ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Africa: Sub-SaharanRecipes
QUOTE (Nana_Afia_B @ Jan 20 2008, 02:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
About Banku...when my husband and I make it here's our mixture...

3-4 days prior:

Take one bag of cornmeal (like the size of a bag of all-purpose flour) and mix with water in a large stew pot. consistency should be about like, mush or oatmeal. Mix the two together cover the pot and put in a cool, dark place to ferment for 3-4 days.

When we do it this way, we divide the fermented cornmeal into batches and put each batch into a plastic, grocery bag (about 4-5 cups each bag). This way, we can freeze what we won't immediately use. From one bag of cornmeal, you should get about 4-5 individual batches. Freeze the extras and use only one.

The mixture:
Take Cornmeal and put in blender and mix w/ water until liquid (not too runny)! Pour this into a separate bowl. Then you will need fresh cassava (Yuca/Blanca Cassava). Peel and chop the cassava and put into the blender. Add water and blend until liquid. The ratio of cassava liquid to cornmeal liquid is about 40(cassava):60(cornmeal). Season the mixture with salt to taste.

To actually make, you will need to continually stir and taste the mixture. Adding water as it gets thick. It's really hard to explain this step...The best way to learn is to have someone show/help you. I hope the mixture helps you get started!


Looks like I have a lot to learn. Thanks so much....I am going to print this out and start practicing. I don't want Samuel to be rushed to the hospital from my attempt to cook Ghanaian dishes. LOL!!!
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-01-21 09:42:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanRecipes
Zee you are right on time. Samuel asked me just last Sunday if there are any stores that sell Ghanaian food. I cannot find any here in Cleveland. The closest restaurant I found was in Washington DC and there is a store in Cincinnati that I went to while I was in school. But to travel four hours just does not seem economical. He asked me to see if I can find "Banku". I hope I spelled that right. Do you know what that is? I also need to find the spices that his Mom used while I was in Ghana. I talked to her on the phone, but my Twi is limited blush.gif so I could not understand. Any suggestions would be great!

Thanks for the thread!!!
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-01-19 07:19:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanI asked him to leave. Best decision ever...
I have watched your story.....you are so brave. I wish you all the best. (F)
Ricca711FemaleGhana2012-11-11 17:46:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanHE'S HERE, ALHAMDOULILLAH!
Whoo hoooo! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

Enjoy one another!
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-05-18 07:57:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPetitioning for a spouse from 3rd world countries, highly scrutinized??
Send me a message and let's work on getting you started. This site will be very helpful to you.
Ricca711FemaleGhana2007-12-09 09:20:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureseveryone can help
What a beautiful prayer...even in the midst of adversity. I appreciate your strength and thoughtfulness.

God Bless you
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-03-25 19:23:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFINALLY APPROVED
Congratulations Woman!!!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

I sent you a PM.
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-07-30 06:50:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMY HUSBAND VISA WAS CANCELLED.
#######!!!!!
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-08-07 14:02:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview
helpsmilie.gif Hey All,

I am posting this message for Yoda1165. His wife had her interview today in Ghana. Below is the actual email he sent me at work and he could use VJer's help.

Greg thanks you and I thank you.

Hi Erica … how are you ? Fatima went to her interview today , she was told to come back March 9th and bring phone records from 2005 and e-mails along with cards and letters. They also questioned her about my e-mail address which shows different in 2005 as I changed it because of my ex being able to access it at the time. Fatima still feels pretty confident we will get the visa in March 2009 and thinks I should go to the interview.

I probably got a bunch of e-mails from that year, but I do not have records of phone calls because I used calling cards. How do you see this? They kept most of the paper work and specifically gave her a paper asking her to return with phone records and e-mails from 2005. Can you advise or get advice from Samuel or any one on Visa Journey.



Thanks

Greg
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-12-01 10:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPoverty Guidelines/Life and Medical Insurance
Hi,

Could someone please explain to me, or tell me where to go and read about sponsorship. It was my understanding that if I make enough money, I will not have to ask a family member to sponsor my fiance'. Is that correct? I just mailed our I-129F on Friday. However, I am trying to plan ahead and try to anticipate what is to come.

Next question, should I purchase life and medical insurance for my fiance' before he gets to the U.S.?


