ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Africa: Sub-SaharanThe African Culture-What things do you know?
QUOTE (Bassi and Zainab @ Jan 9 2008, 05:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Nana_Afia_B @ Jan 9 2008, 06:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello everyone, i'm new to the forum but wanted to post my two (or three, or four) cents!

I'm recently married to a Ghanaian man. He is an Akan. I have to say that, like someone else mentioned, Africa (and even Ghana) is a diverse place with many different subcultures. I've found the most helpful thing for me to do is to attempt to learn his language and how to cook Ghanaian dishes that he likes. The following website is a good resource for anyone married to an African man/woman www.abibitumikasa.com. They off courses in several different African languages including Twi and Swahili. They even offer classes!


Awwwww man! That is such a cool resource. I want to learn hausa and it's not listed. Dang nab it!!! I've been going through an online course from byki.com. They have hausa. It's at your own pace, which is good, cause I forget things now that I haven't been back to Ghana in six months.

PS Welcome to VJ! How is your visa journey going?


Hausa is here, 2 column 4th row (or something), but it's there or here. innocent.gif
http://www.byki.com/
Simply_UnoFemale02008-01-09 20:59:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
I thank you so much for these words of encouragement and prayers of enlightenment. My husband and I are are Pentecostals and we believe in an all knowing, all sovereign and gracious God. He is truly the source of our help and the foundation of our love. I thank you, and I thank God for people like you.
God bless you and Happy New Year rose.gif
Simply_UnoFemale02008-01-01 17:44:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanHelp me!!!! I have read the guides/rules
dancin5hr.gif UNO THANKS EVERYONE FOR THE CLARITY heart.gif
Its a shame I have to depend upon the kindness of others for such a personal matter.

SMOOCHIES tongue.gif

QUOTE (Paula&Minya @ Jan 18 2008, 01:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (simple_male @ Jan 18 2008, 01:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (unononehigher @ Jan 18 2008, 02:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Uhh, duhhh ohmy.gif
thats why I posted for clarity, specifically from a VJ Pro!

p.s. and thank you for the brief clarification
As you already know that K-3 is a nonimmigrant visa whereas CR-1 is an immigrant visa.


Filing I-129F is optional. Some people file both I-130 and I-129F hoping that at least one process will be quicker. I-129F may help you bring your spouse quicker than I-130, but then your spouse has to adjust his/her status after your spouse comes here with K-3 which would cost about $1100.00 now. If your spouse comes with cr-1 visa, then he/she does not need to adjust his/her status here, since cr-1 is an immigrant visa and the green card will be mailed within 1-2 month of his/her arrival in the USA.


Plus I've seen some cases that the I-129F was canceled after the I-130 was approved(instead of being also approved, thereby giving the petitioner choice as to which avenue to pursue)....and the petitioner only found out afterwards...and were in effect forced to go the I-130--IR/CR-1 route.

-P

P.S. When you ask for clarification, there's no need to be facetious to those that offer it to you....you can just say thank you, but I'm looking for more info that what you've given me. wink.gif

its sarcasm, not facetiousness. and if you read my next/previous reply (depending on where this one falls), you'll understand my head and my heart. so calm down innocent.gif

Edited by unononehigher, 18 January 2008 - 02:35 PM.

Simply_UnoFemale02008-01-18 14:34:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanHelp me!!!! I have read the guides/rules
Uhh, duhhh ohmy.gif
thats why I posted for clarity, specifically from a VJ Pro!

p.s. and thank you for the brief clarification
As you already know that K-3 is a nonimmigrant visa whereas CR-1 is an immigrant visa.

Edited by unononehigher, 18 January 2008 - 02:16 PM.

Simply_UnoFemale02008-01-18 14:14:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanHelp me!!!! I have read the guides/rules
The rules say: unsure.gif
Spousal Visa (K3)
In General - The U.S. citizen marries the foreign fiance in the USA or in another country (could be home country), the foreign fiance goes back to his/her country, the U.S. citizen applies to the Service Center for an I-130 spousal visa petition.
So far I understand all of that. biggrin.gif

Now here is where I get confuzzled blink.gif wacko.gif mad.gif tongue_ss.gif huh.gif yes.gif no0pb.gif and lastly ohmy.gif

The rules say: unsure.gif
The K-3 Generally allows applicant to enter the US faster then waiting for the I-130 to be approved and the IR-1 / CR-1 visa to be issued.
My questions are:
Isn't the I-130 the same as the K-3? or the start up for the CR-1? ohmy.gif

The rules say: unsure.gif
As soon as the US citizen receives the notice of receipt from the service center
for the I-130 petition, the US citizen files an I-129F for a K-3 visa.
Once the petition is approved, it is forwarded to the foreign US consulate.
Correct me if I'm wrong...: blink.gif
I thought the I-130 was for the K-3 visa? And the I-129f was for a fiance'?

