Hi Everyone,

Julia, Thank you for the condolences on my little kitty. We got her ashes back the other day.

What wonderful news on your teaching internship!! It sounds wonderful and I wish you the best!!

Awaterlily and Doris, thank you for your sympathy in my loss.

Doris, I wish you a safe and successful trip!!! I am sure you two will be flying home together!
I am excited for you both!!!

Thank you all for all your thoughts and prayers and kind words for me!! I love this group of people and I am so happy I found this site (Thank you Mina!!). I hope one day we can all meet up!! Maybe like Julia suggested and we can take a nice Mediterranean trip together!!!

Love to All,

Wendy

Thanks Mina for your reply. Are you planning on going to see him or? Wow...this could last forever. Now my trip is not canceled as his mom insisted that I come (what a saint) and I really want to meet her. You are right anyway-I am just way too sensitive and always waiting for the worst to happen. I am going on September 12. Is there anything I could do for or get you while I am in Istanbul (such as your husband... ?) Anyway, I will keep you in my prayers along with Julia. Hope to be here more this weekend!

Ta ta for now

Erika, I hope you are able to enjoy your trip and I hope his mom is going to be OK!

Having your plans almost turned upside down can definitely throw you emotionally. I have a friend who's seeing a Turkish guy, bought plane tickets to go be with him, and arrived in Istanbul, only to have him tell her "don't come" because his father was also ill with cancer. She did end up seeing him briefly during her trip (fortunately, she had other friends in the country that she was able to spend time with in the meantime) but I'm sure that was very disheartening for her. On a happier note, a year later, they are still together and going strong I believe she is planning to move there (to Konya) after finishing college.

So I guess what I'm saying is "hang in there". This road is definitely not easy, but it is worthwhile...and remember that a man who treats his mother well will treat his wife the same way

Galfeist, I hope your interview goes well & you two are able to return to the US together! As for the gift, you should just give her something from your heart. If you really want a recommendation though, you can't go wrong with gold Maybe a bracelet or necklace...or earrings if she wears them. All of the Turkish women I know love it!

Tanya

Hi Everyone - how's it going? It has been a couple of weeks since anyone has posted, so I thought I would check in and see what's going on and if anyone has any news. Onur is still waiting for his security clearance. I am going to contact my senator when we hit the 2 month mark (in another 9 days).

I have been very busy with teaching and classes, so at least my mind is occupied.

I am excited for autumn! It is my favorite time of year (and I am an October baby)...I just love the weather, the trees, the back-to-school spirit, the harvest season

Well, hope you are all well - let me know how you are doing!

Merhaba everybody!

I have never posted in this forum, but I have read many of your journeys. Like Julia and Onur, my husband and I have been stuck in AP since his K-3 interview back in June. Every day I hope that his number will appear, but each day is met with dissappointment. This is the longest I have gone without seeing Muhammet, and it has been really difficult. I don't think I will be able to go to Turkey until Winter Recess in December. I know Serdar received his visa recently and I wish the best of luck to Doris this week too. Hopefully Julia and I will have good news soon!

Sibel

Thanks Sibel for your well wishes!

I am off to Istanbul in about 8 hours. Interview on the 24th! I will let everyone know what happens. Just keep us in your thoughts/prayers. I am so nervous/excited now that it's getting so close.

All the best to everyone!

Doris

We're approved!!! Thanks to God! Will follow up with interview details later since we're off to Antalya now, just wanted everyone to know. They said we should get visa in a few days. He's coming home with me!!!!

Thanks for everything everyone,

Doris

Congratulations

Tebrikler Galfeist!!! That's wonderful news!

Congratulations Doris! I am sure you are elated and relieved!! Best wishes to you and your fiance with your new beginning.

It is good to know that AP is not becoming the norm in Turkey...but still have no clue why Onur is in this horrible dark hole. I have been feeling pretty depressed these last few days. I feel like crying all the time. There is no reason that Onur shouldn't be here with me right now. It is getting harder to stay positive...I just feel so sad.

