this is the end...

[UmmSqueakster 54]

...of our elaborate plans, the end...

Nearly 9 years ago, I was a college sophomore, attending a small liberal arts university in the middle of a corn field in Indiana. I was miserable and spent a lot of time online, chatting with people from all over the world. My ICQ friends list was long and I thought nothing of adding a young man from Egypt to the mix.

Months passed, ICQ friends came and went, but he stayed.

I transferred to the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and was much happier, but we kept talking.

In August of 2003, my Grandmother drove me to the bus stop in Madison, where I boarded a bus to O'Hare. 20 hours later, I landed in Cairo.

Hands shaking, I found my bags and looked through the crowd for a face that had become so familiar. He wasn't there. My heart sank. Then I heard a voice call, "Jen!" And there he was! He had convinced the security guard to let him stand right next to the door, away from the crowd.

Fast forward, October 2005. A flight was scheduled to arrive at Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport at 5:00 p.m. I left work at 3:00 and was there very early. I drank way too much coffee and paced the airport hallway.

When he finally arrived, coming down the escalator, my heart leapt. He wore his gray suit and was carrying his briefcase. We embraced, and drove off into the crisp Minnesota sunset together.

Of course, there is no such thing as happily ever after in real life. Or at least I haven't found it yet. Over the years, we've had our fair share of arguments and difficulties. Moving to the US isn't easy. Leaving behind your family, your friends, your job, your culture, your life, it takes it's toll.

And here we are now, in August of 2009. 8 years and 11 and a half months from the day we met online and 6 years nearly to the day that we met in person. Today, my husband has his United States passport in his hands. At his citizenship ceremony a few weeks back, the judge who officiated their oath talked about how these new citizens need not leave their countries, cultures and religions behind them. Rather, they should bring it with them and create their own unique american experience.

I am happy to say that today, the United States has one more Muslim American in their midst (take that DS!). Alhamdulilah, Allah (swt) has granted us the blessing of living in this country together.

So now, this is the end of my visa journey my friends. With the coming of Ramadan, I am hoping to pull back from technology a bit, or at least the message board aspect of it. I haven't been sucessful doing so in the past, but in case I suceed this time around, I can still always be reached via my blog (points to link in signature).

Best of luck to those who are still in their visa journey. I hope that you continue to ride the roller coaster, have the time of your lives and end up with the one you love.

Salaam.

[Cheryl & Medo 3]

Awwwwwww what a sweet story........ Congrats that your journey is completed.

[Bob-KhaHan 1]

Oh, I was reading this thinking you were going to give us bad news, but it is very good news! I wish you both well!

[Henna Rose 0]

~ "This is the end

beautiful friend

No safety or surprise

the end

I'll never look into

your eyes again"

[newlyweds 0]

i honestly thought something negative would come out but it's nice and may you have more blessings and a happy marriage take care always

[Y's_habibitk 2]

wonderful! thanks for sharing your story with us

[morocco4ever 63]

You're such a tease!

Congratulations to you both to finally be at the point we all yearn for.

[amal 4]

awwwwwwwwwwwwwww that was really sweet! I hope that the future brings you many more wonderful years with your DH ensha'allah. know that we'll always be around here if u ever wanna pop in from time to time.

amal

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Congratulations! It's great to read about the success stories.

[Muh and me 18]

My goodness girl, you totally scared me with that title! I am so happy for you and certainly hope you don't become a stranger. I've learned so much from you and see you as my mentor of sorts. Congrats to your hubby!

[Nothing1234 2]

Congrats and best of luck. What wonderful news! Thank god for happy "beginnings"!

[anitacastillo 0]

Congrats!! :dance:

Best wishes for you both!!

[100% Al Ahly Fan 53]

Ya Allah ya Rahma.....like Terrie, you scared me girl!! MashaAllah, I am so happy for you and AbuS. Al7amdullilah this journey is over, although there are many journeys yet to come in your life. This journey we have all gone/going through show us that Allah (swt) never give us more then we can handle. May all of us on this journey "end" the same.

You will certainly be missed around here, especially in the Islamic thread. I always enjoy reading your post. I have to say I am lucky in that you live in the Twin Cities with me and so someday (when life doesn't get in the way) we can get together for lunch like we planned. InshaAllah we can connect during Ramadan or one evening for iftar. Anyhow...barak allahu feeki sis.

[Twisted K 2]

congratulations, and enjoy the rest of life's journey

[MARM 7]

May Allah bless you both always, Ameen. Thanks for sharing!