ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North Africamonday
QUOTE (just_Jackie @ Jan 5 2009, 08:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anybody watching The Bachelor tonight? ( i swear i need to get a life )

jJ



I guess I don't have a life either cuz I was watching...............can't believe Deanna is coming back!! Can't wait to see what happens there.......... ohmy.gif
babynursetobeFemaleNigeria2009-01-05 22:27:00
Middle East and North AfricaIts Wednesday !!!!!!!
Good morning everyone! Have the day off from work and had planned on staying in my pj's all day and doing NOTHING, but my kids have no school and they are at their dad's so I guess I'm gonna have to get dressed and venture out in this mess (snow/ice).

Tamara I like 1 and 3......hope your feeling better??
babynursetobeFemaleNigeria2009-01-07 11:08:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Caturday MENA
QUOTE (Turia @ Jan 10 2009, 01:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My poor husband just came in from outside shoveling. While taking off his wet pants and boots, he starts saying, "OH OH AMERICAN DREAM, SOMEONE SCREWED ME BIG TIME!!" I'm about ready to fall on the floor laughing!!! rofl.gif



That's too FUNNY!! rofl.gif rofl.gif
babynursetobeFemaleNigeria2009-01-10 15:46:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Caturday MENA
Happy Saturday all!! I'm soooo glad the weekend is finally here............my house is an absolute mess and need to spend the day cleaning up after a stressfull week.


babynursetobeFemaleNigeria2009-01-10 10:12:00
Middle East and North AfricaWho are you??
I'm Michelle and I work as a CNA soon to be OB nurse as soon as I take and pass my board exam!!
babynursetobeFemaleNigeria2008-12-29 10:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaSunday lazy Sunday..
Happy Sunday Morning Everyone!!
babynursetobeFemaleNigeria2009-02-01 10:49:00
Middle East and North AfricaMena meeting S/O
QUOTE (yassmine2878 @ Sep 27 2008, 11:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hubster and I met on Yahoo. He just popped up in a chat window one day and the rest is history smile.gif



My husband & I met through a mutual friend. My friend was married to his best friend and she had traveled to visit her husband and absolutely fell in love with my husband (like a brother). She sent me some pictures of him and filled me in on all the juicy details. She gave him my yahoo id and we started talking on a daily basis and the rest as they say "is history".........
babynursetobeFemaleNigeria2008-09-30 21:57:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday!
Just wanted to stop by and say "hi". I haven't been on VJ much lately. Hope everyone is doing well...........
babynursetobeFemaleNigeria2009-05-27 10:44:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA diet/exercise thread
we're doing a "biggest loser" group at my work. Modified of course, but I'm hoping it will give me the insentive I need to stay on track. It will be for eight weeks and whoever loses the most percentage of weight will get the pot of 20.00 (per person) each of us paid to join. I'm going to see my husband in March so hopefully that will help me as well!! Don't want him to know i've gained a little weight since he's seen me last........LOL.
babynursetobeFemaleNigeria2009-01-13 13:08:00
Middle East and North AfricaIt's Wednesday
Good morning everyone!! Got the kids off to school (first day back) this morning without a crisis......lol. I've got the day off today and am hoping to get some cleaning done.......the laundry is piling up!! LOL Hope all is well with everyone.......
babynursetobeFemaleNigeria2009-09-02 10:27:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA CR1/K3/K1 filers
Congrats Jackie!! Glad to hear your waiting period will soon be over!! YIPPEEEEEEE
babynursetobeFemaleNigeria2009-04-29 07:02:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA CR1/K3/K1 filers
QUOTE (star_dragon @ Jan 2 2009, 10:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm back on the couch. My hunny's not coming till.........wait for it...wait for it.....






April 6


unsure.gif


WOW Star.....really?? Why soooo long?? At least winter will be over by then, for most!!
babynursetobeFemaleNigeria2009-01-02 23:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA CR1/K3/K1 filers
QUOTE (just_Jackie @ Dec 30 2008, 09:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
*waves at Lisa...yea..who's on da couch wit us ?

snackin on Chex mix..1 day til the new year's diet starts. I swear I have gained 15 pounds since approval and now. Packin it on! And the longer AP goes, the bigger I'm gettin!