Then the rules really 4u(!< me up!!!: unsure.gif
As soon as the US citizen receives the notice of receipt from the service center for the I-130 petition,
(okay, I am fine on this part^^^)
the US citizen files an I-129F for a K-3 visa ohmy.gif .
(why must I do that, what is it for, and how does it contribute to the first set of documents that I (all of us) paid out the ying/yang to get processed?) sad.gif
Once the petition is approved, it is forwarded to the foreign US consulate. (and this part I understand completely) smile.gif

Typically, I'm on point about most issues and documentations, but this here "sitch'wayshen" just floored me!
If someone wise and knowledgeable can guide me through these murky waters, I'd be so happy. I'll even bake you a rainbow cake with whipped cream frosting and send it to ya, well..., I'd give you the recipe and you could bake it yourself heart.gif
P.S. my goal (as all of us here) is to bring my SO home. I don't want to go through the same thing that "DM" went through. (my heart aches for her). But Uno, really needs a V.J. pro right now. helpsmilie.gif
Simply_UnoFemale02008-01-18 14:06:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanShould I do my dance?
QUOTE (forchika @ Jan 17 2008, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
laughing.gif laughing.gif laughing.gif I just had to laugh unononehigher, you are now officially on the Visa Journey!!!!!! Wishing you a speedy and stressfree journey!!!!! smile.gif

I'm glad one of us can laugh, I'm giving myself a migraine....demerol pleeaaaasssse sad.gif

QUOTE (Merk @ Jan 17 2008, 08:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
DANCE!!!!!!! kicking.gif I will be your partner- I just got my NOA1 also!! I feel your joy. BOY DO I FEEL IT!!!!!!! Here is a long distance hug!!!! biggrin.gif I am with you on all the questions!!! lol

right back atcha girly kicking.gif
Simply_UnoFemale02008-01-17 21:47:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanShould I do my dance?
Okay, I am waiting to exhale blink.gif .
I just received my NOA1 good.gif .
I don't know what to expect (okay, the NOA2?...maybe) wacko.gif .
But then what? huh.gif
What comes after the NOA2 tongue.gif , what money and (how much) do I have to give my government this time sad.gif ,
who do I send it to ohmy.gif ?
Whats the next step wacko.gif , is my husband coming home sooon yes.gif , OMG ohmy.gif , OMG ohmy.gif , OMG ohmy.gif !!!
Okay, I'm calm no0pb.gif , but I'm still waiting to exhale huh.gif .
Somebody help me helpsmilie.gif ,
I'm turning bluuuue biggrin.gif !
Aaarrrggghhhhhh crying.gif
Simply_UnoFemale02008-01-17 18:40:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanLoving the African male
QUOTE (MrsJibowu @ Jan 19 2008, 11:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I posted two reviews of a book people are discussing. One was a positive review and one was a negative. I am not off topic in this forum. It is a review of the book. I have not touched this forum until I came across book review. The book in subject.

I read in a post to me from one of the book club member "did you read any reviews". I found a couple and posted them. This can also help in the discussion of the book where one might agree or disagree with the book.

Why does everyone take stuff personal or assign meaning to someones purpose for posting.

So the book club is being closed , because I posted two reviews of the book? I guess I am asking this because of Uno's post.

I do not want to assign meaning or make assumptions. WOW, I can see how scary it can get posting in the African sub Sahara forum.

So now I am a sinner, because I posted two book reviews. What do you think my purpose was to posting the good review and the bad review? I do not want to get off topic, but I feel this assignment of meaning takes the forum off topic.

I give up, because I am tired of people picking apart a piece of my post. I am tired of defending my post or myself. People respond condescendingly not inquisitively.

For examply/// Missy I can see why you can make that assertion regarding the authors website, but I have to disagree with you on your points. What is your meaning behind the authors choice of clothing that makes you chose to not read the book?

