    HOW WE CAME TO AMERICA

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    This is the story of how God supernaturally brought us to America. Each time I think of it, I have goose bumps. It is an awesome reminder that God is real and He speaks to people. Sometimes when I doubt God, I remember this story. It helps to boost my faith in Him. I pray it does same for you.

    "Sweet, check your email. There's something waiting for you in there."

    It was sometime in 2012 when Mr N said these words to me. I was living in Douala, Cameroon at the time while he worked in another country: Equatorial Guinea. He only came home after every two months then stayed with me for two weeks before returning back to work. So our marriage was somewhat long-distance at the time.

    When I got home that day, I signed into my email with Usain Bolt speed and saw the mail that said I, Precious had won the American Diversity Visa Lottery. I was elated! I never expected it.

    You see, the American Diversity Visa Lottery also called the DV lottery is quite common in Cameroon. Every year from early October to early November, the program opens for people to submit their entries online for a chance to get randomly chosen to travel to the United States as permanent residents. During the entry period, cyber cafes are jampacked with people taking head shots and logging their information into computers, most often with the help of cyber attendants or self-proclaimed "DV lottery experts". All these for a chance to travel to America, which is the next place to heaven in their books.

    "Playing the lottery" is something a considerable amount of Cameroonians have done at least once in their life. I wasn't one of them. I had watched the lottery from afar, heard tales of how lucky families got swept away into America after they won the lottery but for some reason, I had never "tried my luck" with the go-to-America game. Even though I liked the idea and wanted to visit America someday, I had never been proactive about it.

    It was the man I married, Mr. N who had phone-called me during the DV entry period and asked that I take photos and send to him so he could play going-to-America game for us. I took the photos of me and our then one-year-old daughter, sent them to him and forgot about it. But on this day, right before me were the results. I had been randomly chosen to go with my family to America if I so wished.

    I ran to my brother who was living with me at the time: "Des, I have won the American lottery!!!" I saw his eyes light up upon hearing, America. I was happy. He was happy. We were happy. But not for long.

    The excitement dwindled when I began discussing travel plans with Mr. N. At first, he was for the trip to America but after some research and discussions with a friend in America, he wasn't for it. His research showed that America wasn't quite a land flowing with milk and honey and there were no trees to harvest money from. It was a land of hard work (read menial jobs done by immigrants to survive).

    Now, Mr. N had a well-paying job, working as Electrical Engineer in an oil company in Equatorial Guinea. So we were not looking for greener pastures. We were not desperate for a financial upliftment, which is a key reason why many leave Africa for America. We were not some stinkingly rich people living in a mansion with servants. No, not anything like that. But we were okay financially with enough to feed ourselves and others.

    It was pointless, leaving a good life to go to America to search for a good life.

    So for those reasons, Mr. N was out. I understood him. I totally did. I mean, it made sense. Why would we leave a well-put-together life to go and begin afresh in a strange land?

    After winning, we were supposed to send some documents to the Kentucky Consular Centre in the United States and make a visa interview appointment. We didn't do any of those. Life continued as usual, with America travel plans pushed to the back burner.

    This went on for about a year. In that year, I found myself going back to the decision. To go or not to go to America? I had reasons why I wanted to go.

    First, although Mr. N's job paid well and we communicated multiple times every day, I still wanted to be able to wake up every morning and see my husband next to me. I thought travelling to America would afford us that opportunity to live together, rather than only seeing each other after every two months.

    Secondly, I kept asking God why we would win if we didn't need to go. Why would I, at first-try win something people struggled to win year in, year out? So I kept telling God that if it were His will, He should make it possible for us to travel.

    The happenings in our life at the time were not so going-to-America friendly. I had two new part-time jobs which I worked at simultaneously, we moved house from Douala to Buea and I birthed my second baby.

    These all made the situation very confusing for me. I was moving house, starting new jobs and tending to a new baby. My husband was settled in a well-paying job. How was America supposed to fit in? Then something happened.

    The Turning Point

    Mr. N came back home for his usual break and for some reason, it was then that we began processing our papers to send to the Kentucky Consular Centre in the United States. It was then that we received some strange information. This was information that he had been fired from his job with no valid reason.