Oh Jackie I soooo hear you...........I'll be starting my diet on the second and I've gained more than that!
babynursetobeFemaleNigeria2008-12-30 21:16:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA CR1/K3/K1 filers
Hi All,

My name is Michelle......I'm waiting right along with you. I filed for a K3 visa at the end of july. I have had three touches so far (2 last week). I think we have made the decision to just continue with the K3 and see what happens with that and if it doesn't go well we will pursue the CR1. This process is all so damn confusing...........I think i've changed my mind a million times by now. Just wanted to say hi and congrats to all with approvals and interview dates.
babynursetobeFemaleNigeria2008-10-17 14:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR1 / CR1 General Guides and Info
I'm hoping someone can answer my question. My husband and I have filed for a K3 visa. He got his NOA2 for the I129f and the I130 in February and interviewed on the K3 in April. He got put in AP and was told at the time of his interview was due to his medical not being complete at the time of the interview (they notified us 20 days prior to his interview and we didn't have time to complete the entire medicals) Mand he should contact the embassy until they give him an appointment at the 1pm time. I have emailed them and keep receiving the same answer that he is in AP and they will contact us once the process is complete. My question: has anyone gone through something similar and then opted to file for the CR1/IR1 and how did that work out?? We have begun the process and I just want to prepare myself for what to expect. Thanks for your help regarding this.


babynursetobeFemaleNigeria2009-08-31 20:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhy NOA1 not come yet ? :(
I never received my NOA1 for my I130 either. I did call the uscis a few times and they kept telling me I had to wait 30 days and perhaps even 45. After the 30 days were up I did call back and they gave me my receipt number over the phone so I could at least track it and claimed they would send me another NOA1, which I never got. My concern at the time was that in the instuctions for a k3 u are supposed to send proove of filing the I130 when u send in the I129f. However, this is not the case anymore.....you can actually send the two in together. You don't really need the NOA1 for anything other than tracking ur case so worst case scenerio if you don't get it you can always call like I did after 30 days and get the receipt number yourself. Good luck to you!!
babynursetobeFemaleNigeria2008-12-14 10:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJULY 2008 Filers!
I filed in July as well.........just barely. I sent the I-130 on July 29. I never got the NOA1 in the mail, but I did call & they were able to give me the date and receipt number over the phone. As of yet, I still have not recived the receipt, but have recieved the NOA1 on the I-129f. I'm not sure what happened, but............another mistake on USCIS's part I guess. I had even requested they send it again, but nothing yet. Oh well I know they are working on the case though cuz its been "touched".


QUOTE (Serendipity_ @ Oct 2 2008, 01:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
There's 10 of us here with NOA1 date within 20-30 days...good range to track progress

I think VSC is now working on Mid April to Mid May Files....any Thoughts??? innocent.gif


Calling all mid June to End July filers?

babynursetobeFemaleNigeria2008-10-13 17:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFalling in Love
We met playing World of Warcraft. I knew him for over a year before things became personal for us. I am a big flirt and loud and outgoing, and he is very quiet and not a flirt, so he was not even on my radar. He definately snuck up on me. His schedule at work changed, and that meant he was online at the same times I was much more often. We ended up working on things just the two of us, we started talking about ourselves, and it did not take long before we became the center of each others daily lives. E-mailing from work, talking for hours every night on ventrilo. He was ready to come meet me within a couple months but schedules did not work out so it was about 4 months. We talked ahead of time and agreed that if we met in person and the same spark was not there, than no harm no foul, we just hang out as friends and move on. The moment I saw him walking into arrivals at the airport, I knew. I will never forget his smile, the look on his face when he saw me. One of the things I miss the most is the way he looks at me, like there is nothing else in the world. He came over to me and immediately kissed me and that was it. There was no awkwardness, no nervousness, it was like I had been with him forever. It just fit.

