ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaFinally interview date
Same for us, we just printed out the appointment letter and everything else.


Good luck!!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-07-28 09:02:00
Middle East and North Africaconfused
guides6ly.gif
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-07-29 14:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaAffidavit of Support
It wasn't requested when my husband did his K3 interview. I would have it prepared just in case. Casa doesn't normally ask for it.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-07-23 21:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaMy 1 year anniversary is today!!! :)
Congrats!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-08-11 11:44:00
Middle East and North Africainterview experience
I agree, give it a week or maybe until Monday or Tuesday of next week and e-mail again. It's normal and you'll get through it! smile.gif
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-08-06 10:42:00
Middle East and North AfricaCASABLANCA INTERVIEW advice...
My husband said that it seemed like they were asking more from people who didn't bring a lot of proof with them. He brought a lot of proof, emails, chats, pictures, letters, receipts, tickets we were extremely over prepared and they only asked to keep the e-mails and chats. However, other people that were there at the same time had said that they had to go provide more information.

The best advice he has is to just be confident in her answers. She knows you and knows all the answers to the questions, just be calm and watch for the trick questions. The CO asked my husband what I've done in my 29 years, and he corrected her several times saying that I'm only 26. She even challenged him on that saying "you don't know how old your wife is?!"

So just be calm, everything will be fine.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-06-15 12:56:00
Middle East and North AfricaARE MOROCCAN MARRIAGES RECOGNIZED & LEGAL IN U.S.A. ???
The USA recognizes foreign marriages if you followed the proper steps to make it a legal marriage in that particular country. For example, if you followed the steps necessary in Morocco (you can find these steps on www.trave.state.gov) then you are fine and your marriage is legal also in the USA.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-07-28 23:12:00
Middle East and North AfricaOlive Oil
That is great advice! I appreciate the help!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-03 09:04:00
Middle East and North AfricaOlive Oil
I've been trying to find olive oil here that actually tastes like the olive oil I had in Morocco. All the olive oil I have found here is extra virgin or just doesn't have the olive taste to it.

Anyone have suggestions on where to find that olive oil that actually has the olive taste to it?

Thanks for your help!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-02 21:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaMom Passed
QUOTE (brnidokiegurl @ Sep 1 2009, 04:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just a quick note to my MENA girls, my mom passed earlier this nite in her sleep, im glad for her it was peaceful as i know she was tired of the life she was having each day. Now just pray i and my kids can get thru the next days and be strong



I'm so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family now.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-01 08:53:00
Middle East and North AfricaUpcoming Interview
No additional fees at the CR1 interview. You paid for everything at the NVC!

I would have him bring copies of everything that was submitted along with additional proof. Good luck! Tell him to be careful of trick questions!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-11 09:43:00
Middle East and North AfricaCR1 approved
QUOTE (CasandraYounes @ Sep 14 2009, 07:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
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



Congrats!!!! That is so wonderful!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-14 09:49:00
Middle East and North AfricaSex and the City - in Morocco!
QUOTE (Nawal @ Sep 11 2009, 03:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That's shocking to me about Dubai...of all places I'd think they'd say yes first! But Morocco is even better..cool!

As for racy...for sure at ME standards.

I remember dying of embarassment watching with my father and one of the raciest scenes/lines was when Samantha notices a grey hair "down there" after a shower, deciding to dye it to make it disappear. Unfortunately, the experiment goes wrong, and she accidentally dyes the hair a bright orange. Stuck with "Bozo the Bush", Sam chooses to shave it all off, telling Smith that she did it to make it easier for him to find things during intimate moments. blush.gif

Needless to say, we never watched the show again together. tongue.gif



That is by far the funniest thing I have ever heard!! Also, that is one of the funniest moments in the show!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-11 15:25:00
Middle East and North AfricaSex and the City - in Morocco!
The only other racy parts other than Sam's neighbor was Miranda and Steve when they.... made up smile.gif
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-11 13:19:00
Middle East and North AfricaSex and the City - in Morocco!
Sounds like we need a girls vacation to go watch the filming!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-11 08:18:00
Middle East and North AfricaEnd of Ramadan Help
My suggestion would be to reach out to area churches.. They are usually great about polling their members and would probably be able to help as well. I wish I had some clothes or toys to offer!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-16 12:37:00
Middle East and North AfricaFRIDAY!!!
QUOTE (Sandrila @ Sep 18 2009, 12:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (doodlebugg @ Sep 18 2009, 10:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sandrila @ Sep 18 2009, 09:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good Morning

I am going on day #3 of sickness.
High fever, chills, body ache, headache and coughing so hard my chest hurts unsure.gif
So I came into work today cuz I have a project to work on and then I am going home. I hope by lunch.
I did not want to get out of bed this morning at all.
I am hurtin' sad.gif



Sandrila that sounds like the flu. Shouldn't you stay home so no one else gets it? Do they test for the swine flu anymore or do they just suggest staying away? I'd be kicked out of the office if I were that sick but then again I work in a healthcare company. I hope you feel better soon but seriously I think you should go home and your boss should understand that you're sick.