    Mr. N's being fired was a complete blessing in disguise. Days after he was fired, his boss called and told him to return to work saying he fired him erroneously. He said he didn't know what came over him. Mr. N refused to return to work. The company he worked for had to pay him a lump sum (think millions in CFA) for terminating his contract prematurely. The money they paid him was what we used to pay for travel-related expenses.

    Also in that period, Mr. N miraculously won 1 million CFA francs (over $2000) from a mobile telephone network company, MTN. How did he win this? He kept responding to questions that came into his phone from the company just for fun. Questions like who is the president of Cameroon. And he will respond with an answer.

    Now, MTN did not say respond to these questions to win money. He did so spontaneously solely for fun.

    After playing for a while, he received a call from them (MTN) saying he had won One Million Francs (about $2000). We were in disbelief. But eventually, MTN paid him a whopping 1 million CFA Francs. For answering questions on civics and ethics. Just like that.

    All of this money made travelling super easy for us.

    The Dreams

    This is the most goose-bump giving part of our travel story. I had two dreams that directed us on which paths to take during the preparing-to-travel process.

    Dream number 1 was a dream in which I saw the doctor who examined us medically give us a test which the clinic he worked for said was not available. Getting examined medically and getting certified test results are part of the travel process. But this part was stalled for us because the clinic we got tested at said a test needed for my daughter wasn't available. They said they needed to order the test from a foreign country and they didn't know when it was going to be available. Each time we called them to check, they said the test wasn't available. But I had a dream in which the doctor in that clinic had the test. It was strange because the doctor works for the clinic and how could he have the test when the clinic doesn't have it? Well, it turns out he did! We travelled to the clinic just to follow up in person and when we met the doctor, he said he had the test! It turns out he had his own clinic and was only working part-time at the clinic where we were examined. It happened just like in the dream.

    Dream number 2 was a dream in which I saw that our visas were ready at the US embassy and they were all handed to me. At this time, we were not expecting any visas yet because the embassy promised to call us after doing some background checks. But you guys, I slept at night and dreamt that our visas were given to me. When I woke up, I had no peace. I told Mr. N I must travel to Yaounde, the city where the embassy is located. I told him if I don't travel, I would know no peace because my dream felt so real. My logic was if I get to the embassy and it turns out my dream misled me, I would quietly return home. It turns out the visas were ready when I got there! Just like I saw in my dream!

    The more I acknowledge God's footprints across my yesterday,The more I see His hand upon today

    This story is nothing but proof of God's footprints to us. It reminds me that He is real and He brought us here. The sudden job loss, the sudden win of money and the dreams were God's hand at work. I am assured that He will fulfill the purpose for which He brought us here.

    Is there a time you experienced God move supernaturally in your life? Please share with us below.pre-signature-pro

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    About Precious

    Welcome to my core! I am Precious Nkeih, the recipe developer and writer right here on my blog, Precious Core. My goal is to show you insanely delicious recipes you can replicate in your kitchen. And I love to tell stories too. Hope you find recipes here that will make cooking easier for you! Check me out on YouTube at YouTube.com/PreciousKitchen.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Adeline says

      April 02, 2017 at 8:19 am

      Wow.....what a testimony Precious. The Lord will surely complete the good work He started.

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 02, 2017 at 8:22 am

        I strongly believe He will. Thank you, dear.

        Reply
    2. Ayenika says

      April 02, 2017 at 9:08 am

      Wowww powerful testimony Pre. Makes me remember mine. God is too good!

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 02, 2017 at 10:42 am

        He is just too good, sis!

        Reply
        • Barbara senge says

          December 21, 2022 at 1:03 pm

          Wowww, I tap from this wonderful and amazing testimony. Jehovah is alive, and yes! He answers prayers

          Reply
          • Precious says

            December 22, 2022 at 12:18 pm

            Hi Barbara! Yes, He answers prayers. Praise God!

            Reply
    3. Tosan says

      April 02, 2017 at 9:23 am

      God is faithful, Ma'am.
      Nothing like God's leading and his will.
      God proposes and man has no choice but to obey. God bless ma'am.