Why did I fall in love with him? I don't know exactly. He compliments me, he is everything I am not. He is calm and steady and I tend to be a bit hyper and emotional. I worry about things and he doesn't. He taught me to trust again. If he says he is going to do something, he does it. He has never let me down. He is the most affectionate person I have known. I believe in him, and if you knew me, you would know how amazing that is for me, to have someone I can believe in.

The question is not why do I love him, but who wouldn't love him?
Sherri and MattFemaleEngland2009-03-28 08:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDOES ANYBODY THINK THIS WILL BE A PROBLEM??
blink.gif

Don't know if this will be a problem at his medical, but depressed or not...it's bound to raise eyebrows when someone carves words into their flesh. There are many ways to show someone how you feel without mutilating yourself, and I wonder if it will make the medical officers worry that he is currently or has a history of mental illness. Is this any kind of red flag to you?
Sherri and MattFemaleEngland2009-05-13 19:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaBack from Alexandria, Egypt
Sounds like an awesome experience!! Isn't it wonderful to feel loved, even when you are sick? LOL I had a similar experience when I was in Morocco this summer....I got a parasitic infection in my intestines from the water, and I was miserable for a whole week. My fiance's family was wonderful, and he was UNBELIEVABLE! He doted on me, got me anything that would make me more comfortable (the heat was stiffling at times, and add being sick on top of that....YUCK!) He wanted to take me to a doctor but I work in the medical field and knew what I needed to do for myself to improve the situation. The only part that was really hard was convincing his family that NOT eating was not going to do me any harm. I just needed to stay hydrated. What an experience it all was! But it showed me that I have chosen a man who understands what "in sickness and in health" really means!!

I hope you will be able to return to Egypt very soon! Inshaallah, you will find a way. In the meantime, take good care and enjoy your memories of the trip! biggrin.gif
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2009-11-22 10:56:00
Middle East and North Africaemailing consulate in Casa

Being too organized and detailed is what got us in trouble.



May I ask what you mean by this? Is that what you were told, that there was too much detail in your evidence? If you could elaborate on that it might be very helpful to people in the process of preparing their evidence packets. Although I hear what NewBeginnings said about being organized to the point of being ####### and theirs went through ok. At times this process seems so arbitrary, what works for one couple doesn't necessarily pan out for another. I want to tell you that I am sorry you were denied; it is every couple's nightmare, and insha'allah, you will be able to gain some insight soon into what you can do next. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-06 11:43:00
Middle East and North AfricaExpress mail to Morocco

I used the post office express mail in he did got the mail in about 5 days or less and I did pay around $30. The only one I have trouble with when my husband sent me his paper from morocco to usa it took time to clear it from the US HOME lAND SECURITY


Thanks for the helpful advice! Hopefully, this'll be a one-time thing, and I would be THRILLED if I can get it there in roughly 5 days for around $30.00. I'll check with the USPS on Monday. Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, I'll post another thread after I explore all the suggestions to you let all know what I came up with. It's nice to have a group of people who are willing to help each other. Thanks, fellow VJ'ers! ^_^
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-09 01:26:00
Middle East and North AfricaExpress mail to Morocco

I've always just sent things with priority shipping with USPS. Never had any problems but if it's something important I would probably use UPS or Fedex


Well, the time is more the factor in this case. I want to get it there in under 10 days, but I'm hoping to be able to do it without mortgaging the
farm! :jest: Some of the prices I saw on websites like FEDEX and DHL scared me, but then again those looked more like quotes on freight, and not mailers. I was befuddled, and I appreciate that so many of you took the time to respond. I feel a little better about getting it there in an express manner. Thanks a bunch!
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-09 01:20:00
Middle East and North AfricaExpress mail to Morocco

I use the blue n white envolpe at the post office for the papers for cr1 . it was like $27 n was there in 10 days .
And you can track it.
Brooklyn


:wow: That's a bargain at twice the price!! I'll check with them on Monday.....Thanks SO much for leaving your feedback. Really appreciate it.

~Beth
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-09 01:12:00
Middle East and North AfricaExpress mail to Morocco

I've used Fed-Ex. Seems like it cost around 150.00 to send a folder filled with papers and photos for the CR-1 interview but it was worth every penny!


