ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVermont I 130 processing Times
QUOTE (Dan & Dee @ Feb 24 2009, 09:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My wife spoke to someone from USCIS yesterday regarding our I130 application being out of processing time.. apparently we were slated to have had a decision made in january.. didnt happen.. wondering why.. but thats not to relivent to this discussion..

Anyway, she was told that they are transfering applications from Vermont to California at the moment so GL to all to get a transfer!!


Well this is good news as it will no doubt alleviate some of the pressure off Vermont. I was thinking as there had earlier been transfers to California and that Vermont seems to have been unable to catch up more transfers were indeed a possibility. Lets hope so kicking.gif

It would be cool if my prediction was correct Ha! good.gif

Best wishes to all and lets get those transfers moving yes.gif

Arthur and Roberta
Arthur RobertaMaleUnited Kingdom2009-02-24 10:43:00
Middle East and North AfricaYeah
thanks for the laugh! I would like to know what got rubbed tho, I think I want to know. ?

sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-09-02 17:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Birthday Annie!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-09-11 12:01:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Thursday MENA!
QUOTE (Betsy El Sum @ Sep 17 2009, 08:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Morning everyone. Booked hubby's airline ticket last night. He will be here with me on October 14th. I am soooooo nervous!!! LOL

OMG, Betsy, I did not know he had gotten out of AP. That is wonderful!!!!! Why are you nervous?
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-09-17 09:39:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan 2009
thank you for posting that.
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-09-11 15:31:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan 2009
QUOTE (Melly 2 @ Sep 1 2009, 06:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello ladies star_smile.gif
Hope everyone is enjoying and making the most of this Ramadan.

The subject of food at iftar has come up in at least a couple of threads, and I wanted to make some points about this because there seems to be some misconceptions going on.

Ramadan is NOT about iftar and eating special foods that take a woman all day to cook.

Ramadan is a month that we fast for Allah alone, seeking his pleasure and trying to get closer to him through our acts of worship.

Sure, a woman can earn reward for cooking for her husband, but why does it need to be some huge special affair every day during Ramadan? If anything, it should be less. This month has turned into a month of over indulgence for so many people and personally I think that's sad and I find it goes against what the whole month is about.

A woman deserves just as much time to worship during this blessed month as a man, and anyone who keeps their woman cooking in the kitchen all day should be ashamed of themselves. That woman is missing out on getting closer to Allah and is instead cooking food that will be gone within a day, with nothing left to show of it except a little more padding on the families butts. tongue.gif

Can you imagine the prophet, salallahu alayhi wassalam, demanding his wives to stay in the kitchen cooking for them, or that they better have dinner ready in time?
He broke his fast with dates and maybe milk, not huge meals that left people sleeping the next few hours off.

I know that this post probably won't make any difference but I still felt it should be made.

Wishing you all a Ramadan filled with blessings and may Allah forgive us all our sins, ameen.

good.gif
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-09-02 15:02:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan 2009
QUOTE (Meriem_DZ @ Aug 18 2009, 01:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For those that don't have access to fresh dates, Fernandez date farm is where I have ordered my dates for the last 2 years. They are priced right and taste delicious. It took 2 days from order to delivery. I order the large dates.

Website for Fernandez dates

Recipe for Algerian stuffed dates.

Ramadan Mubarak!!!
Meriem rose.gif


That recipe sounds YUMMMMMYYYY! Thank you! Of course I love Marzipan!

sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-08-18 13:27:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan 2009
QUOTE (?J+I? @ Aug 18 2009, 09:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>


How are you preparing these days?