I was thinking about that when I took the shuttle the other day. There was a woman who works on a different floor than me and I swear she had the flu. I was like why is she here???? In the school system we're not allowed to even have a sibling go to school if another child is sick. They have to stay home for 7 days since it's assumed they have it too.

I'm not trying to be mean or anything but this is a good example of how this has become a pandemic illness.



You know Bridget, you would think blink.gif
Wed and Thurs it hit me hard after work...during the day I seem to pep up more
there has just been so much to do and of course because my boss is behind, i pay the price
I am still here
I TOLD HIM how sick I was
everyone knows it, even people on the phone can hear it but I am still here
so much for even going home early
Here I am thinking of my boss' needs before my own
That is why they are SICK days/PERSONAL days..I don't think people take them based on what is best for the boss mad.gif

My girlfriend works in hospital too and she is all going nuts over the swine/flu vaccination
I have never had a flu shot but when I find when/where I can get one, I will good.gif



The flu shots are out now and I heard that the vaccine for swine flu should be available sometime next week. Any minute clinic or CVS pharmacy should have them available. Also, any general doctor office or clinic along with some Targets that have clinic's inside them.


New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-18 12:42:00
Middle East and North AfricaEid
QUOTE (100% Al Ahly Fan @ Sep 17 2009, 01:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Laura you could be go to one of the local Eid prayers. There are many places, although Shakopee and Brooklyn Center will have lots of people (makes it feel very Eidish <--Just made up that word, hee hee). Then you could bring him to Marina or Holy Land. There will be LOTS of other Muslims, he may enjoy the busyness of it all. Have you asked any of the other Moroccans that you know here in the Twin Cities, what they will be doing?



I had no idea there was a masjid in Shakopee. Where exactly is that? He's just been going to the one in Eden Prairie and I thought the one in Fridley would be busy on Sunday... though it is a little far away from us.

We've been to Holy Land in Midtown global market and the one in NE minneapolis but I've never heard of Marina... where/what is that?

I mentioned to my husband to invite some friends over and I'll have little cookies and cakes prepared. But I'm not sure what they'll have planned. I know we're going to spend a fantastic night with another couple on Saturday to celebrate the last night of Ramadan...
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-17 14:13:00
Middle East and North AfricaEid
QUOTE (star_dragon @ Sep 17 2009, 01:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm so confused. So if it's on the 20th, does it start that evening or the evening before (in other words, are you still fasting on the day of the 20th)? unsure.gif



This is exactly my problem. I'm not muslim and my husband is too sweet to ask me to do anything for him because he doesn't want me to feel like I have to. So I'm trying to put together something special for him. But I don't know what the traditions are and I don't know when he can eat and all of that stuff.

I'm lost!!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-17 13:12:00
Middle East and North AfricaEid
Hey Everyone!

Is Eid Ul-Fitr the 20th or the 21st?? I keep getting mixed reports.

Also, if anyone can give me suggestions on how to make this special for my husband I would appreciate it. This was his first Ramadan and will be his first Eid here.

Thanks in advance!

Laura
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-17 12:40:00
Middle East and North Africai got my visa this morning!!
Fantastic!!! Congrats!!!!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-18 21:39:00
Middle East and North AfricaOk touched....????
That's great! It's always good to have some sort of reassurance during this pocess!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-23 20:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan 2009
QUOTE (Sandrila @ Jul 10 2009, 03:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Harira


allreceipes.com...put in Ramadan and you can see what comes up smile.gif




I have a great recipe for Harira. It's from my husband's mother and it doesn't include lentils. I keep seeing those recipes all over. There are a ton of variations of Harira out there but if anyone is interested, I'll have my husband help translate the recipe for me tonight and I can e-mail it to anyone who would like it!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-07-21 13:20:00
Middle East and North AfricaMIL got her Traveling Visa!!!!!!!
Fantastic!!!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-22 08:34:00
Middle East and North AfricaMorrocan memebers please HELP !!
My husband went to her as well. But he only paid like 1200 dh or something close to that. Go with the expectation that what it says on the sheet is not correct and just be ready to pay more.

Start reviewing the questions now. We even had him practice interviewing with other people. They grilled him like a CO would.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-25 08:36:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoroccan members, how many visits to SO??
I was there twice.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-28 08:16:00
Middle East and North AfricaQuestions Questions Questions in the Interview!
Casa is infamous for the trick questions, especially if the person interviewing is a guy. My husband had an intense first interview where the woman asked him "tell me what your wife has done in her 29 years" my husband responded with "well, she isn't 29, she's 26" and the woman proceeded to tell him that he was lying and that he doesn't know how old his wife is. He is a very confident and calm guy so he was able to stay firm in his answer even with her badgering
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-14 09:47:00
Middle East and North Africaconverting - or not
QUOTE (Sandrila @ Sep 25 2009, 02:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was raised both Catholic and Lutheran. However over the years I have abandoned any formal religious practicing and have taken in as much as I can about various religions.

