[Steve & Rema]

I'm writing this in disbelief, because it felt like forever waiting for this. I used to log onto VJ and read through all the successful stories and tear up thinking of the day I would be able to share mine. It has been a difficult journey for Steve and I, even before the K-1 process. From him being denied entry to Canada due to an $11 magazine he forgot to pay for when he was 18 (that resulted in a misdemeanor), to my father trying to keep us apart by denying Steve's first request for my hand in marriage. It has been a bumpy ride, I can't recall how many times I lost full nights of sleep, and how many times Steve had to comfort me over Skype while I cried. I have done things I never imagined I could do; from standing up to my father whom I have always felt weak near, to driving countless hours to see Steve when I had never even driven out of my city alone. There is not a single thing I would change. Our relationship has been put to the test several times, and I'm proud to say we made it through. I am so proud of Steve for not giving up when my father denied him; his efforts were recognized and respected in the end by my Father, who now adores him. He recognized that in order for our future to be as bright as it could be, I would need the support and love of my family.

My trip in general was not bad, I have written a POE review on my timeline for anyone who is interested. Saying goodbye to my family was difficult, and it breaks my heart every time my mother tells me she misses me already. To see her get teary eyed on web cam is difficult to deal with. Those last hugs goodbye are precious, I want to emphasize to those of you still waiting to cherish the time you have with your family before you move. It's hard to do this among all the stress and the longing to be with your fiance(e)'s, but just try. Don't lose sight of the support you have from the people around you during your process.

Being with my fiance finally is a wonderful feeling. It is amazing just to be able to eat dinner with him, to go to bed next to him and wake up with him, to kiss him goodbye before work and welcome him home with open arms when he returns. These simple things are so significant for most of us who go through this journey.

Although the K-1 process was lengthy, I am happy it was smooth thanks to all the help we received through Vj, we literally could not have done it without you guys. I must say, the Visa process made me learn even more about myself then I already knew. I never realized how stressed, paranoid, eager and impatient I could be! I know there are more papers to be done, but at this point I just want to breathe and soak in this feeling of accomplishment. To those of you still waiting for that finish line, don't give up. It is a long stressful journey, but don't lose sight of why you signed up for it in the first place. In the end, we all just want to be with the ones we love. I hope from now I can help those who are still in the process of attainting a K-1 visa, as much as I was helped.


See some of you in AOS!

[jameugiekaxavilon]

You guys deserved to be happy. Congratulations!! And is so wonderful to see you two are strong and keep holding each other with those trying times. GOD bless will bless you both with many happy years of life!!

[Joanne n Thanh]

Beautiful words of encouragement for the people still waiting for their happy ending!

Thank you

[KTandTommy]

Great story... I'm so happy for you, and I can't wait to be in your shoes

[A&B]

CONGRATULATIONS !!!

[Steve & Rema]

Thanks everyone! KTandTommy I can't wait to hear about your success too

[sk8rpatty]

Thanks so much for sharing your story. It brought tears to my eyes. I dream of the day....

Congratulations!! Enjoy every minute.

[Mr Smiley]

ConGraTuLaTions

[elyhim]

I'm so very happy you have reached the end of your journey to be together.

[nancycakes]

Congrats! Thanks for sharing your beautiful story with us. I just received Packet 4 from Vancouver today so now I'm trying to schedule my medical and my interview.