ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaSecond time around
The visa journey waiting and immigration process was extremely stressful to say the least (gained more grey hair than I wish to count). I don't think I would want to go through this process again, and I'm hoping that our marriage will last a lifetime inshallah. I'm 59 and my husband 54 so because of our level of seniority and being in second marriages, I'm hoping for the best......
irahaymehFemaleJordan2007-09-26 21:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe Embassy
Good news Tammy! I'm so happy to hear that things are finally moving forward with your husband's visa. Keep the faith; he'll be home soon. I have felt all the despair that you have felt, but, I was so happy when my husband at last arrived on May 17, 2007.

Best Wishes,

Irene & Tawfiq
irahaymehFemaleJordan2007-10-02 16:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaTuesday what's for iftar?
We're having lamb stew, green salad with lemon juice, and sweet potato souffle for dessert.
irahaymehFemaleJordan2007-10-02 16:38:00
Middle East and North AfricaWhat are the older couples up to?
We're both over FIFTY (50) and proud of it! It gets better and better with age. God has promised me that "my latter years will be greater than my former" and I see it coming to past every day!

We're both past 50 and loving it!

Irene & Tawfiq
irahaymehFemaleJordan2007-10-04 15:27:00
Middle East and North AfricaHey! Listen UP!
Congratulations Tammy! I am so happy your husband will be home soon. I know you're excited and seeing your happiness reminds me of how I felt when my husband first arrived in May, 2007. Wishing you the best of everything in life!

Irene & Tawfiq
irahaymehFemaleJordan2007-10-11 01:05:00
Middle East and North AfricaToday my mother left for Heaven
Hi Angie,
I am saddened by the loss of your mother and pray that God will give you strength and that you will find comfort in all the good memories you have of her before her illness. I love to read your posts: you are a strong Godly woman of deep faith. I am also happy about your line of work as I am a addiction counselor as well.

Be encouraged and know that God is with you and your family.

Deepest Sympathy
Irene & Tawfiq
irahaymehFemaleJordan2007-10-17 21:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaDRUM ROLL PLEASE
Congratulations! I remember when Tawfiq arrived 5 months ago: I was so excited, so I know how you are feeling now. I hope that you and your husband will be just as happy as we are. The happiness that we share since my husband arrived is indescribable! Have a Wonderful Life together!!

Irene & Tawfiq
irahaymehFemaleJordan2007-10-24 10:06:00
Middle East and North AfricaAnyone heard from Heartland ?
Hi Wendy,
Congratulations! I am so very happy that your husband and daugher will be here soon. Sorry to hear about your illness; I pray that your recovery process will be speedy.

Irene kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
irahaymehFemaleJordan2007-11-10 17:10:00
Middle East and North AfricaWhere O Where
I was just thinking about Wendy as well. She is such a nice person and I am so happy for her. Hoping she will share her excitement with us soon. But, we know she'll be busy for a while, welcoming her family home and preparing for Thanksgiving.


HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!
irahaymehFemaleJordan2007-11-18 19:46:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Sunday MENA
Julianna, I know what you mean; I've gained about 20 pounds since my husband's been here. He loves to eat, especially at night and does not want to eat alone (without me). I've got to think of a way to stop this; it's getting out of hand.

WOM, thanks for sharing the pics - they're really cool.

Jackie, I had my 2 y/o and 5 y/o granddaughters over this weekend. It was fun, but noisy, and they left a big mess after crafts and trimming the tree. Thank God, they can go home now and no longer live with me. good.gif
irahaymehFemaleJordan2007-12-09 21:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaNeed info re Cairo petitions
Hi everyone!
I have not posted in a long while. My husband arrived here on CR1 in May. Now, I want to petition for my 24 year old stepson to come here on a visa from Egypt. Anyone have any ideas on how I should begin the process and how long it will take? Does he have to get a visa number? Just trying to get some preliminary info before we proceed.

Thanks,
Irahaymeh
irahaymehFemaleJordan2007-12-27 11:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaJordanian Dabka !! by special request :)
HAPPY NEW YEAR WOM!

