Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Middle East and North Africa	Update on SIL in Gaza		Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-01-06 15:28:00
Middle East and North Africa	Friday!	MsAmera I feel ya I had no room to begin with no add hubsters clothes, which is all he brought here and thank god not too much of em. I cant wait to take him shopping for things he really wants. Now that he is working I am happy to see him take his own money and do what he wants sometimes. Bridget, you were a freckle face??? me too!!!!!!!! being blonde haired and blue-eyed with a splash of irish in me didnt help that at all. I still get covered when I go in the sun. They seem to disappear and hibernate in the winter, then in summer vacationing on the beaches in Morocco...hubby goes OMG! what do call those? LOL he actually likes them, I would venture to say there arent many Moroccans that have genuine freckles BUT he did tell me that there were people more fair than I and blue eyes with blonde hair to the north.....Berber maybe....I dunno, I need pix to believe that. Kelly what on earth keeps you working 7 days a week?? poor dear and arent you getting the new year off on the right foot...working out, dieting YOU GO GIRL I need some of your motivation even this personal trainer cant seem to motivate herself I want to start walking and running again, and even though the weather has been quite mild for the most part of this fall and winter, I HATE THE COLD....I need the sun beaming down on me...hopefully we have an early spring We are looking at 6 months still summer....I doubt I would be ready Turia I had originally posted Britany and not Bridget now it's definitely Brittany...ok got it Edited by sandrila, 09 January 2009 - 11:57 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-01-09 11:56:00
Middle East and North Africa	Friday!	Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr good morning jeanne.....LOL.....melons, pricks....... needed a good laugh we are supposed to get snow saturday i'd rather have snow than rain at this point it'd be nice for my husband to finally see some REAL snow No specific weekend plans. Thank God I am off and all I want to do, is do nothing. Hubby has to work till 11 pm tonight and tomorrow then Sunday we can relax together. Nice part about this weekend is like you Annie, getting a break from the kiddies. You definitely need the break though. Enjoy. Newbie...Bridget? LOVEMYSOULMATE...welcome Ok, so we got 2 Bridgets now, and 2 Lisas any other doubles around here? Have a good weekend everyone. We just got a new digital copier at work so now I got to take time and figure out the bells and whistles. LUCKY ME I hate instruction manuals Edited by sandrila, 09 January 2009 - 09:38 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-01-09 09:34:00
Middle East and North Africa	I'm back and have more questions..		Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-01-09 10:31:00
Middle East and North Africa	How Muslims are treated in the USA	It doesnt hurt to ask the help of your congressman and/or senator however even this influential people dont have as much pull as we thing they would, I have requested assistance several times from both congressman and senator and both received the same responses from the government, which is we just have to wait it out!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-07-24 11:51:00
Middle East and North Africa	My mother in law's tourist visa	WOW that is exciting TURIA!!! I had no idea that MILs could get a visa to visit their children here i'd be interested in finding out how that is accomplished. i dont know if my MIL could make it all that way alone but maybe if hubby and I go 2010 then she could come with food for thought	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-01-12 16:55:00
Middle East and North Africa	Monday	extra money for a cleaning service?? i wish....any extra money coming my way better be coming from Uncle Sam and Obama's stimulus relief bill	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-01-12 16:48:00
Middle East and North Africa	Monday	Rajaa...THIS IS FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy for you both!! What a great feeling and another happy ending to encourage others waiting Well I am late signing in but have a good night friends. I am not anticipating the end to the mild weather we have had....it is going to get SERIOUSLY COLD now NOT PLAYIN! YEAH EAGLES one more win to the SUPERBOWL BABY!! and I am not even a football fan Jackie and those of you have had ALOT of snow....I will take some of the white stuff now please anything other than rain and just plain cold	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-01-12 16:45:00
Middle East and North Africa	Got Orfy? Urfy? Orfi? Urfi?	Ganja Girl Gotta case of the...MUNCHIES!!!!!!!!!!!!! LMAO he he	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-01-13 14:20:00
Middle East and North Africa	hotels in egypt - where to stay	i have never visited egypt but i hope to sometime	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-01-13 16:42:00