Thank you,

Erika
Ricca711FemaleGhana2007-06-04 14:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion2006 Tax Return
I was in school from January 2006 to December 2006. I called the IRS and went through a series of questions and I was told I did not have to file. Any suggestions as to what I should do when I need to show tax returns at the interview for my fiance' in Ghana.
Ricca711FemaleGhana2007-07-23 21:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 vs. I-864
Good morning,

Does anyone know the difference between the forms I-134 and I-864 Affidavits of Support? I am just curious as to which one I would need to fill out for our K-1 visa process.

Thanks
Ricca711FemaleGhana2007-08-04 05:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionThe Interview
mad.gif Why are the CO's in Ghana giving people such a hard time?

Keith, it was a good thing you were there. I am sure Jessica will get her visa in July. I am continuing to pray for you.

Thanks for posting.

Erika
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-05-04 07:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPosting for a Prospective Member
Hi All,

I am posting an intimate question for someone who wants to remain anonymous for now. I know she appreciates your help.

QUESTION: WILL YOU BE DENIED THE K1 VISA IF WHILE ME AND MY FIANCE WERE DATING WITHIN THE TWO YEARS WE WERE MARRIED BUT SEPARATED FROM OUR EX-SPOUSE. BUT AT THE TIME I FILED FOR THE K1 PETITION WE WERE BOTH DIVORCED? MY FIANCE WAS DIVORCED A MONTH BEFORE AND I WAS FINALLY DIVORCED 4 MONTHS BEFORE I FILED FOR THE K1 PETITION.

ALTHOUGH WE WERE BOTH SEPARATED FROM OUR EX-SPOUSE's WILL THEY DENY US BECAUSE OF THE FACT OUR DIVORCE WAS SO CLOSE TO THE TIME I FILED FOR THE PETITION?

Thanks,

Erika

Edited by Ricca711, 21 May 2008 - 01:45 PM.

Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-05-21 13:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Clarification for Ghana Consulate
Dont you just love Zee and Pushbrk!

Zee...your second interview is almost here! Can you bring Samuel back with you, lol!!!
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-05-21 13:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionGood or Bad
QUOTE (pushbrk @ May 27 2008, 05:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ricca711 @ May 27 2008, 12:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (BrownSugarHoney @ May 25 2008, 10:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ricca711 @ May 23 2008, 09:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (wifetobe @ May 23 2008, 09:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ricca711 @ May 23 2008, 01:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
He was told to come back on Tuesday. He is getting frustrated. sad.gif

Erika
Try not let this ruin your weekend.. instead think of the time when he'll be off that plane and with you for good without any more separations!!! I know it must be frustrating but at least he will eventually get the visa and that you guys were approved for sure good.gif we'll be thinking of ya rose.gif


Thanks and I will try not to let it ruin the weekend. I just talked to him and he said that his passport is ready but they could not get his fingerprints into the system. What system? Is there anyone out there who has completed this stage of the process and can detail what happens when you go to pick up your visa. Maybe it will help me understand the process better.

Thanks again,

Erika



Sorry to hear about the delay, Erika. You are ahead of me in this process, but I am positive everything will turn out fine. I would be interested to hear about this whole fingerprint issues as well! Be strong, girl (As you have been this whole process)!


He picked up the visa today! Thanks for all of your encouragement. As soon as he settles down I will get the details about the additional fingerprinting that was needed.


How many extra fingers does he have anyway?


LOL! As long has he has enough to grab that visa and get his butt on over here!
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-05-27 16:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionGood or Bad
QUOTE (BrownSugarHoney @ May 25 2008, 10:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ricca711 @ May 23 2008, 09:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (wifetobe @ May 23 2008, 09:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ricca711 @ May 23 2008, 01:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
He was told to come back on Tuesday. He is getting frustrated. sad.gif

Erika
Try not let this ruin your weekend.. instead think of the time when he'll be off that plane and with you for good without any more separations!!! I know it must be frustrating but at least he will eventually get the visa and that you guys were approved for sure good.gif we'll be thinking of ya rose.gif


Thanks and I will try not to let it ruin the weekend. I just talked to him and he said that his passport is ready but they could not get his fingerprints into the system. What system? Is there anyone out there who has completed this stage of the process and can detail what happens when you go to pick up your visa. Maybe it will help me understand the process better.