Love that Jackie!!
I am not prepared at all, except I got some dates. smile.gif Which my son insisted upon trying one of them. LOL Well, he did not care for it, but I was so proud of him for trying something new.

sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-08-18 09:26:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan 2009
QUOTE (estadia @ Aug 18 2009, 10:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
grrrrr every year we go thru this does not seem to matter what country we are in at the time but last year some of my friends started ramadan a day later than we did in the states plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz somebody give an answer as to when it starts this year

sara


The 22nd in USA
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-08-18 09:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan 2009
When does Ramadan start in USA?
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-08-13 12:10:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan 2009
QUOTE (Cheryl & Medo @ Aug 12 2009, 02:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
kicking.gif Just ordered my Dates for Ramadan for the hubby. And I'm gonna stuff them. And Got them at a good price.

http://www.nutsinbulk.com/



What are you going to stuff them with?

sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-08-13 12:07:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan 2009
Thank you ladies!


ugg, but dates? not sure I can stomach those. I will sure give it a shot.
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-07-21 13:48:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan 2009
Any advice on how to prepare myself for Ramadan? Jackie said I need to get my mind and body prepared, like shrinking my stomach. Any other advice please?
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-07-21 12:01:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan 2009
QUOTE (HLM @ Jul 10 2009, 10:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (skerber0 @ Jul 10 2009, 09:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
As you all probably know I am new this will be my first year, and am very 'wet behind the ears', so can you tell me what is Ramadan food? I think I got this part, you eat before the sunrise and first prayer, then break your fast at sundown. (layman terms, sorry) But do I understand there is a certain food I should break my fast with? And what is Eid?


Masha Allah, does that mean you are a muslimah now? smile.gif
There is no special food to break your fast with but it's sunnah to break it with dates and some milk then you can eat whatever you want.
Eid is right after ramadan is done it lasts 3 days it's the time where you celebrate breaking your fast after a long time of fasting.



I have been 'looking into' converting/reverting for some time now. I have now decided to convert, I am actually going to meet with a woman tomorrow at a local Mosque, I am soooo excited! I have considered myself Muslim in my heart for a while, but for some reason trying to learn everything first. But thanks to Rahma's blog I read something that encouraged me to 'just do it'. LOL
Thanks for the advise.
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-07-10 12:57:00
Middle East and North AfricaRamadan 2009
As you all probably know I am new this will be my first year, and am very 'wet behind the ears', so can you tell me what is Ramadan food? I think I got this part, you eat before the sunrise and first prayer, then break your fast at sundown. (layman terms, sorry) But do I understand there is a certain food I should break my fast with? And what is Eid?
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-07-10 09:24:00
Middle East and North AfricaPlease pray for GinFar (Ginger and Farouk)
rose.gif
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-09-17 09:42:00
Middle East and North AfricaIntroduction
Welcome newbies!!!
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-08-24 10:38:00
Middle East and North AfricaIntroduction
Hi Patricia! Welcome! I totally understand the family thing also. My family is not real thrilled, they think I have lost my mind, could totally not understand how I could love someone I had not actually seen IRL etc etc. Oh well, I went to Egypt last month and came back in one piece. wow! LOL Anyway, welcome and dont be shy. smile.gif
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-07-27 20:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaIntroduction
Hi, I am Simms, I am relatively new here, I just mostly read the post, but dont post much. I am really glad you started this tread, it has been great reading about everyone. So welcome to the board, it sure does seem to have lots of great info. We have not filed yet, but will soon so I am sooo glad I found this site. My love is in Cairo, I will be going there in July.
Lets see, I live in North Carolina, again he in Cairo, I have boy and girl twins who will be 4 in July, they are from a previous marriage. I will be 40 in Jan and I work as a business analyst. Hobbies used to be (not much time these days) crocheting, knitting, cooking, reading, candle making, any kind of crafty work really. I do have a dog, but he drives me nuts. LOL although he is a ver y sweet dog, and we got two goldfish last Sat, but they both died. sad.gif (anyone know anything about fish? what did i do wrong?)
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-06-03 16:35:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (ChaoukiandApril @ Aug 14 2009, 01:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Salam,

I am a new Muslimah in Houston's Southeast side. Any other Muslimah's in the area??? I need help learning. Thanks!!!!!