Middle East and North Africa	Tuesday!	Oh Jackie that starbucks pix rules!! lol how ya doing lately dear? Amal...good luck to you, these times are not easy.....i dont know how any of us are supposed to get ahead having children and looking out for their future is also very scary for me now, as they are aging at a rapid rate i am trying to give them good couseling but just as we did when we were that age....THEY WONT LISTEN I pray they absorb somethings I say S and S hello and welcome back, hope you get some resolve to your issue soon when i was pregnant i was always tender in that area well still trying keep on this DIET....i dont fare too well with it once mother nature kicks in ummmmmmsqueakster.....I would never survive that kind of winter seriously that is dangerously bitter....stay warm Edited by sandrila, 13 January 2009 - 12:11 PM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-01-13 12:09:00
Middle East and North Africa	Tuesday!	Mornin Jeanne I would love to say we are having gorgeous weather but anything less than 70 is not warm enough for me. The bitter cold is coming tomorrow for us. Just keepin on keepin on here. I am actually looking forward to hearing all the excitement with Rajaa's anticipation of her sweetie arriving! I am sure you are scrambling lady Have a good day MENA.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2009-01-13 08:48:00
Middle East and North Africa	Does Age really matter????	QUOTE (caybee @ Oct 30 2008, 03:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (sandrila @ Oct 30 2008, 03:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (martiniolive @ Oct 28 2008, 07:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> OH a Cougar LOL well if you are a cougar you are aparently a very hot cougar QUOTE (sandrila @ Oct 28 2008, 01:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> SOME STRANGE REASON I ATTRACT YOUNGER MEN LOL I actually am about 8 years older than my husband...does that make me a COUGAR caybee...never a chaser I was joking You are not a cougar, not the way I interpret it. And you don't look a day older than your husband. FTR, I hate that word in that context -- sounds so predatory. thanks CAY for your compliment....however I AIN'T gettin any younger	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-10-30 14:59:00
Middle East and North Africa	Does Age really matter????	QUOTE (martiniolive @ Oct 29 2008, 01:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Well after the wedding night, whats a virgin have that a well seasoned veteran can't top Did I say that out loud??????? QUOTE (Staashi @ Oct 28 2008, 08:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> OK - don't want to offend, but if I do it is the nature of the topic. I think older woman/younger man marriage can work well, as long as the couple accepts that there will be certain barriers within their relationship. And really, all relationships will have barriers and naturally, SH!T does happen. To bring this issue on to an immigration website is the fact that age differences -significant ones - are typically viewed as red flags for visa fraud; this goes for both men and women petitioning for significant others. One other thing that I believe gives the MENA USEMs pause when approving visas is that many MENA men typically want to marry a virgin. Thus, the idea that he is marrying a 40+-year old woman with 3 kids might raise a few eyebrows. I'm not saying love doesn't exist, I just believe that these couples will have a few more obstacles (USCIS/DOS) placed in front of them. Just food for thought. OH!! SNAP Edited by sandrila, 30 October 2008 - 02:57 PM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-10-30 14:56:00
Middle East and North Africa	Does Age really matter????	QUOTE (martiniolive @ Oct 28 2008, 07:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> OH a Cougar LOL well if you are a cougar you are aparently a very hot cougar QUOTE (sandrila @ Oct 28 2008, 01:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> SOME STRANGE REASON I ATTRACT YOUNGER MEN LOL I actually am about 8 years older than my husband...does that make me a COUGAR caybee...never a chaser	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-10-30 14:04:00
Middle East and North Africa	Does Age really matter????	SOME STRANGE REASON I ATTRACT YOUNGER MEN LOL I actually am about 8 years older than my husband...does that make me a COUGAR Edited by sandrila, 28 October 2008 - 03:15 PM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-10-28 15:12:00
Middle East and North Africa	MY SON IS IN ICU	Most definitely thinking of your son, you and your family. May God's loving arms embrace him now with his care	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-10-30 09:28:00
Middle East and North Africa	I'm very sad guys	QUOTE (linda&usama @ Nov 2 2008, 12:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> All of us have days when we think we will not make it one more hour. All of us get frustrated with waiting so long with no real reason for it. All of us have days when all we can do is cry. That is normal. You are at the last part of your journey. You have had such a terrible wait. You must really love your husband and he must really love you. Belive in your relationship. Stay strong for your husband. Remind yourslef this is almost over. You are not alone, most of us on this site have bad days, no matter where we are in our journey. You are in my prayers... well said LindandUsama	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-03 14:26:00