Thanks again,

Erika



Sorry to hear about the delay, Erika. You are ahead of me in this process, but I am positive everything will turn out fine. I would be interested to hear about this whole fingerprint issues as well! Be strong, girl (As you have been this whole process)!


He picked up the visa today! Thanks for all of your encouragement. As soon as he settles down I will get the details about the additional fingerprinting that was needed.
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-05-27 14:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionGood or Bad
QUOTE (wifetobe @ May 23 2008, 09:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ricca711 @ May 23 2008, 01:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
He was told to come back on Tuesday. He is getting frustrated. sad.gif

Erika
Try not let this ruin your weekend.. instead think of the time when he'll be off that plane and with you for good without any more separations!!! I know it must be frustrating but at least he will eventually get the visa and that you guys were approved for sure good.gif we'll be thinking of ya rose.gif


Thanks and I will try not to let it ruin the weekend. I just talked to him and he said that his passport is ready but they could not get his fingerprints into the system. What system? Is there anyone out there who has completed this stage of the process and can detail what happens when you go to pick up your visa. Maybe it will help me understand the process better.

Thanks again,

Erika
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-05-23 08:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionGood or Bad
He was told to come back on Tuesday. He is getting frustrated. sad.gif
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-05-23 07:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionGood or Bad
QUOTE (n@W @ May 22 2008, 02:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ricca711 @ May 22 2008, 08:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ZeeNusah @ May 22 2008, 01:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm guessing it may be to pick up the visa then.


Thank you Zee....my stomach hurts..another sleepless night....ugh.



should be because of happiness!



I know...and I'm trying...hey you have an interview in a few days...here's wishing you the best!
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-05-22 13:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionGood or Bad
QUOTE (ZeeNusah @ May 22 2008, 01:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm guessing it may be to pick up the visa then.


Thank you Zee....my stomach hurts..another sleepless night....ugh.
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-05-22 13:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionGood or Bad
QUOTE (ZeeNusah @ May 22 2008, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Has he gotten his visa yet?


No not yet. When he was there last Friday, they said to come back tomorrow because they were backlogged and could not issue the visa's. He said numerous people went home that day without a visa.
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-05-22 12:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionGood or Bad
wacko.gif Ok, as if my nerves are not already shot.....Samuel called and said that the embassy called him and told him to be at the embassy tomorrow at 7:30am. Now, most people would be jumping for joy, but I am just wondering if a phone call means that something is wrong. Has anyone ever experienced this? Lord...my nerves.


Erika
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-05-22 12:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPicked Up Visa Today
QUOTE (K&A @ May 28 2008, 10:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
THANK GOODNESS!! CONGRATS RICCA!!! kicking.gif



Thank you everyone for all the well wishes. This is a good feeling. I cant wait to see my Sammie big bright smile when he gets off that plane.

Love to all of you!

Hey Ms. Moet, where have you been?
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-05-28 19:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPicked Up Visa Today
QUOTE (ZeeNusah @ May 27 2008, 08:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations Erika!!!

I can't wait for you to post that he is here smile.gif


Me too Ms. Z.....me too! I am still here as part of your cheering section. Tell Inusah that I said to DO HIS THANG!!!
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-05-28 19:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPicked Up Visa Today
Samuel has his passport and visa in his hand. kicking.gif He will complete his vaccinations June 1st and is scheduled to arrive in Cleveland, Ohio via JFK on June 10th.

Erika
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-05-27 13:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDoing your medicals in Ghana
#2 on demand..... rofl.gif
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-06-23 19:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionGhana K-1 Visa APPROVAL!
Congratulations!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

I am so happy for you guys.
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-06-23 18:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSecond Interview
Congratulations!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
Ricca711FemaleGhana2008-08-12 14:45:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA list for K3 Members
Euro,

could you please add me? Somehow, my interview date is not in the list anymore even though it was there before. In addition, my visa was issued March 20th, 2006.

Thank you.