Thanks for sharing the dabka dances. You have the coolest topics. good.gif

Irene & Tawfiq
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-01-03 10:55:00
Middle East and North AfricaSUPER DUPER HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MISS JACKIE!
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO JACKIE! HOPE YOU HAD A GOOD TIME..........
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-02-09 02:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA Men/Women arriving in USA
It is hard being separated again. But, actually we talk by phone every day as well as online via yahoo. I did not really like the idea of him taking this job, but, he was very adamant about it, so I gave in. This just keeps me praying and continually before God.


QUOTE (irahaymeh @ Feb 23 2008, 11:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My husband has been a teacher for more than 30 years both in Kuwait and Jordan. He arrived here in May 2007 and applied for a job as a translator with the US Army in Iraq. So he has been in Iraq since December and will come home in June on vacation. We will go to Jordan during vacation, then, he plans to return to Iraq as a translator till the end of December. It's hard, but very good money and when he finishes his tour in Iraq, we plan to start our own business. It is difficult being separated once again, but, once we are reunited, this time it will be forever; Ahomdullilah!

irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-02-25 19:53:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA Men/Women arriving in USA
My husband has been a teacher for more than 30 years both in Kuwait and Jordan. He arrived here in May 2007 and applied for a job as a translator with the US Army in Iraq. So he has been in Iraq since December and will come home in June on vacation. We will go to Jordan during vacation, then, he plans to return to Iraq as a translator till the end of December. It's hard, but very good money and when he finishes his tour in Iraq, we plan to start our own business. It is difficult being separated once again, but, once we are reunited, this time it will be forever; Ahomdullilah!
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-02-23 23:25:00
Middle East and North AfricaIt's that time again!
I tried to come to the party but was too late. Got there at 1:25 am and eva bodie was gone. Bet I missed a good one. Looking forward to hearing the good news of success today for Maggie and her man!
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-03-10 00:36:00
Middle East and North AfricaVisa approved.
CONGRATULATIONS!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

Sorry I missed the slumber party last night. I had trouble getting on Java, then when I finally got in at 1:25 am, everyone was gone. But, I did say a little prayer for the two of you. Hope he'll be here soon.
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-03-10 07:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaIn Dilemma
I130 would definitely be the way to go if both petitions are approved at same time. Wishing you luck for a speedy process.
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-03-14 21:19:00
Middle East and North Africano answers to my posts
In answer to one of your questions, don't send original documents in the mail; send only copies. When your significant other goes for his interview, he takes the originals, but they did not keep my husband's originals in Amman. Please let me know if I can be of help. Good luck in your journey. This is a journey which requires much patience......
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-03-14 21:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe First Week
good.gif I agree with WOM. We did basically everything she mentioned. We also have a couple of Arab food stores; one is run by a family from Yemen, the other one a husband and wife from Jordan. Then we have the Jerusalem Bakery run by Lebanese. So of course, my husband wanted to shop exclusively at these stores. So we shopped together for olives, pita bread from the bakery (he does not like the flat bread here), tea, Arab coffee, and halal meats of course. If meat is not purchased from the halal stores, he won't eat it so now I shop there exclusively.

And, the first day all he wanted to do was eat, shower, then slept all day and through the night.

Take it slow and easy and enjoy your reunion.
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-03-14 10:19:00
Middle East and North AfricaHow much do you really know about your MENA man?
Hi Tammy,
I pray that you will have a blessed day today, just for today! Take one day at a time. "Weeping may endure for a night, but, JOY comes in the morning".

By the way, I've seen several responses regarding a baby. Did I miss something: are you pregnant?
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-03-17 08:59:00
Middle East and North AfricaHow much do you really know about your MENA man?
Hi Tammy,
Julianna has some very good points about immigration fraud and protecting you and your family. I totally agree with her. You and your family are in my prayers and I pray that God will lead you to take the right direction for your protection. Situations like this make me so angry but I appreciate you sharing so that I and others can keep our eyes open for the red flags. mad.gif
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-03-16 11:04:00
Middle East and North AfricaHow much do you really know about your MENA man?
QUOTE (irahaymeh @ Mar 15 2008, 10:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Tammy, I am so sorry that this has happened to you. You are so nice, loving and kind and do not deserve this kind of treatment. My prayers are with you that you will find strength and know that God has not forgotten your labor of love. I pray that God will give you "double for your trouble" (more love, more finances, more happiness, more blessings)

