That is encouraging news!! (since Yilmaz and I still haven't heard anything on his waiver yet - 1 year and counting!!)

I really don't want to leave my family, but I am sure he is thinking the same thing!!

I have a very limited Turkish vocabulary. Even though I have taken some classes and had a private teacher (for a very short time) and I even bought the Pimsler CD's, but I am not devoting my full attention to it. So it is strictly my fault!!

Tanya, I know what you mean about being able to talk to his family. Yilmaz and his two brother-in-laws speak English (they were both in the Turkish Navy), but I really want to converse with his mom and sisters better. We do okay with a sort of charades, but I would really love to talk with them!! His mother told him that he needs to talk to me in Turkish more, because she wants to talk to me. I just love her!! His youngest sister is so funny, she will have me laughing and it is all done through pantomime.

Wendy....(((hugs))) to you also... I feel so bad for those of you who are in this position of having to wait to be with the one you love....


Thanks Deb for the virtual hug! I needed that!!

Onur and I have talked about me moving back to Turkey if for some reason he doesn't get his visa. Although, he would have to complete his military duty first, so I wouldn't move there until he was done with that. Or I suppose we could move to a third country...I've always wanted to go back to Costa Rica (I lived and volunteered there for 2 months and absolutely loved it). If I did move back to Turkey, I would want to live in Izmir or Mugla, closer to the sea. I am working on my Masters degree in education right now and I already have my TEFL/TESL certificate (took a course before I moved to Turkey). I was set to teach at an English language school in Istanbul, English Time, but our plans changed and it didn't pan out. But yes, there are plenty of teaching jobs available for those who are interested, although do some research into the quality of the place first and whether or not they will provide a work visa or expect you to travel in and out of the country every 3 months (do "visa runs") in order to stay "legal". If I do move back to Turkey, I would like to work in a private British/American elementary school (they generally require a degree in education), which pay quite a bit more as they are generally schools for children of expats.

I picked up a lot of Turkish while I was living in Turkey, but I need to work on my verb conjugation as well! Right now I can conjugate you and I in the present and past tense, but that's about it. I practice with Onur and his family and they are all very patient with me and try to use language that they know I'll understand, but I want to be fluent! It is a goal, and it will happen! Onur and I also want to raise our future children (thinking ahead hehe) bilingually - I think if a child has the opportunity to be bilingual it is a really great opportunity, and I want our future children to be able to communicate with his family too. My little 5 year old sister is bilingual (my father remarried a younger Ukrainian woman) - she speaks both Russian and English fluently and it's amazing (and adorable!)

A forum I used a lot while living in turkey was www.mymerhaba.com which is an informational website/forum for British and American expats (or others) moving to and living in Turkey. There's a lot of really good information there on everything from renting and buying property, finding a job to local arts and cultural events.

I wish I could go to Turkey right now, but my schedule and budget does not permit The next chance I'll have is in December...and I hope and pray that Onur has his visa before then - inshallah!

I'm ready to move on with my life...what's the quote..."When you meet the person who you want to spend the rest of your life with, you want the rest of your life to begin as soon as possible." So true, as we all know!

Wendy - That's so funny what you mentioned about the pantomime! The first time I took my kids to Turkey to meet Ozzy, we all stayed at his place and his mom and brother came to visit. Later in the evening, the men (Ozzy, his brother and my son) all went out together to watch a soccer game. We women (me, Ozzy's mom, and my 2 daughters) stayed home and relaxed/cleaned etc. It amazed me how much his mom and I were able to communicate using the little vocabulary I had and pantomime! I was worried there would be an uncomfortable silence, but there most definitely was not!

I too am determined to get better...it's just so hard to find the time right now!

Here's a pic I just had to dig up (another of my favorites) of my kids in Istanbul with Ozzy and his mom...ahhh, such fond memories

Tanya, what a lovely picture of your family!! Your children are so adorable!! They look very happy!!

Julia, I have used mymerhaba and found it a wonderful website too. I wish you best wishes and hope that everything falls into place soon!!!

Wendy - cok tesekkurler! I wish the same for you, as you truly deserve it!

Tanya - what a great photo! Your children are adorable! And the picture makes me miss Istanbul!

Thanks Wendy! It really was a wonderful adventure for them...and me too! I wish I had had the same experience at their age...