Middle East and North Africa	I'm very sad guys	QUOTE (hichoufy @ Nov 1 2008, 10:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> let me get this clear 2004 I 130 and I was a PR 2007 I 130 Approved 2007 NVC recieved my file 2008 NVC DS 3032 etc 2008 Sept become a US citizen and Upgrade my case 2008 on september 24 upgrade 2008 october 10th case complete at NVC 2008 november stillo waiting for the interview date and a medical exam I will really appreciate your help guys hichoufy I am so saddened to hear this too. I pray that with GOD'S grace and mercy he will give you the answer to the prayer you need. I had cried out myself last week and 1 day later we got the call. I BELIEVE IN GOD and there is alot of good finally coming from Casa! GOOD LUCK and I will keep you tight in my prayers.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-03 14:19:00
Middle East and North Africa	Its official	Congratulations to you both!!!! How exciting!! May God Bless you both!!!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-03 09:47:00
Middle East and North Africa	Monday!	QUOTE (Ahmed N Tina @ Nov 3 2008, 11:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Good Morning MENA! One week closer to my hubby getting his visa from Cairo. Course, we have no idea when they will let go of it, but we're closer anyway It's going to top out at a balmy 50 degrees here today. I love fall! Have a great day!! Good luck to you honey, there a few us waiting on EDGE	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-03 10:56:00
Middle East and North Africa	Monday!	Good Morning Friends I am just waiting on edge this morning to hear from my husband who is now at the Consulate "getting his visa" but after all the upset and redtape I am afraid to get too excited until he calls and says I GOT IT! Now is near 3pm there..you all have been so helpful and sweet...keep us in your prayers these final moments. I am so tired of walking on eggshells. The weather has been so delightful but I know my husband cant wait to get here just in time for winter and his first snow. YUCK! I am praying for all of you still waiting to hear news and from what I can see alot of us are going to have a very blessed Christmas. Have a great day...it is just nice to have a REAL smile on my face!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-03 09:55:00
Middle East and North Africa	i need advice	I dont know much about your exact situation (k1) but I think it is a GOOD sign she did NOT file for her ex-husband. Sorry for her to have to deal with a creep as such but hopefully found a TRUE man in you! Good luck for what you are about to embark. are you engaged? I just know if you are you need all the proof you can provide and SAVE EVERYTHING! I would like to add also, I did not meet the financial qualifications to solely sponsor my husband so we had to get a Co-Sponsor...check your poverty guidelines. Edited by sandrila, 03 November 2008 - 11:48 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-03 11:46:00
Middle East and North Africa	MY HUSBAND GETTING HIS VISA !!!	I want to say that my head is spinning !!! HAPPY ANXIOUS....whew...omgarshhhhhhhhhh! my beloved angel and light of my life will be here sometime next week THIS IS FOR SURE!! I will let you know the exact date in a couple days...omg...I cant stop smiling!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-04 18:04:00
Middle East and North Africa	MY HUSBAND GETTING HIS VISA !!!	QUOTE (ZARQA @ Nov 4 2008, 12:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (sandrila @ Nov 3 2008, 12:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> ALLAH HAMDULLILAH My husband took his passport to Casa today and his VISA will be ready tomorrow!! omg omg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE ARE SO OVERJOYED!!!! I'm really so happy for you, today I wake up very sad, depress and feel that I can't handle it anymore, I'm still waiting for the NOA2, I need my husband beside me I don't know what to do anymore, I still waiting for my case to be expedite but also not respond, tomorrow I will call USCI, you know how I feel and thanks god you don't have to go trought the same pain anymore good luck to you sandrila thank you so much dear friend and i could never forget how my life has changed so quick stick with the MENA crew...these sweet dears have held me together I pray for you and all the others in the same boat I was not long before THANK YOU GOD.....PRAY PRAY PRAY!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-04 18:01:00
Middle East and North Africa	MY HUSBAND GETTING HIS VISA !!!	QUOTE (HisLittleMasriyah @ Nov 3 2008, 07:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!! u re so cute lol its Alhamdulillah whats mbc? yeah what is mbc???	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-04 17:59:00
Middle East and North Africa	MY HUSBAND GETTING HIS VISA !!!	Thank you all so much!!!! It is a surreal feeling and will be nice for us to finally live as a REAL married husband and wife! All your positive vibes and prayers are a major contribution. I will continue to stay with you and praying everyday for all friends still waiting for news. DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE!!!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-03 13:59:00
