I normally don't post here in the Philippines Subforum (you'll find me most often in OT), but for those who are still going the through the process, I thought I'd share a bit of our first year with you.

The first night my stepson was here in the states, he cried for his Papalo (grandpa). I also found out the day before they arrived that the project my company was working on got cancelled and I was part of about 25 people laid off. Like all of us here, we had our share of obstacles, both personal and situational that added stress to our new life together.

One of our Jinky's first Filipina contacts was Jhen (Sheriff Uling's wife). They really helped Jinky and Job adjust by providing some familiarity as well as great friendship. Both the Sheriff and his deputy have continued to there for us in love and support and we are forever grateful to have such friends.

Jinky also has maintained contact with several of the Filipinas she met during her stay in Manila for her interview, all of whom have provided her with invaluable friendship in support. Special thanks to Eric and Marichu, Gary and Luz, Gary and Florenda, Fel and Frank. If I left somebody out, please forgive me.

Also, special thanks to Eleanor and her husband Rodney. Eleanor is a nurse at my doctor's office whom I had guessed was Filipina and within the first week Jinky was here, she went with me to the doctors and ended up meeting Eleanor, who was originally from Bohol but has been in the states for 20 years already. She immediately introduced Jinky to other Filipino couples who were also making a new life for themselves here in America.

Finding Filipino stores and products also really helped both Jinky and Job. Job loves his burger steak at Jolly Bee and we are lucky enough to be close to 2 locations, as well as Seafood City, Red Ribbon Bakery. I soon became aquainted with the Silver Swan soy sauce, banana ketchup and other tastes of Jinky's home. I love my kangkong.

I know that Jinky misses her family and friends a lot and we're hoping that she will be able to return this summer. We were hoping to bring her parents out here for the when the baby arrives, but we just weren't able do it.

So here we are now, expecting a baby within a week. So many changes and experiences we've gone through in this first year and I always feel like we are working towards a better life together.

I hope for the best for all of us who are making a new life for themselves. It's not an easy road to take, but well worth the trouble.

Peace,

Steven

Congratulations in advance on the baby!

Now, if we could just find Maggi Chili Sauce here in Albuquerque we would be happy.

Congrats To you and your family!

well happy anniversary on Jinky & Jobs arrival. any thoughts on the name of new baby?

Michael or Michaela are good names.

Congrats on your first anniversary together! And many years (and exciting things!) you have to look forward to

Saludos,
Caro

garya505, you can get Maggi here:

SMITHS FOOD & DRUG
8040 ACADEMY RD NE
ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87111
Phone: (505) 823-9500

http://www.thetasteofasia.com/where_to_buy.asp

Glad to hear things are going well for you guys!

Warm Regards,
Samby

It's quite inspiring and heartwarming to hear your story. Thanks for sharing.

My fiance is also from AZ, maybe when I am there, I can meet your wife some time and befriend her.

Wow, the time has flown by

heartwarming indeed.. thanks a lot for sharing.

Thanks, Gary. I hope he's half as guapo as your little boy.






Thank you! I'm sorry that we didn't get a chance to meet a few weeks ago. Hope your son is doing better and perhaps will get together at next VJ meetup.




Thanks, Caro. You too! Thanks for being such a sweetheart here to everyone on VJ!




Thank you, Samby! I know we don't get a chance to interact much here. Hope we can more in the future.




That would be awesome! I will send you Jinky's email. Do you speak Bisaya?




Thank you.

LOL...thanks, Mike. He's gonna be Joshua 'something'. I like Joshua Steven but Jinky says there's already too many Stevens in the family...hahahaha...not sure how to take that.

Thanks for sharing your first year experiences and congrats on the soon to be baby.

Thanks for remembering about my son. I really wanted to go but he was not up to it at all due to his knee surgery. It was a last minute thing for me to pick him up that day.

awwwwwww that's so great.. I'm glad, she found a very nice friends here in States. I found too and I still misses my old friends too


CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR NEW COMING BABY..

Thanks. Yes I found that website and I saw it listed there. Unfortunately the Smiths I went to only had the Garlic Chili Sauce which is not anywhere near the same (not sure why). I'll try the Academy location.

You can always ask the management to stock it.

Heartwarming story, thanks for sharing with us. Congratulations on the baby !

Steven,

That was beautiful. Best wishes to you, Jinky and your growing family.

-Xenia

Steven, Jinky and Job and to the future member of the family,

Here's hoping for more wonderful years in the family... more babies? Time flies by so swiftly and before you know it, you're already together for 50 years?

Congratulations on the milestone... new baby... Happy for you guys!


- David and Mae

Yazi and her daughter arrived at SFO on Feb 23rd last year. it's hard to believe it's been over a year now that they arrived here.

Steven and Jinky,
It's almost time for blocks and tiny socks,
blankets, bibs, and toys,
For rocking chairs and teddy bears,
a million new joys...
Congrats on the upcoming new arrival to your family...

Brother Steven,

how lovely to know that it's been one year already and that you guys are so in love, and that your family home is excited with the baby's arrival. All the blessings and more to come.

Your brother and sister, Bren and Len.