Prepare for Arrival

[JosephandKata 0]

So there's still some time before my wife's interview in Colombia, but I wanted to get some input on how to help her adjust.

I am working on my own personal business, along with another day job, so my time is limited. She's been to the United States before, and lived here for 9 months with trouble adjusting but I wasn't nearly as busy. I am concerned.

[Operator 1,927]

It can be tough. My wife moved here (small town in NC) from Shanghai. Huge culture shock. She had spent 5 months here previously and still it has not been easy. No taxis, buses or even sidewalks in most cases. You've got to make sure that you make time for her but also make sure that she can be self sufficient, if that's the type of woman she is. My wife misses her independence most of all I think. She doesn't drive yet so she is reliant on me to get around most days. Working on the things that can make her more self reliant here in the US have become a priority.

More than anything be patient and understanding.

[penguin mahal 0]

Great topic by the way. My fiance hopefully will be here in the next year. I also plan on making him self reliant. As soon as he gets here I plan on appling for SSN, and driver's license. I will also take a week off so that he can get settled down and wont be so lonely.

[JosephandKata 0]

Operator,

It is a huge concern, and I'd have to make that my priority. Getting her self sufficient will make life easier, but also improve on our relationship. I can only hope that she picks up the language faster this time around. I don't know how I'm going to make time. I'll definitely need to get internet right away so she can stay in link with her family while we get her docs rolling.

[J and S 38]

My fiance isn't here yet and there isn't a significant croatian community where I live.

We've already agreed on going to LA once a month to go shopping at the closest Croatian market from where I am (closest...2 hour drive. Through LA. UGH.) But I know there will be some foods and products from his country that he'll miss. It's a double stop, as there's another place he wants to visit regularly in LA.

I've also learned to cook a few recipes (though, I'm terrified it'll be NOTHING like his mother's lol). I attempted learning the language, but that requires him to help me practice. lol.

He doesn't know how to drive yet, but luckily the public transportation is decent here. I'll be getting him a bus pass so that he can be independent and go where he wants.

I suppose its' a bit lucky for me, as I live in a city with lots to offer. So, if he wants to get out and do something than he can. I've also got a few friends willing to help him out with some under the table jobs. So, I'm hoping the wait won't be too long for him to do some work. At least he'll be doing something, and hanging out with people while I'm at work as well.

I think the key is knowing what kind of person your fiancee is. What are her needs and how does she handle that kind of culture shock or home sickness stress? Everyone is different.

[EminTX 131]

I don't know if any of y'all would be interested in these two things:

1.) My other half wants a dog. Badly. I promised him that we will get whatever dog he wants as long as it isn't rat sized when he gets here. My own sweet doggy died last year and I have been yearning anyway.

2.) I plan to get him a bike his first week, also. This way, even though it is not as practical as driving, it IS faster than walking and fun to do. I work 2 miles from the house so that makes a nice walk into a quick bike ride, if he needs/wants to head that way.