April star_smile.gif


I am sorry, I am not in the Houston area either, but wanted to say welcome! I am also a new sister. smile.gif I was at the local Islamic Center here one day for a big event they had with kids water play, hamburgers, etc and a wonderful sister introduced herself to me, (she could tell I was new), and she has helped me sooo much. So with that said, my suggestion is go to your local events and masjids, I am sure you can meet some wonderful people. And I am sure people here can help you also.
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-08-14 08:35:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (Aymsgirl @ Jul 28 2009, 10:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Has anybody read the series Tafsir ibn Kathir? I was having some issues the other night and my husband went to the mosque and found a few books for me. He brought me volume 3 because 1 and 2 were out. I opened it up and there was exactly what I was looking for. Now you tell me that it wasn't meant for me to see it good.gif



Isnt it wonderful!
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-07-28 10:43:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (Kenza @ Jul 28 2009, 09:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (skerber0 @ Jul 28 2009, 08:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am going to change the subject here a bit.
I am hoping some one can explain something to me, please. I have a co-worker who just converted to Islam also. Her husbands family is mostly Muslim and they had a family gathering this past weekend and she was told there are different beliefs in the Islamic faith. She nor I had ever heard this before. Can someone explain this to me?

maybe she was referring to shias, sufis, ismaillies


I am not sure, can you explain those differences to me?

sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-07-28 09:15:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
I am going to change the subject here a bit.
I am hoping some one can explain something to me, please. I have a co-worker who just converted to Islam also. Her husbands family is mostly Muslim and they had a family gathering this past weekend and she was told there are different beliefs in the Islamic faith. She nor I had ever heard this before. Can someone explain this to me?
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-07-28 08:54:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (Aymsgirl @ Jul 22 2009, 10:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, hijjab is a big discussion in my home right now because my husband works with a muslim lady that introduced herself to me and said you don't cover, why, right away. I felt like she ganged up on me.

Well, those that read Arabic may be able to explain this better and I will get the exact verse for you in what Sura later because I am at work. Well, when I read it in English it is talking about bringing your veil to your bosom and covering your adornment and such but in Arabic it has this specific word and that means to cover all....from top to bottom. He said that he couldn't understand why the translation didn't show that or at least try to explain it more. If I speak to him today I will ask him to try and spell it for me.

He doesn't push the issue because he knows there are more things that I really need to work on in my life to prepare myself for this if I ever do. My hat is off to those that do but right now I suffer with it greatly.


I am sorry this is such a point of suffering for you. I feel for you, really. I dont always cover my hair, for many many reasons, not always because I dont want to. I think everyone moves at their own comfort level and does what they feel they need to do, I just hate you are having problems.
Today however I have my hair covered for the first time all day at work. Hopefully I wont 'rock the boat' too much around here.
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-07-22 10:18:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
one more question, there is not really a place for me to pray at work. What do you do when at work?
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-07-13 09:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (100% Al Ahly Fan @ Jul 13 2009, 09:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (skerber0 @ Jul 13 2009, 08:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have a question. For the ladies here that work, do you wear makeup? Just curious, since you perform wadu all day, how do you handle the makeup thing?



Salaam sis....lol, this post tickled me. I wear just a little liner and mascara. I only pray the zhuhr and asr (depending on what time it falls in the year) prayer at work.

What helps is I get water proof mascara and I reapply the liner after wudu. Hope that helps.


LOL, I know it is something that is so non significant in the grand scheme, but I was jus curious. I rarely wear makeup anyway.
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-07-13 09:09:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
I have a question. For the ladies here that work, do you wear makeup? Just curious, since you perform wadu all day, how do you handle the makeup thing?
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-07-13 08:40:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (UmmSqueakster @ Jul 8 2009, 02:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yay or nay to a seperate Ramadan 2009 thread?