Anja
BjumanjaFemaleGermany2006-03-27 17:16:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA list for K3 Members
Hello,
I just wanted to let you guys know that my visa was issued March 20th 2006 and that I received it during the middle of the week.
I was a bit nervous first because at the interview one of the consulars told me that my medical records had not been received from the physician yet even though she had more than a month to send it in.
After the interview I called the physician's office and found out that she had sent everything a couple of days before the interview. I just thought, what kind of timing does she have. Does she not know how important that is for me? She even told me I should call in after the medical to inform her when the interview date will be so the embassy will get everything on time.
So, I patiently waited until I received the envelope from the embassy.
Well, for this part my worries are gone since I have my visa in my hands.
Up to now, thanks for your help.

Anja
BjumanjaFemaleGermany2006-03-26 16:36:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA list for K3 Members
Hello everybody,
I found out this week that my interview date will be March 9th. so could you please update me?

Thank you,
Anja.
BjumanjaFemaleGermany2006-02-10 04:23:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEntered US
We called USCIS. The lady was friendly but was not able to help us. So she transferred us to an immigration officer. The lines were busy so we were waiting 30 minutes on the phone. My husband told the immigration officer basically what happened and what the immigration officer at the POE said. She said, if he told you to send it to Chicago, then you send it there. We wanted to reconfirm that it was right and told her that it was our understanding that it should have stayed in the immigration office at the POE. She just said, that the officer told us that for a reason and we should do what was said. We were not satisfied with the answer especially since we had to wait so long to talk to somebody.

My husband then called the information desk at the Cleveland Airport. We got a phone number for immigration. The officer was not able to help right away since he had 3 answers in his head. He called us back after a short time. He wanted my A# and yep, I can take it to the airport. :yes:
Much better than sending it to Chicago not knowing if that is really the right thing to do.

Thank you very much for your help.

~Anja
BjumanjaFemaleGermany2006-04-27 11:44:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresEntered US
I just have a short question. I entered the US yesterday in Newark. The immigration officer was very nice but did not know anything about the K3 visa. His co-worker had to tell him what it was and that he has to give me my papers back. I thought they would keep the papers from the embassy. But now, I have it all and they told me I have to send those to Chicago. Sorry, but I am just a bit confused.

We want to do the AOS here in the states and not follow the CR1 path. So, do we fill out all the forms according to the guides on this site and sent in also my K3 papers?

Thanks for your help.

Anja
BjumanjaFemaleGermany2006-04-25 12:33:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresinterview at the airport
Hello rachid120,

this has happened to me too when I came to the U.S. in April. My point of entry was Newark. I thought my case was unique but I see now that it happens to others too. After making a couple of phone calls to USCIS and being on hold for a long time, we were not happy with the answer. The answer was: "the officer gave the package to you for a reason. If he told you to send it by yourself, then you have to do that." This was all we got and my husband was not happy. He called the airport in Cleveland because it was closer and we knew that there were also immigration officers. We called the information desk at the airport and they transferred us to immigration at the airport. The officer really helped us. I had to take my package to that airport. Just had to call in before so they would not be busy. Annoying was that I had to repeat myself a couple of times since I was not always talking to the same person. So, just be patient.

~Anja
BjumanjaFemaleGermany2006-06-07 21:34:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Does NVC process different petitions at different speeds?
And thus my confusion. Thanks!
David & YulyaMaleRussia2012-05-29 19:57:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Does NVC process different petitions at different speeds?
We got our NOA2 last week, thought I would try calling today even though I know it's still early and of course was told to wait 15 business days. On here it looks like a lot of people are waiting a heck of a lot longer then that, but I've noticed it seems like more CR1 then K1. Do they process these at different speeds or is it all just a giant pile of documents and they slowly work through them all? Does anyone know?
David & YulyaMaleRussia2012-05-29 09:27:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)NVC got my case...but no case number assigned yet
CSC has been having issues. Many of us with May NOA2 receipts have yet to get to the NVC yet. Get ready to wait for a few weeks.
David & YulyaMaleRussia2012-06-25 15:45:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Getting NVC case number
Finally got our case number tonight! It's about time! :dance:
David & YulyaMaleRussia2012-06-27 21:22:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Getting NVC case number
Well, I just got an email from CSC saying my petition is at the NVC, just not in their system. Which is not what I have been hearing from the NVC. Then they said to call or email NVC in 5 days. Really sounded like they're tired of my emails and calls! haha! So we'll see...I'll call later tonight and see what happens.
David & YulyaMaleRussia2012-06-27 14:04:00