Middle East and North Africa	MY HUSBAND GETTING HIS VISA !!!	ALLAH HAMDULLILAH My husband took his passport to Casa today and his VISA will be ready tomorrow!! omg omg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE ARE SO OVERJOYED!!!!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-03 12:59:00
Middle East and North Africa	Its Tuesday !!!!!	I am late today and so sorry to say HELLO to you all!!! Good evening now and what a momentous week it is going to be VISA IN HAND BABY!!!! now i get to dance!!!! signed sealed delivered!!! My baby will be in my arms by next week and I am too delighted.... GOD has seen us thru the long dark and hard road....I am praying diligently for everyone else here still waiting...i wont forget you have a great night AND MAY THE BEST MAN WIN!!!!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-04 17:54:00
Middle East and North Africa	It's Wednesday!!	QUOTE (HisLittleMasriyah @ Nov 5 2008, 08:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Happy Wednesday everyone Congratulations on the new president; hope he is everything this country needs. received my passport this morning -3 days after the interview- so now i can officially say..... VISA IN HAND wishing everyone a very nice day SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!! Have a safe trip home! CONGRATULATIONS!!!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-05 14:12:00
Middle East and North Africa	Arabic-English interpreter in Rabat, Morocco	QUOTE (rclouse @ Nov 3 2008, 06:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Does anyone know of a translation or interpretation service in Rabat? LOL If my husband wasnt on his way here in 6 days, I would recommend him. GOOD LUCK If you are serious I am more than sure my husband can hook you up with someone reliable and safe QUOTE (sandrila @ Nov 7 2008, 11:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (rclouse @ Nov 3 2008, 06:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Does anyone know of a translation or interpretation service in Rabat? LOL If my husband wasnt on his way here in 6 days, I would recommend him. GOOD LUCK If you are serious I am more than sure my husband can hook you up with someone reliable and safe, he lives in Rabat. Edited by sandrila, 07 November 2008 - 10:06 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-07 10:07:00
Middle East and North Africa	can you give any help..?	Welcome and best wishes!	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-07 09:59:00
Middle East and North Africa	Friday	Good morning! Aymsgirl...Have fun girl! S and S...I am in shock for what you posted about the snow!!! OMGGGGGGG..NOT READY FOR THAT! We are having very warm temps here in Philly and I'd like to see it stay a wee bit longer..Hubby is coming in 6 days!!!!!!!!! God Bless you and I am praying for all of you still waiting to hear news. Have a great weekend.....I'll be a busy bee for sure	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-07 09:06:00
Middle East and North Africa	RAM(Royal air maroc) airlines	This is a great ? and thanks for asking it. Now that we are preparing for hubby to come we are worried about every little detail. First I did not pay for the ticket in cash like I usually do cuz thank GOD someone told us RED FLAG Second we did purchase one way, which was JUST AS EXPENSIVE as roundtrip just thinking well he is coming to STAY not leave and also we wouldnt know exactly when we would be going back to Morocco to visit. ALSO, my husband is coming on CR1..he is going to LIVE here, should I be concerned about a one way ticket?? Everything is so screwed up with the process and even still getting the visa I dont find ANYTHING to be coming easy. So I think one way is fine for CR1...what is your feeling?? I guess it would have been more practical to buy a roundtrip...then you have a ticket for later BUT those 2-3 hundred extra dollars still arent feasible right now for me....I am lucky he is able to come so soon as it is.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-07 09:22:00
Middle East and North Africa	Freaking out	QUOTE (ksa2usa @ Nov 6 2008, 02:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'm sort of new here, so I'm sure that most of you are not too familiar with my situation. I have been living in Saudi Arabia for the last year and my husband and I are filing for an immigrant visa thru DCF. Our process has gone smoothly and quickly so far, and we are only awaiting my husband's interview. The closer we get to his interview, the more I am beginning to think that maybe immigration isn't in our best interest at this time. Our reasons for immigrating are really not that strong. We don't intend to live in the USA permanently, but only as a temporary thing. My own reasons for wanting to go are purely selfish..I miss my family. The reasons for staying here are overwhelming...job security, great salary, owning a home, free schooling, great health care and insurance, etc. If we move to the USA, we are going into something that we are not prepared for. We will have to live with my parents and depend on them a great deal, not sure about the job market or if my husband will be able to make as much money in the usa as he does here, we'll have to pay for any more college that my husband and I want to complete, childcare for our daughter, NO health insurance (and we want another baby), and depending on where my husband finds work, there is no gurantee that