yay
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-07-08 13:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
I love most of them also, thanks for the link.
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-07-08 08:58:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (msheesha @ Jun 23 2009, 10:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (skerber0 @ Jun 22 2009, 02:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have not yet converted, can I still post here? I hope so I have sooooooooo many questions. I have sent offline messages to some of you and you have been very very helpful, thank you!
I have to say, this feels like the lonliest thing I have ever done, the reason I say that, is he is in Egypt, and I only know 1 Muslim, she is just recently converted and still 'in training' for lack of better word. OK, enough of my pity party. Would any of you be willing to share your experiences? Tell me how you learned everything? did you have a 'teacher'? What books did you read? etc. I am currently reading 3 books, they are Islamic Manners, Women in Islam, and 'Islam for Dummies', that is not the real name but something like that. And of course the Quran, online. He told me not to buy the Quran he has one he wants to give to me. I have tried to look locals up on the internet. I did find a Womans group, but apparently that was old info and the phone and email are not current.
I saw a lady in the store the other day who was I assume Muslim, her hair was covered as well as long sleeves etc, I wanted to run up to her and ask her 1000 questions, but decided that was not too good of an idea. LOL Thank you in advance for any advice, stories, direction etc.


Salaam!
For me, in the beginning, it helped a lot to hear about what drew others to Islam, and their "conversion stories". I found this online, but haven't read through them. Thought they might be helpful to you though. Peace!

http://www.readingis...slam/DIESection


thank you, I will check this site out.

sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-06-23 09:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (UmmSqueakster @ Jun 22 2009, 04:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anyone is welcome to participate, so long as they keep with the spirit of the thread - that is, they don't come here to bash Islam star_smile.gif

I can't remember which of these I may have told you about before, so I'll just write everything down again laughing.gif

Finding someone to talk to:
[url="http://islamicfinder.org/"]Islamicfinder[/url] - stick your zipcode in, and inshaAllah find a masjid in your area, if there is one.
WhyIslam Visit a masjid - a volunteer service that will do their best to set you up with someone in your area to visist a masjid. They may not have anyone in your area, but it wouldn't hurt to ask. They also have a help line that you can call and ask your 1000 questions smile.gif

To read:
Submission Faith & Beauty - my favorite introduction to Islam. Very easy to read, covers all the basics
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-06-22 21:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
I have not yet converted, can I still post here? I hope so I have sooooooooo many questions. I have sent offline messages to some of you and you have been very very helpful, thank you!
I have to say, this feels like the lonliest thing I have ever done, the reason I say that, is he is in Egypt, and I only know 1 Muslim, she is just recently converted and still 'in training' for lack of better word. OK, enough of my pity party. Would any of you be willing to share your experiences? Tell me how you learned everything? did you have a 'teacher'? What books did you read? etc. I am currently reading 3 books, they are Islamic Manners, Women in Islam, and 'Islam for Dummies', that is not the real name but something like that. And of course the Quran, online. He told me not to buy the Quran he has one he wants to give to me. I have tried to look locals up on the internet. I did find a Womans group, but apparently that was old info and the phone and email are not current.
I saw a lady in the store the other day who was I assume Muslim, her hair was covered as well as long sleeves etc, I wanted to run up to her and ask her 1000 questions, but decided that was not too good of an idea. LOL Thank you in advance for any advice, stories, direction etc.


sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-06-22 13:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
QUOTE (Leyla @ May 5 2009, 08:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Barza Woman @ May 4 2009, 07:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Leyla @ May 4 2009, 02:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
This is a real honest question.... not trying to stir any pot... (cause this one has been stirred a lot lol).

Ok... for those of you that are Muslim (bear with me) if Islam is the true religion.... why isn't Islam for everyone?

I don't understand how one could believe a religion is the truth, but not everyone needed it.



Allah says in the Quran that Islam is not for everyone, that there are some who will be lead astray. He deals often with those who have a "hijab" over their hearts. He also says that He has made more than one path to Him, and that not all who enter jannah will be among those who call themselves Muslim, but other people of the Book may enter, too. He gives us free-will, to abstain or embrace His Message. If He merely forced us to believe, there would be no challenge in learning to live within His Intent, nor any joy in the blessings one receives from doing so.


