ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaNot a religious Man
so sorry to hear about your loss...I will keep you, your father, and your family in my prayers. rose.gif
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-07-26 10:41:00
Middle East and North AfricaI lost my husband today
I am so sorry for you loss...I know that after one year this cannot be easy, but i am sure that you are a strong person and will be able to heal in time. Take your time, not one expects you to get over what happened so easily. I cannot imagine what you are going through. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-07-27 16:24:00
Middle East and North AfricaJust thought I'd share...
Congratulations your girls are so beautiful.
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-07-20 16:14:00
Middle East and North AfricaI-94
Stacy that is nuts that you had to go through all of that, but I am so glad that you did. It shows sometimes that you really have to just pull it together and stick to your guns with them. Sometimes they want to act like they know more than you and your situation when they don't
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-08-01 18:10:00
Middle East and North AfricaARAB FEST
Man I wish I could have gone...so far away. Hopefully Aziz and I can attend next year that would be a great experience. Just checked out the website. They have great things planned and even volunteer opportunities.
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-07-19 22:15:00
Middle East and North AfricaGood News! Good News!
aww Stacy, that is totally great news. I know you are happy because that saves you time and money.
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-08-01 18:04:00
Middle East and North AfricaCasablanca DCF Vs Service Center Filing
Maybe you should ask someone on here that has done DCF through Casa. I know several people that have and the process was easier, but every situation is different. Personally, I would do it that way if you could stay there.

Edited by CasandraYounes, 06 August 2009 - 05:53 PM.

CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-08-06 17:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaOMG!! We are out of AP and getting his Visa.
congrats, I hope you get the visa soon so that you can be with your loved one soon.
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-07-30 21:41:00
Middle East and North Africathis is the end...
what a beautiful story...I hope that you guys enjoy a beautiful life together. At first reading this, like many others had thought, I thought that you were going to give bag news, so glad it turned out so well.
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-08-10 16:06:00
Middle East and North AfricaMy MENA Friends..
I am so sorry that you had to experience that, I wish you the best of luck for the future.
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-08-09 12:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaVisa in hand!
congrats........I bet that is the best news today kicking.gif kicking.gif
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-08-10 16:07:00
Middle East and North AfricaMy 1 year anniversary is today!!! :)
congrats and happy 1st anniversary.
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-08-11 13:36:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Wednesday!!
Welcome to the group...I am sure that you will find a great group of people here in MENA that will keep you coming back for more. Like any other family, I say family because I have really turned to everyone in support and have been helped, we have our fun times, our sad times, and crazy times, but in the end, we are all there for each other.

I wish the best of luck to you and your husband, especially as his interview draws near.
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-08-11 22:07:00
Middle East and North Africaour new addition
Aww he is so beautiful. Congrats and Welcome baby Rayan Driss. Glad to know you are feeling well.

By the way, I am so lovin his sneaks.

Edited by CasandraYounes, 14 August 2009 - 10:55 PM.

CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-08-14 22:54:00
Middle East and North AfricaGOD IS GOOD...ALL THE TIME! OMG NOT MAYBE
mabrook girl that is great news congrats all the way
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-08-22 14:39:00
Middle East and North AfricaPrays for Kenza
good luck and I hope to hear good news
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-08-24 22:20:00
Middle East and North AfricaTrash in Morocco
saw this a while back...found it to be interesting to say the least, not my cup of tea...........
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-08-22 14:40:00
Middle East and North AfricaSick after medical
Thanks for the clarification...I will definitiely have to chat with him about that, but like you guys said he should know and now I feel bad for telling him to break his fast in light of being sick. Knowing my hubby, I really don't think he will break his fast, but he will be going to the doctor.
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-03 22:39:00
Middle East and North AfricaSick after medical
Hey,

Thank you everyone for your advice. Yes, Aziz says he is still sick and I was figuring that maybe it was the immunizations, but that he shouldn't still be sick. I will try to explain to his stubborn butt everything you guys have recommended because I want him feeling better. He did say thought, that MAYBE he will go to the doctor tomorrow or next week if he is really feeling sick. I'm just so worried, maybe more than I should be. So we shall see.

Cassie
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-03 19:14:00
Middle East and North AfricaSick after medical
Hello everyone,

Aziz had his medical exam for his upcoming interview last Friday and passed. However, since last Friday Aziz has been feeling really sick, but with Ramadan and all he cannot do all of the things that I have suggested in terms of keeping liquids in his body and stuff like that. Did any of your spouses complain of feeling really sick after their medical exam? What are some suggestions that you might have because I am not sure what else to recommend to him, especially since he is trying to observe Ramadan.