I will live close to my family or get to see them anymore than I do living overseas. In the end, everything we earn and work for in the USA will be a loss...we don't ever intend to live there permanently. All the money we spend on housing, cars, school, and just living will be a big fat waste. We could just stay here, keep making great money and start growing our family. I'm so confused and stressed out about this situation. I want to go, and I don't want to turn down a green card, and possible citizenship for my husband, but there are so many reasons why it's NOT a good idea, and a good time to immigrate. What would you girls do if you were in my situation? My family keeps telling me that I have to decide what I want to sacrifice...my family or my financial security. I've been broke most of my life and I know what it is to scrape together change to pay for gas or stress out about making rent...and I've also lived the last year in a place where I haven't worried about money for a SINGLE DAY, NOT ONCE, and I'm just not sure if I'm ready to go back to being broke..and for what?? HELP PLEASE!! I would stay...unless you really miss your American life here and cannot adjust to life there. Unless my children was the "family" you were refering to ...all I need is my husband and it sounds to me like you got it made where you are....however I wouldnt I want to burn my bridges here either. I too live paycheck to paycheck..I wish I was in your shoes	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-07 09:27:00
Middle East and North Africa	My husband finally exists!	Congratulations...it really sounds like a discouraging situation...but thank GOD, IT IS OVER!!!!!!!!!!! Hard work and PATIENCE	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-11-05 15:08:00
Middle East and North Africa	Are Americans safe in Morocco?	QUOTE (morocco4ever @ Oct 30 2008, 11:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Hanging in there @ Oct 30 2008, 07:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (morocco4ever @ Oct 28 2008, 11:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> When I was there I never felt like it was unsafe, but my husband would make sure that I had someone with me where ever I wanted to go, which sucks because I hate being dependent on anyone. His point was that since it was obvious that I was American, even if I did agree to wear a Hijab, that I would be a target for thiefs. Perhaps he is right, I decided to honor his wishes since it is not my native country. One time he sent his 13 year old nephew with me. Like he could protect me??? As far as public affection, well yes it is frowned on. I remember my first visit, at the airport, when I was leaving, and it was Ramadan to make it worse. He grabbed me and hugged me so hard and long. We were eyed by some of the airport officials, but he didn't care. He said that he didn't care what they thought, I was his wife and he didn't know when he would see me again. So yes there are some that defy it, but it is not really accepted there. As far as prejudices, well I am sure it is there. I had more curious stares than anything, but I could sense that some of them were a disapproval, but those where from women, not men. So does he view the women as being dangerious? I guess it is possible. I know that my husband would like for us to eventually move back to Morocco. His idea is that we would hire a woman to cook, clean (can't say I mind that part ) and to escort me where ever I need to go (not so fond of that part ). GO I did talk briefly last night with my husband about your situation. He said that he is correct in the fact that you would not have much of a future there. So for you to give up everything you have there to move to Morocco might not be the wisest thing to do, unless you are willing to lose your home, car, business, etc. I know that when we were denied I wasn't about to lose everything I have here unless there was absolutely no other option to be with him. This is why we hung in there and fought to get the visa. Difference is that you FOUGHT to get the visa. He is already dumping her. I disagree about living in Morocco. I know several couples that if the wife american wanted it, that the moroccan spouse would tell her to come. Second, love is more than convenience. I think clearly this was a marriage for papers on his end. I dont see any sacrifice on his end whatsover. Only bla bla i love you via text and Morocco is too dangerous and all this other #######. This guy is playing games clearly... hes not fighting through an ap period. He already wants to dump her. I know a k1 that survived over a year in approval out of morocco and another 7 months ap. I fail to see how this moron warrants her tears. I think he only wanted her for papers and whats critical here is that she doesnt think this has anything to do with her or moroccans etc. Real love doesnt dump when adversity is faced. I dont quite understand whether this visa was denied or ap d. Either way, I feel sorry for her BUT I do think she needs to go to Morocco for closure either way . She needs to see him again and face whatever it is he is going to tell her. For all we know, he could have a girlfriend there.. there could be a litany of ####### going on that the consular officer is very aware of that some investigator on the ground uncovered and