Julia...I too love the idea of bilingual (and bi-cultural) kids. We have been teaching my kids little bits and pieces... but when (Insallah) Ozzy and I have a child together I certainly want him/her to be raised bilingual also, from birth. Which will mean my Turkish language skills will need to be advanced in the near future! Or maybe I can learn at the same pace as our (future) child lol. Also, I really just love the Turkish culture. In families where the true culture is still intact (which is becoming more rare, unfortunately), there is just such a wonderful "respect" between family members. I have a hard time explaining/putting it to words, but I just love the way I feel when I am there among his family. They are just so down to earth and honest. I always have a very hard time readjusting to US culture when I return...

Wow, I've heard that Costa Rica is very nice too. What was your experience like there? I wonder how difficult it would be to obtain a visa for there for a Turkish citizen? It sounds like your family is very culturally diverse Hopefully, as a result, they are supportive of you and your relationship with Onur.

Well, thinking of you guys & hoping to hear some good news soon!

Tanya

Thanks Julia! I miss it there too. There's just something so romantic about that city, with its ancientness and historical significance...when I am there, I often imagine the townspeople and conquerers and crusaders who walked and fought in the same streets a thousand or so years ago. Thats probably a lil (or a lot) corny but...I think I fell for Istanbul and Ozzy almost simultaneously

I hope everybody is well. I have just returned from Turkey. I took my mom there so we could bring Handan home and we had an amazing wedding party. Finally we are together. Best of luck to everybody here.

Tebrikler Kenny and Handan!!! Wishing you both all the best as you continue your adventures together!!!

My parents have recently got their passports and I am hoping they will be able to meet Yilmaz's family someday!!

Tanya - I know what you mean, there is so much history in Turkey and in Istanbul especially! When you are there, you feel so connected to something so rich a deep.

Costa Rica is actually one of the countries that Turks can visit without a visa - of course if Onur and I ever decided to move there, he'd have to learn some spanish. But he pretty much taught himself English on his own, and apparently after being fluent in two languages, picking up a third is a lot easier.

My family is pretty multicultural, which we joke about a lot. My brother's wife is a first generation American and she is Turkish too (complete coincidence!) Although, her and her parents have been the most judgmental of my and Onur's relationship. She really doesn't make any attempt to get to know him and my relationship with her did a 180 after I met Onur and moved to Turkey. I don't really understand it. I'm so happy with him and I just don't know why she disapproves or why it bothers her. Sigh. My Dad is the only one who has met Onur in person and he likes him a lot - he always says that he seems so genuine and honest. My dad always jokes, "I never imagined I would end up surrounded by a bunch of Turks!" hehe. My mom was very skeptical at first and even wrote Onur a letter before the first time I went over there telling him very rudely to leave her daughter alone Now she loves Onur and they talk online all the time. She apologized for that letter a long time ago Everyone has their own opinions, but the people who truly love me, support me, because they see how happy I am and how I've never been this way with anyone before. I hope that the unbelievers will come around once Onur is here, but I'm not holding my breath!

Kenny & Handan - Congratulations on your marriage! Is this Handan's first time in the states? Let us know how the adjustment goes!

Wendy - any plans to visit Turkey anytime soon? Maybe someday we can all plan seaside vacations along the Mediterranean together - wouldn't that be fun?

Ok, time to make my morning coffee! Happy Saturday everyone!

Thanks, wendya and Julia.

Yes, it's her first time in the US. The long flight was excruciating for her (well, for all of us I guess... flying sucks these days) and then I had to return directly to work. We were able to do some grocery shopping one morning and she loved it in our supermarket. I'll have 2 days off starting tomorrow so we can spend time together. My family has been taking wonderful care of her while I have been working. She's really been having fun and I think we both feel a bit relieved that it's not just way too shocking. There is no Turkish population here, but we have found groceries easy.

The white mexican cheese is an exact substitute for village cheese

I'll have to keep that in mind about the cheese!

Julia, planning a trip along the Mediterranean sounds like a wonderful idea!!!

So good to hear that she has the support of your family while you are at work. I remember when my Uncle married his wife (she is from Tawain), we showed her around and had fun while he was at work.

I have been trying to find other Turkish events and people in our area, so when Yilmaz comes over he will have familiarity. Our local Subway is own by a lovely Turkish couple. When I go in I will say a few words in Turkish to her and she is very sweet to me. She will always ask if Yilmaz is here yet.

How is everyone doing?

Juliaferno: did you ever find out how long you may have to wait-any guesstimates at least?

tanyakaraman: How did your review go? You had it on the 14th, no?

kennyandhandan: Congratulations! I am so happy for you two...wow...exciting!