Thanks for the info. I agree, the peace of mind is worth the money! I think I'll call them, because I can't seem to locate accurate pricing for my needs on their website. I was beginning to worry that finding a company that would guarantee express delivery would be impossible! Thanks again for your help....

~Beth
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-09 01:09:00
Middle East and North AfricaExpress mail to Morocco

DHL is very reliable with shipping overseas, but pricey.. if its important stuff, its worth it for peace of mind


Thanks for taking the time to reply. I've had it with regular mail so I need all the options I can get! LOL

(and BTW, I laughed my azz off at that popcorn-eating monster you used in a post earlier today....it was VERY appropriate, given the volleying that was going on in that thread!!! :rofl: What a riot....where did you find that little guy??)
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-09 01:05:00
Middle East and North AfricaExpress mail to Morocco
Hi everyone....

I am wondering if anyone has used any kind of express service to send mail to their SO in Morocco, and if so, what companies you may have used. The last time I sent Salim a package by USPS, it took over a month to arrive! Even letters can seem to take their time "swimming over". LOL I can't seem to find any reliable info about international mailing rates for EXPRESS services. Anyone who can chime in and share their experience would be greatly appreciated!! Many thanks in advance!!

~Beth
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-08 17:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday!

sending you positive interview vibes, Beth



Thank you, Sara. I appreciate it. CUTE picture of your daughter! Doesn't "Amirah" mean princess? She certainly looks like one!! :D
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-13 13:01:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday!
Just chiming in to say good morning to all from a new(er) face in these parts. Not part of any regular discussion groups, but am enjoying getting to know other Morocco/MENA folks one by one. Coming up on our interview in 2 weeks and can use all the positive vibes that we can get! Some bad news coming out of Casa these last few weeks so I am really edgy. Hope everyone is having a happy happy hump day!

Take care all,

~Beth
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-13 11:12:00
Middle East and North AfricaThursday!
Pushing along towards the weekend...... :clock:
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-14 14:10:00
Middle East and North AfricaHello Sunday!
Happy Sunday everyone! (I just looked and it's too late to say "good morning"!! haha)

Brrrrrrrrrrrr....it's cold here in Maine, with a forecast for 6-12 inches of snow starting later today. I sure hope Salim gets approved at his interview next week because I could really use another hand at shoveling!!! :rofl:

Hope you all have a great day....maybe a long weekend with MLK Day? Enjoy whatever is keeping you busy....

~Beth
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-17 13:02:00
Middle East and North AfricaCasablanca Consulate webpage
WOW. Hadn't seen it before, but it's an interesting sign of the times, isn't it? (Not specific to Morocco, I just mean in terms of internet relationships in general.) I didn't take the time to look, but I wouldn't be surprised if there are similar caveats on the consulate websites for other countries as well. I think it boils down to using common sense, but it's too bad that there are scammers who are making this kind of warning necessary, and making it hard for those of us who DO have bonafide relationships to be with our loved ones. It's a frustrating set of circumstances for both sides.......
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-15 09:44:00
Middle East and North AfricaMonday!
Snowbound up here in Maine!! But home anyway because of MLK Day so I'll just make a pot of coffee and watch the snow fall. :)

Hope everyone has a good week.

~Beth
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-18 09:02:00
Middle East and North AfricaBijad and Theresa
I'll chime in again and say GOOD LUCK one last time! Salim and I spoke of you tonight on the phone, as he asks Allah to bless both of you as you await your interview outcome. Let's hear some good news out of Casa, shall we??!! :yes:
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-19 00:46:00
Middle East and North AfricaIts An Approval! Visa Received!!
That is wonderful news, congratulations!! So nice to hear some good things are happening in Casablanca this week. It gives me hope for us next week!!

Enjoy your celebration and upcoming reunion. :wub:
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-21 08:03:00
Middle East and North AfricaFriday!

Good luck on that upcoming interview Beth..hopefully you'll be jumping off Jackie's waitin couch. :thumbs:



Thanks so much! I'll try to take a page from your "patience book", because I know how long your wait has been! Here's to hoping for good news all around VERY SOON!!!
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-23 00:09:00
Middle East and North AfricaFriday!