Congratulations on your approval Galfeist!!!!

Julia, I know how hard it is. Yilmaz and I have been living apart for 3 years now. Our waiver was submitted over a year ago and still no answer!!

Please keep your hopes up!! It will work out and I will keep you in my prayers!!!

Love to ALL,

Wendy

Congrats and best wishes!

Congratulations Doris! I am happy for you, but of course sad too because it makes me miss Muhammet more. Julia--I am right there with you. It is so hard, I don't know how to even explain it.

Sibel

Wow, it's been a while since I've been here and missed Everyone's post!

So how is Everyone doing? Hope everyone has been doing well since I last seen you guys!

I have not been here for the last couple of days getting myself prepare for when my husband comes back home. He will be here on Oct 9th, FINALLY!!!

It has been such a long time that he has been gone and it will be so weird for me to have him home again after getting so used to being alone. Now I will have to start cooking again for two, hope I didn't forget how???

Anyway, just wanted to stop by and see how everyone is doing and I will keep Wendy, Julia and Sibel in my thoughts & prayers that their loved ones get their approvals soon, GOD Bless!

Erika, I am glad you got to keep your trip to Turkey. Not sure if you are there still or if you're back now, but I hope you had a wonderful time there with Hamit and his family!

Let us know all about your visit when you get back, I am dying to hear all about it!

Mina

Congratulations Doris, this is such wonderful news!!!

I am always so happy to hear of our Turkish couples getting their Visa approvals and being reunited with their loved ones, Best Wishes to you both and GOD Bless!

Debra, Tanya, awaterlily and all others, hope you are all doing well and happy too!

I hope to see everyone come here more often, but I know it's not always possible when we are busy with either work or our families because soon I will be too!

Take care all and GOD Bless everyone in our Turkish group!

Hi Mina! I was wondering when you would pop in here I am so happy for you that your hubbie will be back in less than 2 weeks! Yay!!!

Hi everyone!

Edip and I had our interview Sept 24th. I thought I'd share details that took place in Ankara. Our appt. was at 0930, arrived at embassy at 0900 without a wait, went thru security, they took Edip's two pics (even tho we had sent two with pkt 3, glad we had taken extras) so then you sit and wait for your number to show up. We were right by window 6 when blinds opened and a not so friendly-looking CO was behind the counter. We were saying "please not her, please not her" Some other girl was called to interview with her and the CO was drilling this poor girl so hard and telling her she needs to speak English if she wants to go to a country were that is primary language and back and forth they went. I don't even know the outcome because Edip and I started talking to distract ourselves from that interview. Finally our number pops up and sure enough it's Window 6. So we go up together and she asks me if I was the US citizen and I said "yes" and she told me to have a seat for now.

This is conversation as best as I can remember (you are speaking through a microphone and everyone can hear your questions/answers)