Everyone else I hope is doing well....I am ok. The only thing keeping me going is the fact I'm going back to Turkey next month and trying not to read to much or too deeply into the visa denials on VJ-I was driving myself nuts with all the possibilities for my case. Not a good idea

Hello Mina! Hope all is well in your neck of the woods and thanks for wishing me luck a while back somewhere here on VJ. ME and Rene never did meet, but maybe that will change when we have some time. Thanks for introducing us! You are a sweet person.

AND good luck and easy waiting to ALL!

Hi Debra!!!
I am so glad to see you post again, you been sooo missed here! I know you been so busy, but I hope you will find the time to take off from work. You sure you could use a vacation and to take care of youself now!

Thank you so much for the Birthday greeting and hubby should be coming home soon, hopefully in Sept!

Erika - the embassy says a minimum of 2 months. There is really no telling. I just check Ankara's security clearance site everyday to see if our case number has shown up. Onur seems to think it will be soon...I hope he is right!

Merhaba camistanbul and Welcome,

Glad to see you here and hope your move back home to the US will be an easy one for both of you! Happy reunion with your family and much much Love and Happiness!

Hi Wendy and Julia,

You are both in my prayers and still hoping to hear goods news from you both and that all this AP and Waiver waiting issues will soon be behind us!

Hi Tanya,
Wow, you look so young to have children, but they are adorable! This really a wonderful photo of your family with a lovely view of Turkey! GOD Bless

Hi Kenny and Handan,

Congratulations and Welcome home to the US! Best Wishes to you both and Wishing you much Love and Happiness!

Hi awaterlily,

Hope everything is well with you and your family too! I try to come on here whenever I can, but have been mostly visiting the other forums to keep myself distracted from missing my husband. I guess I had missed to post and see how everyone else is doing.

I hope that even when all of us have gone through this immigration process and our spouses finally all get citizenship that we will all can still keep in contact with each other.

Hi Erika!

Long time we don't talk, I am doing good and just hanging in there.

Wow, so you are going to Turkey next month, you're so lucky!!!

Ohh Rene and I go way back to when we first started out on this immigration process more then 6 years ago when we met on another visa site a bit similar to VJ. After that I found VJ and been here since on and off, like everyone else here would say VJ can also be a bit addictive! Well I hope to talk to you before your trip and hope you hear some good news soon!

Hi Mina,

Happy, Happy Belated Birthday!!! (Dogum Gunun Kutlu Olsun!).

So happy that Coskun will be home soon. I bet you can't wait!!

Love and Hugs,

Wendy

Yes, it is addictive...an understatement! I try now not to think too much about this process, but at the same time worry that I may forget something important if I don't "think" about it

Anywho...I am glad to be back on here and not stressing and obsessing much like a crack addict without crack....lol

I am so happy for tanyakaraman...wowwwwww and kennyandhandan....yay!!!

Mina, missing your husband is a blessing in a way as when he comes back it will be like a honeymoon (insallah) lol His mother still ill?

Take care all!!

Julia, thats good to know about Turks not needing a visa to visit Costa Rica! Its so hard to find foreign countries we can visit (other than Turkey) where Ozzy doesn't need to apply for a visa first. And you phrased so well the feeling I get in Istanbul when I am there!

I hope Onur's intuition is right and your number comes up soon at the embassy! And don't worry, your family will come around, unbelievers and all. I think my entire family was in shock over my relationship with Ozzy, but they learned to love him once they met him.

Erika - Hope you have a great time in Turkey next month!

Mina - I'm happy to hear Coksun will be home with you soon!? When is he coming (I tried to look back but I've apparently missed a lot in the couple days since I signed on here last () and didn't see...

Speaking of which, wow, this forum is hopping lately...

Wow, congratulations to Kenny and Handan! I hope she has a very smooth transition to life in the US. It's so great your family is there for her too!

On that note, I live in a pretty rural area in Delaware and didn't think there was a Turkish population near me at all, but Ozzy has proven otherwise! When he first came, we were driving 3+ hours to a Turkish grocery store near New York City (or ordering groceries online from Tulumba), but we've since found a local Turkish market (disguised as a regular old American cafe) as well as a halal butcher, 2 Turkish families who own a local pizza shop and a sports bar and about a dozen Turkish students living nearby who are here on work/study visas! I had no idea, but he is just so outgoing, and apparently he can spot another Turk from a mile away. He cracks me up. We'll be out somewhere and he'll say, "Oh, that person looks Turkish" and go talk to them, and about 80% of the time, he'll be right!