Hubby is Muslim but he doesn't practice by attending the mosque or praying 5x a day.

I am not a convert and I do not plan to.
Hubby does not pressure in any way for me to convert or dress accordingly but I do respect who he is and where he came from. I like learning as much as I can about both his culture and Islam.



I completely agree. My husband learned all about my religion and I have learned about his. Religion is something important to us both so to understand each other we need to understand each religion
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-25 14:25:00
Middle East and North Africaconverting - or not
Religion was seen more as a chore for my family growing up than something that betters you. We actually stopped attending when I was very young. I found my religion and was confirmed when I was 20. It allowed me to really understand what I was basically getting myself into.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-25 12:01:00
Middle East and North Africaconverting - or not
I've never considered converting and I've never felt pressure to consider it.

I equate it to how I feel about my husband. I didn't marry a muslim man that I was hoping would one day convert and he didn't marry a christian woman that he was hoping to get to convert one day. I'm strong in my beliefs and he's strong in his.

I'm also very fortunate in that we both encourage each other. Not that I encourage him to believe in Islam and he doesn't encourage me to believe in Christianity, but we encourage each other to both be good people. To adhere to our respective religions (which are so similar) and to basically always practice what we preach. During Ramadan I tried to make it special for him, fasted a few days with him, and for Eid did my best to learn the traditions. During my holidays he'll do the same with me.

I support my husband who just happens to be a muslim and he supports me who just happens to be Christian
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-09-25 08:45:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday
QUOTE (*Maureen* @ Oct 7 2009, 05:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good Morning and Happy Wednesday!

Went to bed very depressed, the Tigers lost sad.gif . I thought we were going to win, oh well, maybe next year. Well, now I can focus more on the Red Wings.

After work, i will be going straight to the school to watch my daughter doing her cheerleading.

I guess its finally time to take down my hanging flower pots and the rest of the potted flowers i have and take them to the curb tonight for garbage.



Sorry, I have to say it..... GO TWINS!!! gotta love my twinkies here smile.gif

Hope everyone is having a great day!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-10-07 11:43:00
Middle East and North AfricaThursday
We're in the middle of the whole school process as well. I hope my husband is able to get aid or loans or whatever is needed!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-10-08 11:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaThursday
Good morning everyone! Here's hoping for a fantastic day!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-10-08 08:54:00
Middle East and North Africafinding a job
Once my husband started really looking he was able to find something in about 3 weeks. Just keep applying for everything he's qualified for. He's going to need to start at the bottom and work his way up!

With kids going back to school more jobs should open up!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-10-05 09:11:00
Middle East and North AfricaInterview Today in Amman
AP is quite normal. That being said, it also SUCKS! The waiting is the worst. It sounds like you guys are good to go after that though, so try to be as patient as possible and we're always here to listen to you vent!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-10-08 14:13:00
Middle East and North AfricaRed Wine Vinegar
Well this definitely makes my life easier. I know he is fine with vinegar because he's grown up eating it. I just got stuck on the name!

thank you so much for the input!
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-10-08 10:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaRed Wine Vinegar
So even though it says Balsamic or Red Wine in the title you feel because it's trace that it is ok?

I just don't want to do something that won't be ok for my husband

Edited by New Beginnings, 08 October 2009 - 10:27 AM.

New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-10-08 10:25:00
Middle East and North AfricaRed Wine Vinegar
Well that would certainly make life easier. I've been unable to find substitutes.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-10-08 09:58:00
Middle East and North AfricaRed Wine Vinegar
QUOTE (Astarte @ Oct 8 2009, 09:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Aren't all vinegars really fermented "wine" of some sort? Isn't vinegar in a later stage of fermentation of wine? Just because it has "wine" in the title doesn't make it more halal or haram than any other kind of vinegar IMO.

Here is a blurb from a definition of vinegar I found online...

"Vinegar is the third stage of life in a sugar molecule. When sugar ferments or ages, it becomes alcohol. When alcohol ferments or ages it becomes vinegar. "

I don't know how accurate this website is but here goes...

http://www.islamawar...vinegar001.html

Honestly, if you're (or your husband) are that worried about haram/halal then maybe exclude vinegar from your diet altogether. You'll be missing out but if you think you'll be damned to hell for eating vinegar or gelatin or anything else that may have a chance at being "haram" then maybe avoid it.



That is so interesting!! In Morocco, everyone cooks with vinnegar... I don't understand that.
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-10-08 09:53:00
Middle East and North AfricaRed Wine Vinegar
Does anyone know what could replace red wine vinegar in a vinaigrette? The results I find say to use balsamic which also includes wine... Any suggestions?
New BeginningsFemaleMorocco2009-10-08 09:37:00