Thank you for having the courage to tell your story and warn others to beware of these manipulative, cunning men ("wolves who come in sheep's clothing). Believe me I have my eyes and ears open and appreciate this type warning from you and other MENA wives. Everytime I see a "red flag" in my own marriage since my husband has been here, I expose it for what it is and so far have been able to weather the storm and persevere. He did not want to work a menial job here so he took a job as a translator in Iraq and makes really good money. We have a joint bank account which I monitor very closely. He does send his son a monthly allowance but most of the money remains in our account, and believe me, I do plan to use it here for our family.
Whenever any of the MENA wives share a disheartened story, it is a "wake up call alert" for all of us not to put all of our trust in these men nor take anything for granted or let anything slip by. I for one plan to get as much as I can out of him before he tries to get over on me.

As Jackie said, you are not alone. Thanks for reminding all of us to "keep our eyes open".

irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-03-15 22:31:00
Middle East and North AfricaHow much do you really know about your MENA man?
Tammy, I am so sorry that this has happened to you. You are so nice, loving and kind and do not deserve this kind of treatment. My prayers are with you that you will find strength and know that God has not forgotten your labor of love. I pray that God will give you "double for your trouble" (more love, more finances, more happiness, more blessings)

Thank you for having the courage to tell your story and warn others to beware of these manipulative, cunning men ("wolves who come in sheep's clothing). Believe me I have my eyes and ears open and appreciate this type warning from you and other MENA wives. Everytime I see a "red flag" in my own marriage since my husband has been here, I expose it for what it is and so far have been able to weather the storm and persevere. He did not want to work a menial job here so he took a job as a translator in Iraq
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-03-15 22:24:00
Middle East and North Africabachelorette party for Jackie
Sorry I missed the party Jackie. CONGRATULATIONS! I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU.
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-03-19 23:55:00
Middle East and North AfricaVISA IN HAND
CONGRATULATIONS! We're so happy for you; Wishing you a wonderful life of happiness together.
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-03-19 23:41:00
Middle East and North AfricaTO MENA MEN!
I want to cast my vote here as well: I am married to a wonderful Arab muslim man from Jordan. He has been here since May, 2007. We both have had to make some adjustments since he has been here, mostly because of cultural differences. But he is proving to be very committed to our marriage. God has blessed him with a good job and he takes pride in financially supporting me. Before he arrived, I was working two jobs; part-time as a teacher and fulltime as an addiction counselor. Immediately after he started working, he demanded that I quit my part-time job. We are close in age; he's 54 and I'm 60 and we continually give thanks to Allah for bringing us together. So my prayer is that all of my MENA friends will find as much happiness in marriage as I have.
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-03-17 18:05:00
Middle East and North Africareligious?
My husband is very religious. He smokes but never drinks. He prays 5 times a day 365 days a year. He only eats halal foods. He loves God and prays and talks to Him all the time. I am Christian and I pray and talk to God all the time too. We both go to Jumah prayer at the masjid on Fridays. He has visited my church with me a few times.
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-03-24 22:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaVISA IN HAND
CONGRATULATIONS! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-03-19 23:59:00
Middle East and North Africaconducting a survey
5 days from interview to visa in hand; No AP. Interview was 4/18/07 - visa delivered by Aramex to the school where he works on 4/25/07.
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-03-22 11:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaGood luck Ahmad and Gwen
May the interview be quick and easy! Good luck to the both of you.

Irene
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-04-02 21:48:00
Middle East and North AfricaSo does it really suck when they get here or what?
Our biggest problem by far is "food". My husband is older and set in his ways and refuses to try anything "new". He only wants to eat food that he is accustomed to so all of our meals consist of flat or pita bread, olives, zatar, homemade falafel (he makes a "mean" batch of falafel), homemade humus, molikiyya, lamb, chicken and fish. And, no dish is ever complete unless it has tomato paste. The good thing is, he loves to cook, so I leave most of the cooking to him. The bad thing is, he wants me to stay in the kitchen with him as a student and learn how to do all these things.