Well maybe I was being a little hasty with assumptions when I visited his website, but i guess I was expecting something different so I was shocked at what I discovered. I should not had made an assumption. I think that is where i made my mistake. Sorry if it confused people.

No my post was picked apart and ridiculed, which lead me to defend myself in a way I was not proud of, because I stooped to the level of people attacking me.
I am not where I need to be, but I thank god I am not where I used to be.

QUOTE (unononehigher @ Jan 19 2008, 11:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Salutations to you all.
every one here, or most every one claims "christianity" or higher power guidance. we all know what "sin" is, it is knowledge of right and still doing wrong. I am truly not trying to jugde or condemn. if you all take the time to read the verse I have posted below, maybe you all can correct your errors.

Every thing is to be done with a "servants heart"

Romans 14:20-22 (New International Version)

20Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.

22So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves.

p.s. yes, I double posted my reply.



First of all, from a christian stand point, we are all a "sinner" so don't go persecuting your self on my behalf. And I posted to attempt to restore the order. Next, I never commented on any of your posts. I, personally, don't care if you or any one reads the book, but if someone does, I will be more than happy to "glean" some wisdom from their inmputs. Thank you very much.
Next person to the mic!
Simply_UnoFemale02008-01-19 12:49:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanLoving the African male
Salutations to you all.
every one here, or most every one claims "christianity" or higher power guidance. we all know what "sin" is, it is knowledge of right and still doing wrong. I am truly not trying to jugde or condemn. if you all take the time to read the verse I have posted below, maybe you all can correct your errors.

Every thing is to be done with a "servants heart"

Romans 14:20-22 (New International Version)

20Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.

22So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves.

p.s. yes, I double posted my reply.

Edited by unononehigher, 19 January 2008 - 11:58 AM.

Simply_UnoFemale02008-01-19 11:57:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanLoving the African male
QUOTE (Jomo @ Jan 18 2008, 09:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's not the disagreeing part, it's the ripping into each other part.

It's such a fine line. I get so caught up in my own thoughts and words sometimes that I come across too strongly. I've eaten more crow then I ever thought possible.
Does crow and kenkey go together? no0pb.gif laughing.gif

So far, this one is pretty tame compared to some things I have read on this board.

Whenever I feel really ready to vent about what someone said, I go to the MENA thread. Those ladies on there teach me patience and holding my tongue all the time. They are incredibly gracious.

Simply_UnoFemale02008-01-18 12:47:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanLoving the African male
eb0dfafc.gif and with that...next person to the mic ClockWatch2.gif
Simply_UnoFemale02008-01-18 08:09:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanLoving the African male
QUOTE (Nixz_Chi @ Jan 17 2008, 04:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Back to the topic of the book....

Hmmm...I doubt that I'll invest money in purchasing this book. Its seems as if this man's point of view would be slightly different from the views of our significant others'. I'm only saying this because the man hasn't lived in Africa for more than 25 years. A majority of the ladies on here are getting married to men that recently left Africa within the last year. Some of our SO's haven't left yet. Different mentality if you ask me. In my own observations, the mentalites of the african men that have been living in the states for some time is a bit watered down. Some of them tend to try to behave like americans if you ask me. I'm sure this guy isn't saying anything different than what we've heard from the few men that contribute on this board. He lived in Nigeria in the 80's...does he really know the struggle and the issues that our men face in this day and age? Can he really relate? Or is he basing it off of what he hears from his folks back home. Who knows?
I'm sure its a really good book, and I'm not trying to discredit the message this guy is trying to put out. I'm just saving my $20. I have an african father, uncles, brothers that can probably give me the same insight this dude will. And in my opinion, you don't learn how to love a man through a book.
Not trying to cause a stir, just giving my honest opinion.

I never thought of it that way, but well said...bravisimo good.gif

Edited by unononehigher, 17 January 2008 - 06:27 PM.

Simply_UnoFemale02008-01-17 18:25:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanLoving the African male
QUOTE (Bassi and Zainab @ Jan 17 2008, 12:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (unononehigher @ Jan 17 2008, 12:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Bassi and Zainab @ Jan 17 2008, 11:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Depending on what type of engineer he is (you can have a evaluation of his credentials completed to facilitate his movement into the American job market),
How do I go about the creditial evaluation??
he may not need to be fluent in english to work here.
He's fluent in "english" its his GRAMMER that is the issue. innocent.gif
Plenty of foreigners working here in that field. I try to talk some to Bassi about his expectations as well, but I think that some things he will just have to see for himself. For Bassi, it helps that he has family here, cause they can give him the real deal. But, he's a grown up, and if he feels overwhelmed when he gets here, I hope he'll know he can talk to me about it. Sometimes he bottles things up, so that my biggest worry.