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 02, 2017 at 10:43 am

        Thanks Tosan! My desire is to be in His will always.

        Reply
    4. Dominika says

      April 02, 2017 at 11:36 am

      There is a living God in heaven. All these signs were actually proof that you belonged in U.S.A,this story has taught me to pay more attention to the signs that God shows me. An inspiring piece this testimony is. Thankyou Precious.

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 02, 2017 at 8:13 pm

        Yes dear, there is definitely a living God in heaven. He speaks to His children. I'm glad the story inspired you.

        Reply
    5. Beryl says

      April 02, 2017 at 12:00 pm

      Thanks for this testimony it has uplifted my spirit. God bless you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 02, 2017 at 8:15 pm

        So glad this lifts up your spirit, Beryl. God bless you.

        Reply
    6. Akwen says

      April 02, 2017 at 3:53 pm

      Excellent testimony sista Precious! I have been so encouraged by reading it.

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 02, 2017 at 8:17 pm

        So glad to hear that, sista Akwen. God bless.

        Reply
    7. Monica says

      April 02, 2017 at 5:07 pm

      Wonderful testimony. This can only make sense to a believer. It will be like a tale to those who don't know Him. I have tasted Him and seen His wonders in my life. I give glory to Him for what He did for you and your family. May He continue to give you many more causes to glorify His name.

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 02, 2017 at 8:21 pm

        You are right, Monica. Only a believer can understand this. The things of the spirit are foolishness to the carnal mind.
        Thank God for taking care of us.

        Reply
    8. CheecheeLIVE says

      April 02, 2017 at 4:10 pm

      Wowza!!Such a beautiful testimony o.God shows up in my life in a particular way and it's a recurrent pattern.When I'm beginning to loose faith and hope that things won't work out.Last minute.In my family whenever we start to lament about a particular situation especially finances he just comes through in a way we can't explain.It started happening from when my husband and I were about to get married.From nothing to excess!
      It's has been a pattern since then and I've accepted it.

      http://www.CheecheeLive.com

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 02, 2017 at 8:19 pm

        Amen! He always looks out for us, sis. Always!

        Reply
    9. Kwandah T says

      April 03, 2017 at 4:21 am

      Wulilili!!! "Speechless...speechless. That's how this made me feel". Lol. The details are indeed surreal. It can only be God. Chai! I wash hand (con add foot join) for Papa God yi hand miracle. Brings to mind several miracle stories in my life. HE makes everything beautiful IN HIS TIME! Stay blessed & thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 03, 2017 at 7:59 am

        Hahaha you are so funny! Wusai dah song comot too noh?
        Indeed He makes all things beautiful in His time. His timing is perfect!

        Reply
    10. Bisola says

      April 03, 2017 at 5:31 am

      Awww. You need to see me smiling sheepishly here ?.
      Such a wonderful story replete with how God settles whatever he has a hand in and orders our steps.My favorite part is the dreams. I love how realistic your dreams were, and I am a great preacher of paying attention to your dreams. God can literally tell you anything and everything through dreams. Sometimes I know how an Interview or exam will go, or what my score is, or what's happening to my brother who isn't in the country, if my prayer has been answered, the real identity of friends and colleagues etc through dreams.
      Thanks for sharing this dear.

      Elijah - Nobody is above discouragement

      How to have a closer, intimate, deeper relationship with God

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 03, 2017 at 8:02 am

        That's eh dear, dreams are something. Sometimes God uses them to guide us. Such a loving Father!

        Reply
    11. Kachee says

      April 03, 2017 at 8:11 am

      This gave me goosebumps!! Thank you for sharing. God plans it all to the T. Wow!
      God bless you Precious and may his works in your life never cease. Amen!

      http://www.KacheeTee.com

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 03, 2017 at 7:23 pm

        Yes sis, He can plan it all. This story is such a faith-booster for me.

        Reply
    12. kwi magdalene says

      April 03, 2017 at 8:52 am

      Wow! thanks for sharing Precious. I will wait on God to order our steps,need it more than ever now in our lives!!!