Ahh, and a Mediterranean vacation sounds just wonderfull! I'm so sad to see summer on it's way out! I start back to nursing clinicals next week and I am just dreading it!

Well, happy Tuesday everyone...I better get back to work!

Tanya

What a dork I am Tanya...you two are already together!! Obviously, I haven't been paying attention lately. DUH
Nursing clinicals are fun and exciting....NOT!!! LOL All I can say is get plenty of rest and be 100% prepared and a gallon of coffee helps too. Good luck Tanya!

Thanks for the well wishes Erika! I need all the luck I can get!




Thanks Mina (guess my pics aren't close up enough to show my crows feet lol)

Hi everyone!

I know I usually don't post in this forum but think it's time I did so others might know what to expect with their process also. Looking at others' timelines we seem to be out of the normal range for K1ers in receiving packet 4 from Ankara with actual interview date. (I know you waited a while too Becca) We never received packet 3 from embassy but I knew since we could download everything online it wasn't a big deal. I was just waiting to know Ankara had our file in hand to go ahead and send in our pkt. (Another VJer gave me this tip, thanks again!) When I called earlier this week they said we'd know by Friday, we still don't. They did say they were short staff with it being summer. I did receive an email today (as a follow up to a previously sent email) saying they are still processing our file and when complete we would be notified. In my phone call I had mentioned to them I would like interview date last week of September if possible, (since they are closed Bayram week) and looking at interview schedule on their web site, last date I'm seeing posted is 9/25 as of 8/15 so I didn't think it was an unreasonable request. Nice lady said although she couldn't make promises she would note it down. I was happy to see that indeed she had and email included this fact saying. "We have the note that you would like to have your interview end of September." Whether or not we'll get it remains to be seen.

I will be attending the interview with my fiance Edip, neither he nor I are worried about the interview itself, we have enough proof of a valid relationship, just the fear of the possibility of going into AP. As I have mentioned to some of you, his first name being Muhammet might generate a name hit with it being so popular. The one true fact is NOT ALL SINGLE MEN END UP IN AP. Edip's friend/roomate (no military time served) went to interview last month and in 3 days had visa in hand and is now in Oregon. So there is hope for some. Since we seem to still be in the dark about why some/not others end up in AP it's even crazy enough to think/wish/hope that they might hand out a "get out of Turkey free" card to every 100th customer! (oh, if only we could be so blessed), we're rooting for you too Serdar to get one of these since your so close to our timeline. I will keep everyone posted on updates. Have a great weekend everyone!

I pray that all of us may be with our loved ones together soon.

Doris

Hi Doris,

We are all here keeping our fingers crossed for your fiance and Sedar with their upcoming Interviews, hope they will both be successful in getting their Visas! Good Luck and Best Wishes to both, they will be in my prayers too!

Hi again everyone,

I just wanted to share with everyone here an event that I got to experience in my hometown in New York City that made me feel as if I was back in Turkey!

It was the New York Turkish Festival in Central Park and I got to spend my day enoying the festivities among all the Turkish people there. There were so many things to do and see, there were Arts and Crafts, Folk dancers in Traditional Costumes, Turkish music, Turkish food and tea. The whole festivities started from 10 am to 9 pm. Eventhough I had enjoyed my day in the park, I was also missing my husband and wished that he was there with me too!

This is the link to that event........

http://www.nyturkishfestival.org/www/

Well take care always everyone, hugs to all and have a wonderful week!

Wow Mina, that sounds wonderful. I was just thinking the other day of checking to see if there were any upcoming Turkish Festivals. I am always a day late and a dollar short!!!

How I miss the Turkish food and tea and of course my Yilmaz!!!

So glad you had a wonderful time!! I know you were missing your Coskun too, but you will have a lot to tell him and you will both be able to enjoy the next one!!

Hugs,

Wendy

Mina - I'm envious! Sounds like a grand time.

Wendy - We're with you on always seeming to miss one. We've tried to catch in the events in Boston one.

Hey all-

just wanted to give an update on our VJ, we're still waiting on the approval for the 10 yr GC. It's been an 8+ months wait so far.
By the way things are moving at VSC, when we do get it, we'll be in the 90-day window to apply for citizenship.

Wow, Congratulations!!!

Good Luck awaterlily, hope you get your approval soon!!!

We got our interview date....September 24th. We're so excited! See you there Serdar.

God bless,
Doris

Wow Mina! The Turkish festival sounds wonderful! We'll have to watch out for it next year. I believe they have one in Philadelphia also but I bet the New York one is huge! I looked at the link and all that food looked soooo delicious!!