YES THERE ARE INVESTIGATORS on the ground and in Meknes, its very easy to turn up dirt and fast because it isnt a metropolis. They might very well know his intentions via other people.. You cant underestimate the embassy. Sometimes they guess. Sometimes they know stuff. All I know is that I do not want her to blame herself. But she does need to be realistic about how she approaches things from this period foward Although there is a lot of fact in as much as there is so much abuse of women in order to get papers, I don't think it is wise to jump at the fact that he does not want her there. A decision of divorce can not, and should not be taken lightly. When our petition was denied I was devistated, to say the least. I didn't think there was hope for our future here in the US. I had so many reasons why I couldn't leave from a sick father to my children. On the other hand I had this wonderful man that I had waited for my entire life to find. What should I do? With all of this going on, and a worry that he could never be here, I told him that he needed to divorce me and find someone else. Was this because I didn't love him? Quite the contrary, I did this BECAUSE I love him. How could I expect him to wait God knows how long for something I didn't think would ever happen. He, on the other hand, was thinking that he should let me go. Should I have thought that this is because he didn't love me? It wasn't that at all. He knew that we would never have a future there, and he couldn't bear the thought of what I would have to leave behind, and for what? Just to lose everything I had to be with him? We discussed how we both felt, we cried together because we didn't want to lose what we had found. I left the decision in his hands. Trust me, it didn't take him long to tell me that he just couldn't let me go, and that he was willing to fight whatever system he had to to bring us together. We never, after that day, discussed divorce as an option. It just wasn't one. So is his intentions fraudulant? I can't say for sure. Only he knows. But one thing I can say is that I didn't take that small moment and decide to divorce over that. Because in the end we both were thinking of what would be best for the other person. Now I am in a strong marriage, and I am 100% sure of his love for me. Both back then, and now. The worst thing we can do is to jump into decisions when we are in a crisis situation. We may not be thinking clearly. Morocco4Ever...today I needed to see your post as we are experiencing this same pain as you both had and we have not exactly been denied the Visa. It has just gotten so heart wrenching and desperate....we never thought it would be this hard and I am trying to hold on to the only life we may possibly have HERE. I just feel I am not doing a good enough job of getting him to hold on to hope, I even feel as if he is abandoned me due to his own depression. I try to look at everything from both ends but I am so completely stressed, depressed and frazzled myself that I dont know what to do. I just keep thinking OF COURSE I DO WHATEVER I CAN, WHATEVER IT TAKES TO ATTAIN WHAT WE ARE WORKING SO HARD FOR but at the same time I am leave all in GOD'S hands and truly if GOD knows what my dear husband has and is still enduring, truly we would have our answer by now. Thanks for sharing all guys....you are helping me thru a dark time. I am still trying to believe with LOVE, we can conquer all!! Edited by sandrila, 30 October 2008 - 11:31 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-10-30 11:29:00
Middle East and North Africa	Are Americans safe in Morocco?	QUOTE (morocco4ever @ Oct 28 2008, 12:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> When I was there I never felt like it was unsafe, but my husband would make sure that I had someone with me where ever I wanted to go, which sucks because I hate being dependent on anyone. His point was that since it was obvious that I was American, even if I did agree to wear a Hijab, that I would be a target for thiefs. Perhaps he is right, I decided to honor his wishes since it is not my native country. One time he sent his 13 year old nephew with me. Like he could protect me??? As far as public affection, well yes it is frowned on. I remember my first visit, at the airport, when I was leaving, and it was Ramadan to make it worse. He grabbed me and hugged me so hard and long. We were eyed by some of the airport officials, but he didn't care. He said that he didn't care what they thought, I was his wife and he didn't know when he would see me again. So yes there are some that defy it, but it is not really accepted there. As far as prejudices, well I am sure it is there. I had more curious stares than anything, but I could sense that some of them were a disapproval, but those where from women, not men. So does he view the women as being dangerious? I guess it is possible. I know that my husband would like for us to eventually move back to Morocco. His idea is that we would hire a woman to cook, clean (can't say I mind that part ) and to escort me where ever I need to go (not so fond of that part ). I did talk briefly last night with my husband about your situation. He said that he is correct in the fact that you would not have much of a future there. So for you to give up everything you have there to move to Morocco might not be the wisest thing to do, unless you are willing to lose your home, car, business, etc. I know that when we were denied I wasn't about to lose everything I have here unless there was absolutely no other option to be with him. This is why we hung in there and fought to get the visa. experiencing ramadan the first time i met him and leaving him with NO KISS GOODBYE was disheartening and frustrating just wondering at what time I have to say "baby, there is NO other option, I am coming there, regardless" however he knows that once I come, I have pretty much burned my bridges here, as I am supporting myself alone and live alone I would throw away all I worked hard for, for me and for him	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-10-30 11:08:00