"How did you meet Doris?"
'She came on vacation to Istanbul last year.'
"Is that all you remember? You don't remember any details"
'Yes, of course we met at a restaurant and saw each other and liked each other'
"And so you just walked up to her table?"
'Yes'
"Was she alone"
'No, she was with her friend'
"Were you alone?"
'Yes' (I'm thinking to myself, what the hell is he saying, I mean techinically he WAS alone and did come up to our table, but his friend had called him to come join us so it's not like two strangers' eyes meeting across a room like he was making it sound, I know he was just nervous)
Edip goes on to say, 'we spent time together and then she went to America and came back a few months later and stayed for six weeks'
"For you?"
'Yes'
"Where did she stay?" (At this point she tells him in Turkish to speak Turkish, and I'm thinking "oh, she actually IS sweet and wants him to be comfortable speaking in Turkish)
Edip ignored her comment and continues in English.
'We rented an apt'
"Who do you live with regularly?"
'My cousin'
"And he was ok with you two staying together?"
'Yes because we love each other'
"Has Doris met your family?" (Again she tells him in Turkish to speak Turkish)
'I want to practice my English since I am going to America' he tells her.
We had about ten photos of us traveling around Turkey and some with his family and we had agreed first chance he had to slip those photos in to take up time and avoid more questions. So Edip hands her photos and she starts asking who's who in pics in regards to his family and then she starts speaking Turkish to him and later Edip tells me she is telling him to speak Turkish because "She is going to hear" referring to me. (so much for my theory on her sweetness) She asks him what I do for work and he tells her "hemshire" then she tells him to go sit down and calls me.
She's looking at paperwork and says "Doris, I see your w-2's here but they're blank."
I tell her she needs to look closer, they are 1099's since I am an independent contractor and contract myself out to hospitals and I have the original and recent pay stubs if she needs to see them. She later finds salary that was partially typed onto the line and could be missed if not looked for. She did not care to see original or pay stubs.
Then she starts interviewing me.
"Where did you and Edip meet" ( I think she felt his hesitation and wanted to verify story)
'I was vacationing in Istanbul and we met at a restaurant'
"Were you alone?"
'No, I was with my friend'
"Was he alone?"
'He came alone but we had met his friend' (I know she didn't hear this response at all cuz she cuts me off)
"Doris I have been to Istanbul and I know how the men like to hassle everyone over there, do you just start talking to any strange man that comes up to your table and wants to talk to you?" (uh, huh I wanted to tell her, EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM because I am so desperate for attention from men) Instead I say,
'I think I am a good judge of character and know the difference from the every day hassler and a decent person and he looked harmless, come on look at him' and she just nods. (my mouth is so dry at this time and I keep thinking why am I being interviewed?)
"So then you went home?"
'Yes, and then he called me and we kept in touch.'
"He made an international phone call?"
'Yes' (does she really think he is incapable of such)
'I came back to Istanbul for six weeks and studied Turkish
"Did you learn"
'Some'
"Where did you stay?"
'We rented an apt'
"Who does he normally live with?"
'His cousin'
"Have you met his brothers/sisters"
'He only has brothers and I have met only some of them, the ones who live in Istanbul.'
She sees that I was previously married, "Do you still talk to your ex-husband?"
'No'
"Was he a US citizen?" (She probably sees his hispanic last name and had to ask, I'm hispanic myself)
'Yes'
"How does your family feel about this"
'They don't care'
She then calls Edip back to window and she's just looking at her paperwork and without looking at us so matter-of-fact she says, "I'm approving your visa today."
I was so excited/happy I say "Thank you!" maybe over-enthusiastically and she starts laughing and tells us "Congratulations and have a happy marriage" and then tells us to go to the UPS desk in back of the room.
It was such a relief to get it over with.
We received visa this past Monday. I am so happy for us but I still feel sad for those of you out there still waiting. Julia and Sibel, I will keep you in our prayers. I don't know why we didn't get place in AP. Maybe because Edip's never left Turkey. I just thank God we didn't. We've had a wonderful time here in Turkey and will leave for USA later this week. Take care everyone and God bless. Iyi Bayramlar!!

Doris

Wow, Congratulations Doris!!!

Your fiance's interview just bought me back to memories of my husband's interview in Ankara!

Funny, I wonder if that is also the same woman at window 6 that we also didn't want to be interview with??? Maybe not since our interview was 4 years ago!

I was not surprised that she had also interviewed you, since the same thing happened to me and I was also interviewed right after she had finished with my husband!

I am so happy for you and Edip and wish you both much much happiness!

Enjoy the rest of your time there in Turkey and have a safe and pleasant flight back home, GOD Bless!

Mina

Wow! Congratulations Doris & Edip! Your interview sounded really tough and I'm happy to hear that it was approved. Yikes!
I have a feeling ours was with the same woman back in August, but I can't be sure. Sounds familiar.

Tebrikler!!!