Hope the 10-year card is approved soon Awaterlily! What is your husband's status considered in the meantime? Is he able to travel out of the country if need be? 8 months seems like a long time to wait....

Galfeist, best of luck on your interview! We'll be thinking of you guys!

Wendy...hoping Yilmaz and yourself will be attending Turkish festivals in the US together in the near future!

I guess you could say we had our own miniature Turkish fest on Sunday night...we invited the Turkish students who live nearby for a little BBQ at our place. I don't believe they've had a home cooked meal since arriving in the US a few months ago...let alone a Turkish one. They were so overjoyed to see Turkish beans and salads and kebap! We stayed up way past 1 AM though & I am still recovering from all the fun

In other news, Ozzy started college classes yesterday! He wants to go for Network Engineering but has to take a semester of ESL first. So far so good though!

Tanya

Hi Tanya - What wonderful news about Ozzy starting college classes!! Best of Luck to him!!
Oh and the BBQ sounded wonderful. It was so nice of you to do that for the students. I am sure Ozzy also enjoyed having some Turkish guests to chat with too!

Yes, I hope to enjoy some Turkish festivals with Yilmaz!

Congratulations Doris on your interview date. Best wishes!!

Unfortunately, I have sad news about my beloved cat. We had to put her to sleep today. She was only 5 years old!! Always healthy. Somehow she got a viral infection. We don't know how, she was a house cat. My sister was hand feeding her for the last several day with special food from the vet. She took a turn for the worse today and my sister rushed her to the doctor. At first the seemed to be optimistic, but then we received a call that said she was in very bad shape and in much pain. She was too a very good girl and much too sweet to suffer. Unfortunately I was at work when all this was going on. My sister, niece and mother were there when the vet had to put her to sleep. It has been very hard for all of us!! It is very hard to lose a pet!!

Awwww Wendy I am so sorry to hear about your sweet beloved cat!
I know how it is to lose a beloved pet because I too lost my sweet little bird 4 years ago while I was in Turkey visiting my husband.

Our pets become so much a part of our lives and family that they are always there when we are sad, lonely or in need of support, they were always our constant companion.

I understand how hard this must have been for you and your family, but know that she is at peace now and in GOD's loving arms and not suffering anymore!

My prayers go out to you and your dear beloved cat

Thank you so much Mina!! I do believe that she is with God and all our other beloved pets that have passed before her. You are right, they are the one constant in life. They love unconditionally!!

I too am sorry for your loss of your precious pet.

Thank you again for your prayers and soothing words.

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved cat Wendy...

My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family as well.

Tanya

Thank you Tanya. I appreciate the prayers!! You are always so sweet and caring!!!

Hi Everyone - how's it going? I've been busy with school and beginning my teaching internship this week. I will be interning in a kindergarten and a second grade classroom all school year. My students are adorable! I am very excited...and excited that hopefully this time next year I will be teaching my own class! I studied psychology undergrad and really didn't know what I wanted to do when I graduated, I just knew that I wanted to do something where I worked with people and the community and felt like I was making a difference. After working as a preschool teacher for a year and a half I was sure that teaching was the right career for me. The program I am in now is a 1-year Masters program and it is intense, but at least it keeps me busy and makes the time go fast...and hopefully before I know it Onur's visa will be approved and he will be here with me! I really miss him and hate that I am getting used to living my life without him next to me. Sometimes it seems like just a dream that he will be here...but I have faith that this dream will come true.

Wendy - I am so sorry about your kitty. I know how hard it is to lose a pet and to watch your beloved animal suffer. ::hugs::

Mina - The Turkish Festival sounds awesome! I wish there was something like that here in Cleveland, but there isn't a huge Turkish population here. I read somewhere that there are around 1000 Turks in Northeast Ohio. I know many of them through my sister-in-law's family friends. There is an excellent Turkish restaurant a few blocks away from me that has been a hit. It is nice, because now people actually know what Turkish food is and aren't so confused when I talk about Turkey or Turkish food, etc.

Tanya - What a great idea to have a dinner for your local Turks! I need to do some searching and find where the Turkish people around Onur's age hand out. I hear people speaking Turkish every so often, but get shy to ask. I miss the Turkish social culture - sitting around and drinking tea and talking for hours.