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 03, 2017 at 7:24 pm

        I pray He leads you, Maddo. He is more than able!

        Reply
    13. Zinny says

      April 03, 2017 at 9:53 am

      This is inspiring, Precious. Thanks for sharing. God works in mysterious ways we can't imagine.

      http://www.zinnyfactor.com

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 03, 2017 at 7:25 pm

        Mysterious ways indeed, Zinny. His ways are not our ways.

        Reply
    14. Goodness-Mercy says

      April 03, 2017 at 11:32 am

      Wow! 'This God is too good oh' *In Nathaniel Bassey's voice*. Reminds me of a video i watched on you tube this week. God is still in the business of doing miracles. Here's the link to the video. https://youtu.be/vrgevR7AMCM

      https://devotionsofapsalmist.wordpress.com

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 03, 2017 at 7:26 pm

        Thanks for sharing this video! Will go watch.

        Reply
    15. Amaka says

      April 05, 2017 at 2:59 am

      Glory to God! Thank you for blessing us with this testimony. See God! He is always right on time. He gives the best shot. He is faithful till the end.

      And guess what?

      This is only a beginning . . . There is yet more!

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 05, 2017 at 5:35 am

        Yes, sister. There is more. He is faithful till the end. Thank you, dear!

        Reply
    16. claudine efenge says

      April 07, 2017 at 6:19 am

      wow...amazing testimony. Indeed everything that God does is good. You traveled to America to fulfill a purpose. God has a great plan for you and your family.

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 07, 2017 at 5:08 pm

        Amen! He is a good God!

        Reply
    17. Patty Princewill says

      April 07, 2017 at 3:56 pm

      Amazinggggg story P. Will go a long way to encourage some of us. Trusting God for something similar. His timing and ways are indeed in our best interest. He sure got more in store for you.

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 07, 2017 at 5:10 pm

        Thanks dear. He makes everything beautiful at the right time.

        Reply
    18. Precious says

      April 07, 2017 at 5:07 pm

      Amen! He is a good God!

      Reply
    19. itunu says

      April 23, 2017 at 2:34 pm

      I actually read this days after you posted but couldn't drop a comment then. Wow! Infact I really don't know what to say. Reminds me of something similar that happened to me when I went for my masters too. That's just God. He means it when he says just seek Him above all else, and everything else will just align in place. If only we would just let him lead us, we will have no hassle when it comes to stressing ourselves over a future we cannot see.

      Thanks for sharing. Things like this strengthen our faith and helps us remember how faithful and true God is. More grace sis! Xx

      Reply
    20. Tume Meriline says

      May 04, 2017 at 1:16 pm

      What a wonderful testmony. Its very inspiring and encouraging. Gods plan for his children are true and sure.no matter how long it takes. Thanks very much precious for sharing with us.

      Reply
      • Precious says

        May 04, 2017 at 2:53 pm

        I'm glad this inspires you, Meriline. Thank you for leaving a comment.

        Reply
    21. Akam Annette says

      June 23, 2017 at 3:01 pm

      Am with tears now,i have read all the dtories from how you met till now,God is really great

      Reply
      • Precious says

        July 13, 2017 at 6:27 pm

        God is really great, Annette. Thank you sis, and so sorry for the late reply.

        Reply
    22. Bilikisu Eneji says

      July 11, 2017 at 10:32 am

      Wow so touching. Just bump into your page today accidentally on a peanut burger u did, and I was so curious about where these post is coming from. At least I ve just one question to ask u but decided to go thru ur site and I bump into your life experiences and was loving every single bit of it. I believe ve found a friend and a lover of good dishes like me. I base in Nigeria.

      Reply
      • Precious says

        July 13, 2017 at 6:28 pm

        Awww so glad to meet you, dear. I'm glad you enjoy going through the site. Hope to see more of you.

        Reply
    23. Linda says

      November 02, 2017 at 9:42 am

      Thank you so much for sharing this testimony, it is a proof that the word of God works. I'm totally inspired.

      Reply
      • Precious says

        November 02, 2017 at 11:34 pm

        So glad this inspires you, dear. God is so faithful.