Middle East and North Africa	Are Americans safe in Morocco?	Hand holding was fine. Out alone at all, never! At night, exert caution Definitely...men checkin you out yes, but if my husband saw it or heard it, a rumble could be on their horizon, and quick! Prices for a tourist...just total RIP off, hubby is good for driving a hard bargain both my husband and his brother have been jumped by men with machetes(?)...i mean the big decapitating knives the crime rate has gone up in his neighborhood and i am so naive just walking around feeling safe and unassuming there is with knives here in Philly it is guns....I fear for my husband daily I just think that people are so desperate and poor they feel they have nothing to lose Also, the police there would not hesitate to lock you up for any stupid reason and once you are in there, i doubt you'd be getting out especially if you dont any financial resources i am starting to see it is a nice place to visit but when I talk about us living there he really feels I dont know "his life there" like he does...and I think, he is right	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-10-30 11:01:00
Middle East and North Africa	Are Americans safe in Morocco?	QUOTE (ginny20 @ Oct 28 2008, 08:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I've lived in Morocco for the last 2.5 years and have felt very safe-much safer than I do living in Chicago. I have felt very little judgement or harassment about being American-most people are sympathetic to the fact that although the government is bad, the American people are not necessarily responsible. Morocco is not a democracy and the idea that people are responsible for government isn't common. I get hassled more in France for being American than I do here. The most judgement I have felt is from upper class people, but I feel like there is an envy that runs deep in the upper class here (especially in Fez where I live), and isn't necessarily due to politics. Envy is a big problem in Morocco in general, but I've only felt it directed towards me with the upper class. People in the supposedly 'dangerous' working class neighborhoods and countryside where I have worked have been extremely kind and open-minded in terms of talking about politics--even, for example, when Sadam Hussein was hanged on the Eid lKbeer and the video was replayed over and over again on Al Jazeera. I find Moroccans to be very flexible, in general, and not terribly ideological. Depends on the person, though, of course. I feel completely safe doing things on my own, walking by myself, etc., in most of the major cities except sometimes at night. The most harassed I have felt on the street is in major tourist areas (old city of Fes, Essouaria, etc.), but if you dress and act appropriately it's fine. It is true that PDAs are completely unacceptable here, although holding hands seems to be fine. I think after you spend a few months here, though, you adapt to this and it feels odd to engage in that kind of behavior. A lot of people seem to have that idea that if something happens to a Westerner, the person in charge could be severely punished, but I've never actually heard of this happening. My fiance certainly is not concerned about this. I think there was a case of a member on this forum whose American wife died in Morocco and nothing happened to him. It seems to me to be more of an urban myth. This is not to say that living in Morocco is easy--especially if you don't speak the language. I was unhappy for the first 9 months I was here, but as my language and connection to people improved, so did my experience. I also have major career goals that my experience here will help me to attain, which was highly motivating. Struggling with the difficulties in doing day-to-day things is very taxing, though. Life also feels a lot more boring here--there isn't much of a public culture and people tend to stay home a lot. Even in Casablanca, it feels like there isn't much to do coming from a big American or European city. It's been an amazing and intense experience here, but I am happy to be returning soon to the States. I just wanted to put my two sense in and say I agreed with the statments I highlighted I wish I could live there, but along with Rajaa I have joint custody of my children here PLUS the fact that there is NO way we would have any support as far as living there nor would there be near as much opportunity, comforts, freedoms and sweet way of life as there is here in GOOD OL' USA Edited by sandrila, 30 October 2008 - 10:49 AM.	Sandrila	Female	Morocco	2008-10-30 10:47:00