I checked Ankara's security clearance site this morning for our case number. They updated it today, but our case number is still not there There was a case number that was identical to ours except for the last digit which was added today. ANK2008XXXXXX - I wonder if the case numbers are organized according time period the case number was issued. If so, that could be a good sign that it might not take too much longer for Onur's case to be cleared. Of course everything is speculation!

Take care everyone and keep in touch!

Iyi gunler!

Hope everyone is having a great Labor Day weekend!

Wendy - I'm so sorry to hear about your cat...

Wow Mina your husband is still with his mom in Turkey? I thought he would be home by now. Is she ok? How do you do it? Wow, much prayers to you for patience and strength girlfriend I am now in a similar boat-only a capsized one .

We had a scare too that is still uncertain...his mother is ill too and had to fly almost emergency across country 4 days ago to Istanbul for a possible operation tomorrow to remove a growth . I am praying it isn't malignant.
Plan was to go back to Turkey mid-september, but his mother became ill last week. We chatted and I cried and worried. Being an RN, I naturally wanted to gauge her condition or at least have an idea... in "Turklish" no less. The next day he stressed and flat out said not to come without elaborating, which made me worry more about how he was coping and wondering about his mother's condition. All next day at work I realized that being far in a crisis while loving someone deeply is very risky along with tons of " what if's." I was disappointed and sad I wasn't going to see him, but I understood and worried for him. I was more concerned that I was pushed away (at least that's how I felt right or wrong) but didn't think it would be a good time for a lecture on "how we need to stick together" However, within 24 hours, his family and mother insisted I come anyway(extremely sweet of them) and he in turn insisted I come and was super happy. I was confused, then super-reluctant and super-unexcited and again shocked as I stressed how this trip cancellation was going to be undone with minimal damage along with everything else aforementioned. In 24 hours I was shocked, sad, powerless, worried, hopeless then cautiuosly happy briefly. Now just flat. I told him how I felt today now that all is stable over there for now, but I feel a grudge settling in.
I need some advice on how you would feel and/or do in my shoes. Now I am afraid to have expectations lest they be dashed and a whole lot of doubt and caution after this. This visa process is already complicated enough without adding uncertainty. This made me realize that this can be fragile and we indeed are a world apart shall another crisis occur. I feel like reigning in my love and guarding my heart. Is this wrong? I am extremely patient, caring and generous and giving. I would do anything for the ones I love and his family anytime. Where do I stand now that I was made to feel like I would be pushed off as irrelevant in a crisis when spouses are supposed to stick together? I am confused, sad and not very excited as I was originally to go to Turkey now that I was pushed onto an emotional roller coaster in 24 hours. Now this is sitting in my gut with mixed feelings. Maybe I am PMS'ng......I dunno

Hi Doris,

Wow your day is coming soon!

Wishing you and your fiance all the Best of Luck on your Interview and the same to Sedar on his interview as well!!!

Let us know how everything goes, GOD Bless!

Hi Julia,

Congratulations on your teaching internship!
Wow, you're getting a great jump-start in your new position teaching kindergarten and second grade.
I wish you much success and achievements in your future career!!!

....Awww, hang in there Julia we're all praying that Onur's case number will appear on the security clearance check list soon!
GOD Bless and know he is with you always

Hi Erika,

Yes, can you believe it???
He was supposed to come back home last month, but his mother made a turn for worse and he had to take her to the hospital!

She has diabetes and high blood pressuse and for me I believe she is stressed too about being alone again. Of course she shouldn't be alone, especially that she is an elderly woman and I guess there's not much my husband can do but to stay with her until he is sure that she will be alright and taken care of. His brother is out there now and hopefully he will be able to care for her.


Sorry to hear about your fiance's mother too and pray that this growth is not as serious as it sounds! My prayers go out to them also. I am sorry that you had to cancel your trip because of this, but I understand your feelings of being pushed aside during this family crisis.

He probably just didn't want for you come there now so not to worry about you also while he is caring for his mother and because he may not be himself around you and stressing about his mother at the same time. I understand you want to be there for him and his family, we all feel the same way too about being there for our loved ones.

Just give it a little more time and hopefully you will both be reunited soon. GOD Bless you both

Hi Everyone,

So am getting excited about interview date but even more because I will get to see Edip again. I'm praying we may be coming home together. I want to take a gift for his mother but am at a blank as to what to get her. Anyone have any ideas what a Turkish mom would enjoy, aside from fragrances/chocolates/scarves.

Julia and Sibel-you're in my thoughts/prayers

Wendy-am sorry about your loss, I know the feeling.

Mina-Thanks for your well wishes

God bless everyone,
Doris