        Reply
    24. Joel judicael says

      January 19, 2018 at 8:25 am

      Waooohhhh!!! That's my God! My miracle working Father!!
      Thanks for sharing this testimony, very encouraging story.I pray for more breakthrough and revelation in your life.

      Reply
      • Precious says

        January 22, 2018 at 7:04 am

        Amen! God is ever faithful, Joel. Thanks for your comment.

        Reply
    25. Helga Che says

      April 24, 2018 at 4:32 pm

      have played the lottery this year. At first i just played it cos i had an idle 1000frs and i said to myself that there is no harm in trying. I didn't believe i can win since av tried playing 4 times but kept seeing the same message "this entry has not been selected". Its been 6 months now that i played and even forgot i did so, then suddenly today i don't know what came over me i thought of the lottery and got emotional, i prayed to God to do it for me this time and just after my prayer, i fell on your post and it seems to me like God has answered my prayer. This moment i connect myself to this testimony, God just spoke to me through your words i know this year is my year !! Thank you Jesus. I will update my lottery results here in few weeks to come. I know strongly that av already been selected

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 24, 2018 at 5:08 pm

        Praying it works out for you, dear.

        Reply
    26. Helga Che says

      May 14, 2018 at 9:42 am

      Amen !!!

      Reply
    27. Jayne Rain says

      May 29, 2018 at 7:27 pm

      Oh my God. What a moving story this is. Very emotional it made me cry. God is indeed in control.
      https://jayne-rain.com/

      Reply
      • Precious says

        May 30, 2018 at 7:10 pm

        He sure is in control, Jayne.

        Reply
    28. Alison says

      December 14, 2018 at 3:04 pm

      Oh GOD..I live in Douala Cameroon tooo😊
      I played the Lottery this year for my first time..Your testimony has uplifted my spirit and reminded me that with GOD everything is possible..Though its my 1st time I believe I can win.
      God bless you more for encouraging us with your testimony...May I testify too in JESUS name

      Reply
      • Precious says

        December 24, 2018 at 3:26 pm

        Amen! May God's will be done for you, dear. He is so faithful!

        Reply
    29. Manuella says

      April 13, 2019 at 4:35 pm

      Speechless
      God is wonderful . Thanks for sharing your experience ..it’s inspiring. Good God who began his good work is able to complete it ! He is a faithful God, his promises never changes.
      God bless You

      Reply
      • Precious says

        April 15, 2019 at 2:18 pm

        Amen. He is so faithful.

        Reply
    30. Ngala Laura says

      April 22, 2021 at 2:07 am

      Wow what an amazing story.
      I connect to this story of yours with full hope that I will succeed this year too. I strongly believe so.
      I know God of impossibility will make it possible for me this year.
      I am eagerly waiting on 8th May for the results which happens to be my birthday. I know that winning the lottery will be my gift from God.
      Thank you so much ma.
      May God continue to inspire you.
      Amen

      Reply
      • Precious says

        May 11, 2021 at 8:31 pm

        Amen! Praying God's will for you sis.

        Reply
    31. Moifore says

      November 10, 2021 at 11:22 am

      I came across this randomly, and it's a great story here. The first time I ever traveled was to Cameroon, to the beautiful city of Kribi. Kribi is known for its beach and spa port in Cameroon. Though I'm still battling with my French skills, Cameroon is a great place. Much love and respect for the Cemroonians.

      From your writing, I can tell you are such a sweet soul. My take from your story is I think America chose you. Some people have lost count of the number of times they have played the lottery. Your husband's suden job loss was so that you could fix your attention to the open door. Winning a million CFA just from responding to messages that didn't promise any monetary gains may sound hard to fit, but, again God works in the unabelievable of things. The doctor and visa dreams were clear indicators. When you have a dream that feels so real to the point that you connect with it from your person, it's likely a vision; it's surely going to happen.

      May God keep you soaring, Precious. And all you who wish similar experience in the comments below, it has been 4 years since. I hope some of you have received your wishes. If not, never ever give up. God works in his own timing.

      Much Love

      Reply

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