Cassie
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-03 14:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaI HAVE TO SHARE MY GOOD NEWS
congrats that is really great news
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-03 22:34:00
Middle East and North AfricaUpcoming Interview
thanks so much, we need it
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-13 13:25:00
Middle East and North AfricaUpcoming Interview
QUOTE (M_n_M @ Sep 12 2009, 04:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
They do fingerprints at the interview and you won't need to pay anything more for the CR1 (other than whatever you paid at the medical). I too was under the impression that we'd have to pay something more at the embassy, but that wasn't the case. You seem to be ready with the binder of proof, just make sure that he can take stuff out easily to slide under the window to show the interviewer. And have him take an extra copy of everything he sent to NVC, especially financial documents. If there are any originals that he didn't send to NVC, make sure to have him bring those as well. Good luck and keep us posted!!!
~M


Thank you so much....I really appreciate all of your information....Looks like we are good to go and I will definitely be keeping everyone posted!!!!!!!!!!
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-12 22:11:00
Middle East and North AfricaUpcoming Interview
We have a 3 inch binder of evidence: yahoo chats, call history on yahoo, snail mail, messenger chats, skype records, boarding passes for 4 trips, letters from family) and 2 photo albums. My dad that lives in Morocco is going with him just for support


QUOTE (Y's_habibitk @ Sep 11 2009, 08:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Im not sure of a fee for fingerprints since we did the K3.

What do you have as proof of a bonofide relationship?

GOOD LUCK!!! how exciting,nerve racking and all of that


CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-11 22:30:00
Middle East and North AfricaUpcoming Interview
thanks for your reply I sent the consulate at least 5 emails within the last 2 weeks and have yet to get a reply, now with Ramadan, the hours are crazy in terms of calling because everytime I call they don't answer. I figure he can just take the evidence and a little money just in case. Anybody else do the CR1 interview?
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-11 18:36:00
Middle East and North AfricaUpcoming Interview
he never received a packet from Casablanca, he did when we were doing the K3 and that fee was $135, but since we switched to the CR1 we haven't received anything except for info from NVC and Casa saying by email that they received our file
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-11 15:56:00
Middle East and North AfricaUpcoming Interview
Thanks appreciate the news, does he need to get his fingerprints done?
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-11 15:31:00
Middle East and North AfricaUpcoming Interview
Hey everyone,

That time is almost coming and I am freaking out. Ok, here is the deal....Aziz's intervies is on Monday kicking.gif for his CR1 interview, but I am not sure exactly all that he needs. We got the email from NVC saying everything was turned in and he just needs to bring his evidence and results from his medical exam, but what about fingerprints or any other costs? I've looked everywhere and can't seem to find that information. I have sent like 5 emails to Casa and it seems they're just saying to show up. I'm sure we're missing something. Please help.
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-11 09:20:00
Middle East and North AfricaMissing him...
Teresa,

I felt the same way after I graduated this past December. I have been with Aziz going on 3 years and married for 1. When I first went to visit it was like walking on clouds and I didn't know what to do with myself. It was hard getting back into the groove of things, but like others have said, try to occupy yourself with others things. Back to what I said about my graduation, I know longer had a job and I was in the midst of applying for graduate school. I suddenly had all this free time on my hands and kept becoming very needy and dependent on Aziz to call me and always be on. I almost tore myself and him apart emotionally because I had no social support and this visa journey topped everything. Take a deep breath and make time for YOU. I did the best thing I could do by staying with my hubby a couple of months. You are at the very beginning in this process and you are going to need every bit of strength you have to keep yourself together and pull through.

I wish you the best and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Cassie
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-05 22:56:00
Middle East and North AfricaCR1 approved
Thanks everyone, yes I am so happy that I went with this visa and excited that it turned out the way it did.
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-14 15:48:00
Middle East and North AfricaCR1 approved
QUOTE (Kenza @ Sep 14 2009, 09:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
WHOOO!!!!!!! So happy for you! kicking.gif Inshallah he comes soon...When do you think he will be coming? Same weekend as my husband because it's right after eid? Mabrook again!