Good luck with your interview Beth! :thumbs: (F)



Thanks, Lisa!! I appreciate the good wishes!!! BTW, lovely photos on your profile..... ^_^
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-22 11:27:00
Middle East and North AfricaFriday!
Happy Friday one and all! Sun is shining here in Maine but it's c-c-c-c-cold!!!! I'd rather be in Morocco!!!!!

Congrats to all those who got good news this week from Casa...was a breathe of fresh air to read the positive reports! Our interview is next Thursday, so we welcome any prayers we can get! LOL

Jackie, try to stay calm, the big reunion is just around the corner. Woooooooo Hooooooooo!!!

Hope everyone has a mah-velous weekend! (You know, in Maine we don't believe in the lettah "R".... LOL)
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-22 09:31:00
Middle East and North Africaaffidavit
I did the same as Teresa....it was not requested in the packet 3 that Salim received in preparation for his interview, but I preferred to include it "just in case"!! I would hate for that to be the reason they denied us: I would kick myself to the moon and back!!!! Our interview is Thursday and afterwards I can post whether he was specifically asked for it or not......
Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-26 19:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaResearched: Quick delivery methods to Morocco
Hi everyone....

A few weeks ago I asked for suggestions about the quickest and most reliable way to send something to Morocco. I wanted to report back on what I found out, in case anyone else is in need of sending something to their SO.

DHL was not the bargain I thought it would turn out to be. They do NOT deliver door-to-door, so Salim would have had to go to Rabat to pick up the envelope. At the time I did not know exactly how much the mailer would weigh that I planned to send, so the rep I spoke to just informed me that there is a 5 lb. limit on documents mailed to Morocco, and for the whole 5 lb. it would have cost me $212.07 and would have taken 5 calendar days.

Next was FEDEX: Before I called, I weighed the stuff I needed to send, and came up with 2 lb. 6 oz. Fedex, like most companies, charges rates on a system of "no more than X (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) pounds", and I was quoted at the 3 lb. rate of $139.15 with a 5 calendar day delivery time. I was told they do deliver to the door and tracking is available.

UPS was the worst, coming in at a whopping $284.82, door-to-door delivery, with tracking. They promised delivery in 5 BUSINESS days.

The best deal was surprisingly the US Post Office by using their "Global Express Guaranteed" service. It cost me $132.30 (discounted 10% because I paid online instead of at the post office, which would have been $147.00), it was guaranteed in 1-3 business days, and they provided tracking, something that UPS told me USPS doesn't provide on overseas delivery. I mailed it on a Tuesday, and Salim had it on Friday. The only bone of contention for me about this method was that I was told it would be delivered to his home, but on Friday he received a call to come to the bus station in his town, as it came into town from Casablanca on a bus. LOL I will be going into the post office tomorrow to have them clarify that point for me, because my understanding was that it was door-to-door delivery. Hmmmmm .... maybe they'll give me a little rebate on the postage?? It can't hurt to ask.....

If anyone is interested, I've provided the link to the USPS page for Global Express Guaranteed. There is a calculator there that you can use to figure out how much your package or envelope would cost to send:

http://www.usps.com/...sguaranteed.htm

Of course, planning WAY ahead is the most cost-efficient way to send something to Morocco, as they get you coming and going if you need it there in a jiffy. And if it's not something critical (like interview documents!!), regular post at bargain prices is quite sufficient.

Hope this is helpful to anyone who, like me, had no idea where to begin when looking for a fast and guaranteed way to send something to my fiance'. Thanks to all who made suggestions when I asked, they gave me my starting point. :)

Take care, everyone!!

~Beth

p.s. You'll probably get sick of hearing from me by the end of the week.....our interview is Thursday, just like Sandrasellam and Gugusitolindo. Our little trio is keeping fingers crossed, so any extras that you can cross for us all would be really appreciated!!! THANKS!!!!!

Edited by Beth wa Salim, 24 January 2010 - 09:19 PM.

Beth wa SalimFemaleMorocco2010-01-24 21:14:00