I know I have barely posted here but I follow your stories... Okan and I are still in Turkey but we will be flying to the US in
about 5 weeks. I've been busy looking for a job and I think I've managed to line something up in San Francisco. I'm really
happy about it because SF is kind of like Istanbul, which we both love... only smaller and cleaner (and more expensive, though
not by that much these days!!!).

Anyway, congrats again!!!

Mina, I'm so happy to hear your husband will be coming home soon!

Things are good with us, just crazy busy! Ozzy is doing well in college but is unhappy with his job and looking for another. My nursing clinicals are in full swing so between that, work and kids, I have about zero free time. I do like to check in here when I have a minute and see how everyone is doing though.

Congrats again to Doris and Camistanbul! I hope you and your men have an easy transition to life back in the US!

Doris' account of thier interview reminds me of mine and Ozzy's too! Was the CO by chance an Asian woman? Like you, she drilled us until the very end, then told us "well, I see no problem!". We weren't 100% sure that was an approval, but figured it was when she sent us back to pay for delivery. I can't believe she asked if you just talk to every guy who comes up to you! And the sneaky trying to get him to speak Turkish so you wouldn't understand!! I guess thats their job--to sort out the genuine relationships from anyone trying to pull something shady--but sheesh!

Well for anyone interested, there is a Turkish festival in Washington DC this Sunday (Oct 5th) for anyone close enough/interested in making the trip there! Not sure if we are going 'cause I think Ozzy has to work, but I'd sure like to!

Anyways, hope all is well with everyone. Thinking of you guys, Wendy and Julia!

~Tanya

Thanks Doris, it has been 2 months in AP...I try not to think about it too much, but it's hard not to. I just hope it doesn't drag out a year or longer like some of the other cases I've seen here on VJ.

It really does make you wonder why they choose to put certain cases through AP. Edip's interview sounded more difficult that Onur's. He was interviewed by a black American man and was asked many questions, but nothing very unusual and wasn't really hassled about anything. He answered all of his questions thoroughly and correctly, and then was handed the green slip. I drive myself crazy trying to figure it out, but the truth is we will probably never know. I do know that he has a rather common name as I googled it and searched his name on Facebook and got a lot of results. I can't imagine what else it would be. I LIVED with Onur and his family in Turkey for 5 months last year and visited several other time within the course of a year, and we provided *so* much relationship evidence, so I really don't think that is the issue. You are right that it might be leaving the country. He lived and studied in Cyprus for 2 years and we traveled to Cyprus together this time last year when I was living with him in Turkey. Sibel's husband has been in AP over 3 months now, and that is the only commonality we can find between her husband and Onur - they have bother lived outside of Turkey.

The embassy was closed this week for Bayram but maybe we'll hear some good news next week?

that may not be why, juliaferno. I lean with the name match or perhaps a delay, due to a name match, somewhere in the series background checks. Or, is he of Iranian background? I've heard Iranians have different/lengthier security checks.

My DH lived in Cyprus for a very long time. He and his family have dual citizenship. He attended the university there as well as fulfilled his military obligations there.

In term of traveling, he's been all over the world and lived/studied in South Africa for a time. He even went to Syria (a country on our watch list) for business while we waited for our visa interview date. But, with that said, we emailed the embassy before he went and asked "permission". The trip did come up at the interview when they flipped through his passport, but knowing that he consulted with the embassy beforehand, they were okay with it.

whatever the hold up, I hope it will not take too much longer. It's hard enough waiting w/o AP!

GL and please keep us all posted!

Yes - it wouldn't make sense that he would be in AP because he lived in Cyprus, especially because he obtained his police clearance certificate from the Cypriot embassy. It is probably a name hit...we do know that it is security clearance checks. He is not of Iranian decent, nor does he have an Islamic name.

I did not know you needed a permission to visit Syria.It is not like Cuba where the US government limits the freedom of travel of its own citizens.There is a US embassy in Syria. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Syria last year with a group of US politicians.