The most popular and well respected place is called World Education Services. and it's in NYC. I think they have a website. You send your transcripts and they evaluate and if it's found to be comparable to an american degree, they send you a certificate. You can use the certificate to apply for licensure. There are many others though, so you can probably do a google search or check the website, but it matters that they have a reputation or the certificate is not worth the ink to print it. As an HR professional, I can vouch for WES, but I don't know every one that's acceptable. Your licensure agency might also have a list. It's usually a State office. In NY it's the Education dept. But I think in many other states it's the actual Dept of State for the state, not the federal department of state. I hope I didn't confuse you. blink.gif

thank you (smoochies) tongue.gif
Simply_UnoFemale02008-01-17 13:25:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanLoving the African male
QUOTE (Bassi and Zainab @ Jan 17 2008, 11:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (unononehigher @ Jan 16 2008, 10:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey Y'all,
I know this is about the "book club", but I have a question. Does the book address the "space" issues, I do believe you all touched upon the sending *cough* money *choke* back *cough* home issue (ahem) huh.gif .
Moving on, does it also discuss things like helping our SO adjust to western world norms, social issues, politics, and the difference between what the media pumps in to their country (BET, Videos, and such) and what true reality is? Alot of my husbands family and friends seem to think that I eat spinach and ####### "benjamins" on a whim ohmy.gif .
When I try to explain how things really are to them, I get the *feeling* that they think that I am lying about our "poverty". My husband has even told me "how can you compare poverty in the united states with poverty in africa huh.gif ?" He just does not get "it sad.gif ."
Another thing, and forgive me for rambling, but...my husband has a degree in engineering biggrin.gif , he seems to think that he can just command a job because he is "educated." His english is okay, (I understand him), but his grammer could use some brushing up, how do I explain to him that he is still not upto par with our written language helpsmilie.gif .
I suggested that he take an ESL class and he blew it off blush.gif .
I am mighty afraid that he is going to have a cultural melt down due to his perceived notions about america crying.gif .
Okay, I am done.
(next person, to the mic) rose.gif .

p.s. is this book on tape or cd?


Depending on what type of engineer he is (you can have a evaluation of his credentials completed to facilitate his movement into the American job market),
How do I go about the creditial evaluation??
he may not need to be fluent in english to work here.
He's fluent in "english" its his GRAMMER that is the issue. innocent.gif
Plenty of foreigners working here in that field. I try to talk some to Bassi about his expectations as well, but I think that some things he will just have to see for himself. For Bassi, it helps that he has family here, cause they can give him the real deal. But, he's a grown up, and if he feels overwhelmed when he gets here, I hope he'll know he can talk to me about it. Sometimes he bottles things up, so that my biggest worry.



QUOTE (Bassi and Zainab @ Jan 17 2008, 11:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jomo @ Jan 17 2008, 08:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I HATE the fact that I now suck my teeth.


My mom used to smack me in the back of the head every time I sucked my teeth. I quickly dropped the habit. Need a hand.....

biggrin.gif tongue.gif
Simply_UnoFemale02008-01-17 12:33:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanLoving the African male
Salutations everyone (I really mean hey y'all), but I'm at school... cool.gif
I really want to thank you guys for answering my questions and y'all have no idea how much your sincerity, empathy, and understanding means to me. I am really an emotional person... crying.gif
(and I'm going to leave it at that). As much as I love my husband, his african wisdom of american culture can be overwhelming. Its almost as if he discredits what I know, based upon the american myths he's inherited coupled with what he has seen on television. He has a beautiful mind and he is a very hard worker (6 a.m. to 5 a.m. mon-fri and half days on saturdays). But in the midst of his excellent qualities, those 30+ years of being in africa, has given him a tainted view of american life and I am praying for the strength to bridle my tongue
(restraint in saying "I told you so" jest.gif ), and the courage to be the wife he needs me to be when reality kicks his #######! And again, thank you all.
Uno. heart.gif

Edited by unononehigher, 17 January 2008 - 11:15 AM.

Simply_UnoFemale02008-01-17 11:13:00