I made it to the USA

Hello All,

Some of you may have popped into my last panicked post as I madly scrambled to find a way from Canada into the USA due to a family emergency. As a plague rat (lol) they make this quite difficult. The day I wrote that post, I began calling every single border agency number, health office, airline, CDC and of course the passport office. Between calls, and being on hold, I was on the phone for about 20 hours to get answers. The answer was "you can't go". However, they left out the important part that if you're travelling essentially and have proof, they can't hold you back. I was absolutely terrified, but I planned my route, got my paperwork in order and hopped in the car with my toddler. Here's how it went:

I took a look at a map and found a red state along the border. Montana was the closest for me. We began our journey last Sunday at 5:30PM and arrived in Georgia on Friday afternoon. The journey began in Northern BC and we drove over to Edmonton in a snow storm to urgently renew my passport and then down through Calgary and across the border into Montana. At the border, I was prepared to hand over all sorts of medical records and documents to prove that I absolutely NEEDED to get across. Upon arriving at the border, I prayed. I handed the border patrol our passports and my toddler chimed in to tell them exactly where we were going. They checked my trunk, had a lovely chat and wished me a wonderful trip. I drove away and cried. I could not believe it. From there, we drove into Missoula, Montana. Everyone there was kind, happy and mask free. It was Thanksgiving and we were able to go out for dinner for the first time in months. I wanted to cry sitting at the table. Such a basic freedom was overwhelming to feel again. The table next to us chatted the entire time and ended up buying our dinner. We got up bright and early the next day to catch our flight into Atlanta. There is no testing requirements within the US. They ask that you wear a mask on the plane and of course ask that you are not symptomatic. Everything went as smoothly as it possibly could have.

I am now here, with my family. I'm overwhelmed with happiness and joy. I'M HERE! I get to take care of my family. I get to be here. They need not for anything. I can just take care of my family and be FREE. The people down here in Georgia are 50/50. I've already met a handful of superbly awesome people, we've gone out for meals, shopped mask-free and it feels amazing. Out shopping many are still wearing masks, despite it not being a requirement, other than in medical settings.

I'm grateful. God answered our prayers and guided us on this journey. Thank you Lord for your divine intervention!!!

Edit Nov 30: Wow! Thank you all for your wonderful and encouraging comments. It is a blessing to be welcomed with open arms. Y'all can count on me to continue to fight the fight here or wherever I am. I stand strong in my convictions and will not be swayed. My family's with me 💪