Permission is not required but since we were waiting for a US perm resident visa interview, imagine that particular passport travel stamp may of raised a red flag with the consulate had we not inquired beforehand. That is why I said "permission"

Here's the link to the US Dept of State info about this country.
and I quote one part of the country profile info:

"A number of terrorist groups that oppose U.S. policies have offices in Syria. Since 1979, the United States has designated Syria a State Sponsor of Terrorism due to its support for organizations such as Hizbollah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. In addition, other extremist groups are present in Syria. These groups have the potential to be either the targets of or perpetrators of acts of violence."

Best to err on the side of caution.

For clarification, are we talking about TRNCyprus or Greek side Cyprus?

Under the assumption you are referrring to TRNC, immigration would not accept any info, except the miltary fulfillment, from my DH in relation to that country because it is not recognised as a country by any other country except for Turkey. (can read up on it on the US Dept of State website)

But with that said, still, remember, a police clearance certificate is required of every country any sponsored immigrant has ever lived since the age of 16. Many immigrants have lived in more than one place and sail through the visa process w/o having to be subjected to AP hell.

So, again, at the core of it, I doubt it's about the country. It's about security clearance checks (name hits, security check process delays, etc) and perhaps, currently, that specific country has backlog on checks.

Anyway, my point was merely that my DH lived there, too and did not get AP.

Again, hope he gets through AP quickly so that you can be together! GL!!

I see what you mean.I understand.
However I do not want to.
Land of the free..what happened to it?

Yes--Julia and I have been trying to figure out for months the reason for AP and we can not figure it out. Muhammet's interview went very smootly according to him and the lady even told him how much evidence he had of our relationship and commented that I had visited him a lot in Turkey and that he should go and visit me. WTF?? If it is name checks--why? Why Onur and Muhammet and not others? I mean we have rationalized where both of them are from, military versus non-military, college versus no college, married versus engaged, Muslim name vesus Turkish name, travel, you name it. I wish somebody could tell us what triggers AP. And neither one of them is from Iranian heritage, so that is not it either. Julia and I are baffled. We are also wondering why it has taken so long. Both of our significant others were told at the embassy it would take 2 weeks.

Hi Sibel,
I am so sorry this is happening to you and Julia, I have no idea myself as to why they would put Muhammet and Onur on AP.
Have you tried to email the embassy directly to inquire as to why this is taking so long especially after they had told him it would take 2 weeks? I would also try contacting my local congressman and have him inquire too as others have mentioned here on VJ.

Ohh I do hope both guys hear something soon, believe me we are all waiting along with you and dying to see all of you approved and together soon! You are all still in my thoughts and prayers, GOD Bless!

I agree with Mina, contact your congressman ASAP...Your Congressman can find out where you are in the process and make sure Homeland Security is doing their job...Stay on top of them very closely...make an appointment at your local office and keep a diary of every conversation. http://www.house.gov/ (((type your zip code in uper left area)))

We did use our Congressman several times throughout our process and got results fast. He also called us after Candemir received his Green card to make sure we were doing well. ;-) VERY NICE PERSON.!

So sorry for your guys! Our thoughts are with you.

Wish you all the best.
Debra


I was looking around in my old folder on links and so forth when we were going thru the process....I dont know if these are still in effect so please know this.

FBI Fingerprint Status (304) 625-2000
FBI Name Check Status (Main Line) (202) 324-3625
FBI NNCP Public Inquiry Voice Line (202) 324 2399
FBI Name Check Inquiry Fax (202) 324-3367 (Mention Name/DOB/A#/Ph#/Addr#/Email/Fax)
FBI NNCP Analyst Diane Berger – (202) 324 0680 (Do not nag the analysts)
FBI NNCP Supervisor Renee Morton – Call the FBI main line and ask for this person.
FOIPA Contact Person Debbie Beatty (202) 324 6182
FOIPA Fax Inquiry (202)-324-3752

