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!
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.
Adeline says
Wow.....what a testimony Precious. The Lord will surely complete the good work He started.
Precious says
I strongly believe He will. Thank you, dear.
Ayenika says
Wowww powerful testimony Pre. Makes me remember mine. God is too good!
Precious says
He is just too good, sis!
Barbara senge says
Wowww, I tap from this wonderful and amazing testimony. Jehovah is alive, and yes! He answers prayers
Precious says
Hi Barbara! Yes, He answers prayers. Praise God!
Tosan says
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.
Precious says
Thanks Tosan! My desire is to be in His will always.
Dominika says
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.
Precious says
Yes dear, there is definitely a living God in heaven. He speaks to His children. I'm glad the story inspired you.
Beryl says
Thanks for this testimony it has uplifted my spirit. God bless you for sharing.
Precious says
So glad this lifts up your spirit, Beryl. God bless you.
Akwen says
Excellent testimony sista Precious! I have been so encouraged by reading it.
Precious says
So glad to hear that, sista Akwen. God bless.
Monica says
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.
Precious says
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.
CheecheeLIVE says
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
Precious says
Amen! He always looks out for us, sis. Always!
Kwandah T says
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 🙂
Precious says
Hahaha you are so funny! Wusai dah song comot too noh?
Indeed He makes all things beautiful in His time. His timing is perfect!
Bisola says
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
Precious says
That's eh dear, dreams are something. Sometimes God uses them to guide us. Such a loving Father!
Kachee says
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
Precious says
Yes sis, He can plan it all. This story is such a faith-booster for me.
kwi magdalene says
Wow! thanks for sharing Precious. I will wait on God to order our steps,need it more than ever now in our lives!!!
Precious says
I pray He leads you, Maddo. He is more than able!
Zinny says
This is inspiring, Precious. Thanks for sharing. God works in mysterious ways we can't imagine.
http://www.zinnyfactor.com
Precious says
Mysterious ways indeed, Zinny. His ways are not our ways.
Goodness-Mercy says
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
Precious says
Thanks for sharing this video! Will go watch.
Amaka says
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!
Precious says
Yes, sister. There is more. He is faithful till the end. Thank you, dear!
claudine efenge says
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.
Precious says
Amen! He is a good God!
Patty Princewill says
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.
Precious says
Thanks dear. He makes everything beautiful at the right time.
Precious says
Amen! He is a good God!
itunu says
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
Tume Meriline says
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.
Precious says
I'm glad this inspires you, Meriline. Thank you for leaving a comment.
Akam Annette says
Am with tears now,i have read all the dtories from how you met till now,God is really great
Precious says
God is really great, Annette. Thank you sis, and so sorry for the late reply.
Bilikisu Eneji says
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.
Precious says
Awww so glad to meet you, dear. I'm glad you enjoy going through the site. Hope to see more of you.
Linda says
Thank you so much for sharing this testimony, it is a proof that the word of God works. I'm totally inspired.
Precious says
So glad this inspires you, dear. God is so faithful.
Joel judicael says
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.
Precious says
Amen! God is ever faithful, Joel. Thanks for your comment.
Helga Che says
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
Precious says
Praying it works out for you, dear.
Helga Che says
Amen !!!
Jayne Rain says
Oh my God. What a moving story this is. Very emotional it made me cry. God is indeed in control.
https://jayne-rain.com/
Precious says
He sure is in control, Jayne.
Alison says
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
Precious says
Amen! May God's will be done for you, dear. He is so faithful!
Manuella says
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
Precious says
Amen. He is so faithful.
Ngala Laura says
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
Precious says
Amen! Praying God's will for you sis.
Moifore says
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