Interesting. I knew about the "People of the Book" but I still got the impression that Muslims still believed Islam was the only way. I guess I fall under the PotB category.

Do you know where it says in the Qur'an that Islam is not necessarily for everyone? and that there are different paths? I would like to read that for myself in my Qur'an.


Me too. thanks


sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-05-05 08:34:00
Middle East and North AfricaMuslims
I think this is a bold claim. I never understood this. When I was submerged in Islam I believed, and was told Islam IS for everyone. Plus, if you (not specifically humkinpumpkin... ANYONE) are a Muslim and you believe it is the true religion, shouldn't you also believe Islam is for everyone? Wouldn't other religions such as Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism lead people to shirk? Isn't that a BIG No No in Islam?

I became a Muslim in April of 2007. I did this because I wanted to be closer to God. I believed that Islam offered that. I didn't really give up any of my beliefs to become a Muslim. I never bought into Christianity anyway. I just believed/still believe in God. I "deconverted" from Islam recently. I cannot bring myself to be a part of a religion that "empowers" women through submission, believes the Qu'ran is the final absolute word of God, but needs scholars (from many different schools of thought) to give me different interpretations of God's word, and uses EXTRA material to "fill in the gaps" the Qur'an doesn't cover. I'm sorry, but if the Qur'an is indeed the FINAL ABSOLUTE word of God, there would be no need for all that extra stuff. God does not make mistakes. There is no "P.S" at the end of the Qur'an. (Sorry, but that really bothered me).

I personally don't think religion is necessary for me to believe in God and serve Him. I don't think there is anything wrong with practicing a religion as long as it brings you closer to that higher being the whole world seems to believe in. I am a believer in God. The end. I don't want to be a part of religion because religion pushes me farther away from God.
[/quote]


I know I am new here, I hope I am not going to start a storm here, but I am curious, what does that mean?
sassysisFemaleEgypt2009-04-30 09:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaSending money from Morocco
you can't leave Morocco with their currency. You can exchange it at airport for US dollars if you are coming back to the US. I know we just left what we had with his parents, because exchanging it would not amount to anything.
love my NourFemaleMorocco2010-07-14 05:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat's going on with VSC?
Does anybody have any idea what's going on with VSC? Seems like CSC is the only one working and approving cases unsure.gif I've been doing my best to be very, very ,very patient...but not knowing what or where VSC now with regards to processing times is just making the waiting period unbearable. crying.gif
club royaleFemalePhilippines2009-01-21 02:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFinally!!
Thanks to everyone!
club royaleFemalePhilippines2009-01-27 09:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFinally!!
I will keep updating my timeline. VJ has been a very good resource website for me. Best of luck to all of us!!!
club royaleFemalePhilippines2009-01-27 07:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFinally!!
QUOTE (Princess In Love @ Jan 27 2009, 03:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
congratulations, that was fast, did you use an expedite???

I didn't use the expedite. I just keep on praying and patiently (actually painfully) wait for it. I wish that everyone gets their approval soon!!!
club royaleFemalePhilippines2009-01-27 04:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFinally!!
Hello everybody! I just want to share my overflowing happiness to everyone! I received the MAGIC EMAIL from CRIS and our case was approved!!! kicking.gif God is really good and mercifull!! Just yesterday I was depressed because I don't know what's happening with our case at Vermont. I went to work and as I'm writing this, I'm on my breaktime. I just called my hubby few minutes before I opened my email and he said that according to my zodiac sign, I am going to have positive things going on this year...it made me smile and atleast lighten up my mood a little bit. Then , I opened my email and there it was!!!! the email from CRIS!!! I'm soooo happy!!!!

Thank you everybody for being a support system especially at this time when we are all far away from our loved ones!!! Keep praying and I hope everybody gets approval soon! God bless and best of luck to all of us!!
club royaleFemalePhilippines2009-01-27 03:08:00