William L Hooton
Assistant Director, Records Management Division
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Room 11703
935 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W
Washington DC 20535-0001

http://foia.fbi.gov/privacy_request.pdf
FBI NNCP (National Name Check Process) email address..
FBINNCP@ic.fbi.gov


[1] Mr. Andrew C. Kotval, Deputy of The Coordination Division (202)-663-1196
[2] FBI NNCP Supervisor Renee Morton – Call the FBI main line (202) 324-3625 and ask for this person.
[3] Wilson, Vincent R. (202) 663-1235 - He works in the VO/P/I, The Public Liaison Division.
[4] FOIPA Contact Person Debbie Beatty (202) 324 6182
[5] FBI NNCP Analyst Diane Berger – (202) 324 0680 (Do not nag the analysts)
[6] State department [Lauren, Jackie & Racquel] (202) 663 1225 < 1, 1 ,4, 1, 0 > options
[7] FBI NNCP Public Inquiry Voice Line (202) 324 2399

quote name='internetkafe' post='2274385' date='Oct 4 2008, 11:47 AM']I did not know you needed a permission to visit Syria.It is not like Cuba where the US government limits the freedom of travel of its own citizens.There is a US embassy in Syria. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Syria last year with a group of US politicians.[/quote]
[/quote]

I see what you mean.I understand.
However I do not want to.
Land of the free..what happened to it?
[/quote]



1 simple word happened.

((( GOVERNMENT ))) ::::: and a Corrupt one at that.

It's been a Long time internetkafe, nice to see you post ;-) How is your family? Say Hello to Justine for me ;-)

Take care,
Debra

Oh trust me--I have e-mailed the embassy every week, called DOS every week, contacted both of my senators and congressman 4 times each, I even tried Secretary of State and Vice President, all I have gotten was sorry for the inconvenience but it is multiple agencies involved. Please check our website and send passport when your case number appears. Lots of since 9/11 blah blah blah and we need to make sure the U.S. borders are safe and citizens are protected.

That's interesting. We received nothing but help, many phone calls to make sure we were ok and always a call back when he said he would.
InshAllah we came thru quickly. My heart feels your pain.

Have you made a info pass appointment?...I think you should keep on them ALL, calling weekly.

I see you did try many branches of this fine government..... sure they could not help....Just makes me sick. Yes we do need protection..
from within.!

Enough from me.

I wish you all the best and Pray you come thru so quickly....for all those in AP.

Debra! Long time no see.

[quote name='awaterlily' date='Oct 6 2008, 10:32 AM' post='2278608']
Debra! Long time no see.

How are you?

I know...and I feel so bad about not having so much time any more, pardon me. We have sooOOoo much going on in our lives right now...business, house buying and now I also have my own little business on the side and I am also working full time still...InshAllah all is as it is.

Also my attitude down right sucks now days.....I am So upset with our economy, government, war, etc, etc, etc.... and its an election year if that really matters. I am so sadden over the issues going on in this world....it’s a heart issue. So if I make a few posts that are so negative, please forgive me.

I might have said it a few times but your baby...Oh... çok güzel....çok güzel.!!!!!
It seems as if it was yesterday she was born, time goes too quickly.

It was also nice to see a post from internetkafe....is been a long time...nice to see you here.

Praying for everyone to come together so very quickly

We are doing well. As like you, very busy. And, we're still waiting for the 10 yr card approval. It looks like VSC has about a 10 processing time due to the TSC backlog transfers. Hopefully, we'll have the card next month or early Dec. *Xing fingers*

Sry to hear your feeling a little down. Certainly these current events are effecting everyone in one way or another. Hopefully we will see a turnaround soon.

Our little one is growing up fast. Hard to believe she's almost a year and a half!

I hope these can cheer you up. Enjoy! oh, and, congrats on buying a house! Very exciting!

Your daughter is beautiful awaterlily!