Another issue was the "money" - he too, says I spend too much money. When I want or need something, I'm used to just buying it with no thought. He wants to watch every penny. Once he made me very angry when he said "people back home in Jordan would never spend like you do; they save for emergencies". So I angrily said, "if it was so good back home in Jordan, then, why did you come here?" Anyway, he quickly apologized and said that I misunderstood what he was trying to say.

Also, he is a "home-body" and does not like to go out much, and hardly ever do we eat out. He wants all meals home-cooked and home. This is an adjustment for me, cuz I love to eat out.

He has a good job and makes good money so now he does not question my spending as much. All in all, he's a good friend, a good provider, an excellent leader-type husband. I thank God for him everyday!
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-04-10 07:30:00
Middle East and North AfricaIt's that time again!
Haven't been to a MENA party in a while, but, I'll try not to miss this one.
irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-07-18 20:22:00
Middle East and North AfricaQuestion for all EGYPTION'S
My husband is a translator with the US Army working through a contractor stationed in Iraq. He is a civilian working with the Army. And yes, the salary is $3,900 twice each month. And he does get 2 weeks vacation but it is every 6 months for the 2 weeks vacation. The pay is excellent! He's been there since December, 2007. He works with several other Arabs who have been there for 2 years.

QUOTE (charles! @ Aug 30 2008, 12:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ash * Habibati @ Aug 29 2008, 11:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's verifiable information lol However taking into account things that come out of a recruiter's mouth may be total BS. And considering they have a contract with you but you do not have one with them.

I'm not *that * naive but that's what they'be promising these days!!! unsure.gif


QUOTE (charles! @ Aug 29 2008, 11:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ash * Habibati @ Aug 29 2008, 11:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
They offer leave every 3 months (sometimes longer) for 2 weeks and they will fly you just about anywhere.. So for instance, you are serving in Iraq for a year and every few months they could fly you to Egypt or the US for a one to two week visit.

They are also offering monthly salaries in the range of $3500 USD per month up to $5000 USD per month (based on your level of education, english speaking ability and family size) That includes a housing allowance of up to $1300 USD (depending on your region) for your wife in the US while you are away.

huh.gif


i think the monthly wage you listed is a bit high. plus the leave bit is quite unusual - a gal i work with, her fiance just came back from there on his 3rd trip and i've heard nothing from her about anything similar to him being able to leave every few months. (this is army - if you are referring to contractors then nevermind).

eta: pay scales link below
link

irahaymehFemaleJordan2008-08-30 00:25:00
Middle East and North AfricaVisas In Hand - The List
Thanks WOM. This is great! You do so well to keep us all posted and up-to-date.
irahaymehFemaleJordan2007-07-02 17:55:00
PhilippinesMEDIA NOTE:PROPOSAL FOR INCREASE OF NON- IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION FEE
Crazy!!!! blink.gif

Hope you had a Merry Christmas as well.

Happy New Year!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

Edited by Dens Wifey, 29 December 2009 - 01:18 PM.

DedicatedWifeFemaleJamaica2009-12-29 13:17:00
PhilippinesApp. for permanent resident approved
Awesome! Congratulations and best wishes to you guys! :dance:
DedicatedWifeFemaleJamaica2010-05-26 07:40:00
Philippinesto all of you with facebook accounts
My husband and I went through something similar with FB. My husband is very private. He does have that he is married on his page but no pics of us together. For me, that's fine... I know what we have and it doesn't take us flaunting it over the internet since I know he is trying to network for his career.

At the end of the day, you both have to be comfortable and if you had the account before you were married and truly only use it to say hi to old friends and family then your wife should just let you have that. It doesn't take all of the pics and tags, lovey dovey posts to the internet world to validate your marriage/union.

I know of plenty of people that wish they would have had less info about their spouse on the social networks because some people have evil intentions! I wish you guys the best!
DedicatedWifeFemaleJamaica2010-06-05 10:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsInterview tomorrow at 1pm
Good luck!!!!
DedicatedWifeFemaleJamaica2009-09-27 11:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSHE GOT THE VISA!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations!!! So happy for you guys! kicking.gif
DedicatedWifeFemaleJamaica2009-09-28 20:41:00