Sucran bisef......I'm not sure when the hubby is coming home, but I know that he wanted to wait until after eid. Maybe someime next month though.
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-14 12:51:00
Middle East and North AfricaCR1 approved
QUOTE (bellaluna @ Sep 14 2009, 07:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
ohhhhhhh my god;great news!! good.gif
congratulations ,and wish you the best,it s time for you to be in each others arms. wish me luck,i have my interview in 2 days in casablanca. biggrin.gif


Hey Bellaluna, I wish you the best of luck and hope it is as easy as Aziz's was
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-14 12:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaCR1 approved
OMG OMG

Words cannot express how excited I am aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif Aziz just called me 30 minutes ago, I'm still floating on air. We were approved for our CR1.....First of all, I sincerely want to thank my visajourney family because without you guys and helping us prepare, I would not have done this so easily..Aziz told me that when his interview went smoothly. First he was interviewed by a Moroccan man for 3 minutes, then he was handed over to the feared blondie. For him, she was very nice and didn't take too long. She didn't look at any of the evidence and his fingerprints were actually free. She asked him a ton of questions and told him the magic words, "you can come back tomorrow to get your visa." I was surprised no AP, but I thank the lord that it went so easily and I wish the same for others that will be having their interviews in Casa.

OMG I am still processing this, but yes my day is good so far.

Casandra
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-14 07:27:00
Middle East and North AfricaSex and the City - in Morocco!
That is so cool, I'm so excited.....Now I so need a vacation
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-11 09:10:00
Middle East and North Africai got my visa this morning!!
Congrats, I knew you would get it......
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-18 19:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy hump day..
congrats I wish you a fast journey in NVC
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-23 19:45:00
Middle East and North AfricaWe have an Interview date finally
great, that is right around the corner....that is the best feeling in the world
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-23 19:46:00
Middle East and North AfricaNeed advice before trip to Morocco
QUOTE (mdu825 @ Aug 15 2009, 09:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello, this may not be the right or best place to post this, but I am hoping that both men and women in successful and unsuccessful relationships can help me out. I am American and about 4 months ago I met a Moroccan man. My feelings for this man are growing deeply, and I know I am falling in love with him. I have read many posts on here of successful relationships and that gives me hope, but I also hear a lot of the bad relationships and that worries me. Unlike some on this site, he as been to the US before, and has lived her for years while going to school and also working, but returned to Morocco to be close to his family. From the very beginning this man has told me that he views the distance between us and a barrier, and over time he has expressed he has feelings for me, but does not want to promise me anything that he is not 100% sure he can do or give. He has not come out and told me he loves me, but again, has expressed that he does have deep feelings for me. One of the issues is that he does not want to return to the US, he liked his time here, but he feels he needs to be close to his family. Another issue is that I have children from a prior marriage, which he says isn't an issue personally, and every time we speak he asks about them. Over the past 4 months we have spoken every day, sometimes several times a day, via email, instant message, or phone calls, and I know when we chat online he is at home and not at an internet cafe. I have suggested to him a couple of times that if this between us became serious I would consider moving to Morrocco or to Europe (he is trying to move to France or somewhere in Europe in hopes of finding a better life, and again, he has family in France), but he insists that this cannot happen, my children would not get the education there like they do here in the states, he couldn't support all of us right now, and basically thinks I'm crazy because he says Morocco is a third world country, and people try their whole lives to get out, and I'm doing the opposite...he said he couldn't allow it, especially since I have children to think about, and it would be selfish of me to ruin their lives for my own happiness.

I have plans to visit him shortly and I'm starting to get nervous, I hear of all these horror stories and it honestly scares me. I don't think he's using me because he's not looking for a green card, he has made it very clear he doesn't want to come back here. Also, he is going through some financial hardships over there and I have offered to help him and he has refused, saying that it would be an embarrassement to him, and he would feel awful if he accepted money from me. But on the other hand, he has not told his family or friends about me, and sometimes when we talk he can seem very distant and at others he seems very sweet and loving. Also, he is Muslim and I am Christian, but he has told me this is not an issue, although I have been reading up on Islam on my own and already had some prior knowledge of it. But I have heard some say that Islam does not allow men/women to marry outside of their religion, so this is also a concern for me. I have also heard that Moroccan men believe in having multiple wives, or they are not faithful to their wife, so any claifiication on this would be great.

Also, shortly after we starting talking he told me that if I found someone in the states that I should not wait for him, and although he would be hurt, I should move on. But if I'm not home he wants to know what I'm doing, and if he thinks I'm with other men he gets very jealous (which I'm not), but on the other hand he's not ready to make that committment, I don't understand it. Also, he has told me that he is still a virgin, as he was taught that you wait for marriage before you have sex, and I told him I understand and repect that, so I don't think he's having me come out there just for sex either.