I always wonder what my and Onur's children are going to look like - will they have brown hair like me, or his jet-black hair? My green eyes or his brown eyes? My little nose or his not-so-little nose? hehe. I am sure they will be beautiful no matter what, but I like to daydream about it. Thanks for sharing your pictures!

Hi Debra,

It has been a long time since we have seen you here on VJ, How are you, hubby and the girls doing?

It's nice to read about your new future home, I hope it will be possible for us too when Coskun returns to the USA and maybe we can also start looking for a new house too! Also Best of Luck on your new business, hope it will be very successful!

I am sorry to hear you are not feeling yourself because of all that is going on with our world, Trust GOD, there is a reason for everything that is happening around us and he will always be with you!

And don't worry about posting anything that is negative, we are here for you too. I remember how you were always there for me when I was first stressing this whole immigrations process and thought to stop coming to this VJ site because I couldn't handle it anymore!!!

I am glad now that I didn't go otherwise I would not have met all the other wonderful girls of our Turkish group Debra, Wendy, Julia, Tanya, awaterlily, Sibel and a few others missing here now, I love you guys!!!

GOD Bless and hope we hear something soon for all on AP!!!

Ohh my she is the sweetest little thing, I love especially the last pic!!!

I am glad to hear you and hubby are doing well, hope he gets his 10 yr GC sooner, GOD BLess!

Hi Julia,

Of course your future children will be just as adorable, you guys make a cute couple too!

I know I also had daydreamed about my children way before I even thought to have children at the time, I even had names picked out if it was a boy or a girl!

So do you have any thoughts on names for them and will they be Turkish or American names??? I know I know, it's too soon to even think about it, but don't you just love thinking about it?

I will keep you all in my prayers for your AP approvals!

Mina - yes I think about it all of the time and we've talked about it too. If we have a son, Onur wants to name him Achilles - I vetoed that and he got upset.

So far, he doesn't like the Turkish names that I like - he says they are all old and outdated...like I love his Mom's name Zehra. I tend to like the Turkish names that have some similarities to American/European names. We will see...but it definitely won't be Achilles

thanks, ladies. We think she's darn cute, too!

Julia - of course you'll have cute kids! You're a good looking couple!

It was fun guessing what she may look like when I was pregnant. But, you never know. I have blue eyes, DH has hazel. I have light brown hair (wear it blonde, though), DH has brownish black. Our daughter has brown eyes and black hair. However, both of us have family members with brown eyes and black hair.

We had a plan about the name. If it's a girl he picked the first name and I picked the middle. If it's a boy, I picked the first and he picked the middle. Of course we both had to agree to like what the other chooses.

She has a beautiful name - and looks every bit of it. But, sorry , I don't want to post it on this publicly viewable board! KWIM?

Wowwww I haven't been here for weeks.

Yes Mina, I am back! And lo and behold!.... I see your husband is back today!!! Yay!!!! I am so happy for you. Now I bet we won't be seeing you for weeks (But yes, I had a wonderful time in Istanbul).

It was hot and humid for the first two days and then very rainy, cloudy and sometimes we had thunderstorms-it was soooo nice. It was Ramazan of course and we were good Muslims for like 2-3 days and then we gave up....lol We stayed across from the Blue Mosque and had a view of the park and all the music (which was the same night after night and got to be annoying ). Eating, walking and talking is mainly what we did as we wanted time to go slowwwww. I met his brother who was very nice as all his family is sweet, just like him. We also went to the Princes' Islands Buyukada and took the carriage ride up the small mountain-it was like I was in a fairy tale, albeit for one day.
I thought we would at least be annoyed (normal) once with each other after 2 weeks of non-stop being together, but it never happened. I think I have truly found my soul-mate.

I will try to put new pics for everyone of my trip within the next 2 days.