So I have plans to visit him in a couple of weeks, and I don't know what to expect there, from him or the people of Morocco. And I don't know if I'm waisting my time, so I was hoping that some of you could give me some advice and help me understand what is going on here, and what Moroccan men are like, and in your opinion is he trying to gain my trust only to use and hurt me down the road. If you guys think he is being honest and sincere, what do you suggest I do to prove to him that this can work (like I said, after reading all the success stories it give me real hope)...do I tell him that I love him, or will that push him away, or do I take a step back and let him come to me?

Also, if I decide to go forth with the trip, what suggestions do you have as far as keeping myself from getting sick (i.e drinking the water, eating certain foods), immunizations the US requires for travel there, can I exchange US money for Moroccan money at a bank, do people in the airport speak english, and what is appropriate clothing and behavior for women there (I'm guessing shorts is not a good idea)?

Sorry for such a long and lengthy post, but this culture is new to me, and I know that Moroccan men are different from US men, so I know I cannot compare his behavior to American men. But I feel like I have met my soul mate, he makes me feel complete, but love is blind, and sometimes we overlook the red flags because we want something so desperately. Your feedback, advice and suggestions are appreciated. Thank you



First of all,

I wanted to say that it takes a lot for anyone to post what you did about the difficulties and possibably reality of your relationship. What we see in front of us is not always what is best for us. This man seems like he is very smart and at least he is thinking about your children, but one thing I must say is that the basis of your relationship should be based on love and two agreeing people of that love. I don't doubt that you both share deep feelings for each other, but if he wanted to continue something serious with you, why would he want to stay with you away from his family and not inform them of who you are and what you mean to him. Perhaps he is scared to get his family involved if he is not sure how far this relationship will go so he doesn't want to get them emotionally involved. I'm not sure, but if you feel in your heart that this will work out, then go for it. Woman have a strong gut feeling that tells us what we want to hear and sometimes we ignore it, but whatever decision you make, please think about your children and how it will affect them as well. Based on this man's past experiences and what he is saying to you, he does not want to go to America so could you see yourself living overseas and how would the situation work out with your children. Morocco does have some good schools, but financially it is hard. I know that some can live well, but from what I see it is hard.

As a country, Morocco is a very beautiful country that I have had the pleasure of visiting 4 times. Have I seen poor families? Yes, but I don't know about third world. I see many sides of development and growth. It has a rich culture as well and a booming tourist economy for that matter, its even being considered as a spot for the Olympics (sidenote). Food is great, just please drink BOTTLED water. Believe me, you will know why if you don't. Some places have regular American toilets but carry your own klenex, because that they don't and not everyone keeps ini their homes. You will also see the traditional toilet, I don't know how good you are with squatting to use the rest room, but I did not become a pro, lets just keep it at that. Clothes, ummm......I dressed however I wanted, but I did respect my husband and kept the culture in mind. You can see my pics and maybe that will give you an idea. As far as immunizations go, I never had to take any or get any special documents. If you have your passport, then you should be fine. In regards to the money, you have several options. I informed my bank that I would be making international transactions and withdrew money using my ATM and was given dirham. In Tangier's airport, I was also able to exchange American dollars, but they were being pretty careful because sometimes they are given fake ones so you have to watch out. You can also go to a bank that accepts Moroccan currency and do an exchange. Bank of America doesn't.

As far as Muslim men not being able to marry Non-Muslims. That is incorrect, I have read in the Quaran where it says that a Muslim man can marry a Non-Muslim as long as she is pious women that believes in God and is either Christian or Jewish. My husband and I are in a very loving and caring relationship and though some things seem difficult at first and the distance is hard, things always work out somehow and if they are meant to be, they will. Things always have a way of working themselves out. With that beig said, please keep in mind all that others have said concerning your relationship and follow your heart as well. you never know, things could always turn out different than they might seem. I hope things work out for you and I wish you the best of luck.

Edited by CasandraYounes, 15 August 2009 - 11:53 PM.

CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-08-15 23:48:00
Middle East and North AfricaMorrocan memebers please HELP !!
Hello,

My husband had one of the male doctors. I'm not sure which one of the 2, but he spent 1500 dhm for his vaccinations, exam, x-rays and everything. He got 4 shots that made him really sick. Even though they weren't supposed to, they let him see his results. Aziz said they were really nice to him
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-26 21:11:00
Middle East and North AfricaREUNION IN 2HRS WOOOOO
omg I know I so missed it, but congrats for you to know that he is here and finally with you
CasandraYounesFemaleMorocco2009-09-30 23:34:00