I see we have 1 more approval (galfeist) CONGRATULATIONS and thanks for sharing your experience with us all-it helps Hello Julia and Tanya...hope all is well for Tanya in school I know it's tough and I pray for an end to your wait. I have to read up on everyone here and get up-to-date on VJ. According to VJ I should be getting that NOA2 in a few weeks, but that seems to good t be true. I will keep you posted!

Erika

I meant this part for Julia and not Tanya...oops-although I know firsthand nursing school is a like a "wait" to be endured I meant this for Julia

Oh yes, I know what you mean about imaging your future kids Julia. I can't wait myself. How many are you planning?

Hi Erika! It sounds like you had a wonderful time in Istanbul - thank you for sharing with us, it made me remember all of my time with Onur in Turkey. I know what you mean about spending your time eating, walking, and talking. Most of my memories with Onur include one of these 3 things! We spent so much time talking over breakfast or dinner, walking around his town holding hands, eating sunflower seeds, or sitting at a cafe drinking tea and being love-birds I can't wait until I get to go back! If Onur's visa isn't approved by December, I am planning on spending my winter break there. We want to take a nice trip to Bodrum or someone in Turkey I haven't been yet. Any suggestions? I think I'll want to go somewhere warmer since it will be cold and snowy here in Ohio! I really would like to go to the Black Sea region, but I think we'd better save that for a summer time trip.

Welcome back and insallah you will get your NOA2 any day!

Hehe thanks Erika--I am definitely anxious for nursing clinicals to be OVER... That's not to say I'm not enjoying it and it's not interesting, but definitely tough! I am hanging in there tho...

So glad to hear your trip went well! Makes me miss the times Ozzy and I spent in Turkey...

Julia, if you're looking for a relatively warm place to visit, I recommend Antakya. It's in the south near Syria and used to actually be a part of Syria so the food and customs are a little different (if you go, you have to eat some kunefe!!). There are a lot of very interesting historical things around there to see as well if you're interested in ancient history. One of the most impressive mosaic museums is in Antakya and there is St. Peter's church and Titus Tunel (ancient cave tombs) in nearby Samandag. Not to mention its a quick trip across the border into Syria if you're interested (but I think you have to obtain a visa in the US before you go). That's something I've always wanted to do but haven't done yet. Also, if you travel there by bus, you get to see a lot of the country in passing. Ozzy's sister lives there so we've visited several times and its always very warm.

There's also Side (very touristy) and Antalya...

We're tentatively planning to go back in November but will probably just visit Istanbul and Izmit (where his parents live) and possibly Afyon (I'm hoping!).

Hi to everyone!!

~Tanya

Erika - I'd like 2 or 3 children, depending on our financial status What about you?

Merhaba Everyone.

Mina, so glad to hear that your hubby is back home!! Wonderful news!! I also want to thank you for always being so kind and caring. You are a wonderful person and you just make everyone feel better!!!

Erika, your trip sounds wonderful. Like the other said, it brings back wonderful memories for me too!! I would love to go to Prince's Island next time I visit. I have seen it from the ferry many times.

awaterlily, Your daughter is so beautiful!!! The do grow fast. I remember when my niece was 7 days old and now she is 17!!! Time flies (unless you are waiting on the visa process!!)

Tanya, So glad to hear your clinical classes are going well. I remember when my friends were going through them. They worked very hard!!

Julia, hope you hear an answer soon!! I too often wondered about children, but my time is running out and I am so afraid if I have them now, there may be health issues. Especially since I work with handicapped children and see what their parents have to go through!

Oh, I finally heard from the Athens office. I had written to them 2 times over the past few months with no answer. Then I wrote to Rome and asked if they knew anything regarding our case. Rome forwarded my e-mail to Athens and low and behold, Athens answered. They said that they wanted to finish adjudicating our case, but were waiting on the fingerprint check Yilmaz did from the embassy in Ankara. They said they had asked several months ago with no answer, but would now follow up! What were they waiting for!!! So, more waiting!!

Well, happiness and hugs to everyone!! Take Care

~Wendy