a belated hello

[D.K. 16]

Hi VJers,

I joined about 2 weeks ago and have found a TON of great info on this site and forum, so thanks!

A (not so) little bit about me/us:

I'm an American-born Vietnamese gal who was swept off her feet in 2006 by an Egyptian guy with long time residency in Germany (over 25 years). Taking a leap of faith, I sold everything(house, car, art, etc) and left all my friends and family to go to Germany in 2007 to be with him. Thankfully, my story is still a good one! I married my husband the same year and we had our son in 2008.

Moving to Germany was very difficult for me. I didn't know the language, culture or social mores. It was a HUGE adjustment! There were times when I would sink into low spirits and homesickness would be so strong that it caused tension in our marriage. My husband was very patient with me and did his best to ease my transition, and eventually I became comfortable living here. After 5 years, though, I still consider the US my home. I think it's mainly because I'm so close to my family, and they're all across that big pond. We visit them for about 2 months out of every year, and my husband gets along wonderfully with everyone.

Ours is not what one would classify as a typical marriage, I think, because we have a 28 year difference between us. He's a performing artist, though, and has always kept fit and looks nowhere near his age. Life threw me a curveball in my teen years and I grew up/matured rather quickly. We're lucky to have each other. I know that no one will ever love me the way he loves me, and he knows that with me he has a wife that loves him for himself instead of what he can give them (career-wise or financially). Our son is the icing on the cake

For the past year or so, we've been seriously considering moving to the US. I really do miss my family, and I want our son to have a strong relationship with all of them. My husband has no family here in Germany, and he understands my feelings on the matter. My husband is fortunate enough that he can relocate and still work in his chosen profession without difficulties. I have not worked since moving to Germany (SAHM/Homemaker) and am looking forward to working again once we move to the US (I didn't work in Germany in 2007 bc of language issues, and then we mutually decided that I would be a SAHM after the birth of our son).

We made the decision last month to move the the US. I started doing tons of internet research, and after hours of reading through info here and on the US EMBASSY (FRANKFURT) page, I felt confident that we could do this by ourself. I scheduled an appt through INFOPASS, and updated info is in my signature.

I'm looking forward to our move, and so is my husband. He's traveled to the US many times for work and family visits, often staying more than 2 months at a time, so he's familiar with the American lifestyle. Because we have a network of family and friends that are very supportive, I'm optimistic that this transition will be not so painful for us. We have a place to stay and transportation available to us, and we both have employment prospects upon arrival.

A random question just popped up in my head: We've been married for 5 years, so my husband should get a 10 yr greencard. On the app, he checked that he wants to have a SSN, too. Is this all that he need to have in his hands before starting to work in the US? or does he need to apply for something else? (I need to look up this info, apparently).

In any case.... I'm happy to have found this website and forum :dance:

[Cathi 5,769]

All he needs is the SS number and his greencard, both of which he should receive within a few weeks upon his arrival to the US. Good luck!!!

[Ben and Jill 37]

Your story is truly a lovely one and I am very happy to hear that your relationship is still going strong. Best of luck with all your paperwork and moving back to the U.S. And, yes, you can do the paperwork by yourself...most of us here on VJ did.

Edited June 29, 2012 by Ben and Jill

[X Factor 1,112]

Your story is truly a lovely one and I am very happy to hear that your relationship is still going strong. Best of luck with all your paperwork and moving back to the U.S. And, yes, you can do the paperwork by yourself...most of us here on VJ did.

[D.K. 16]

thanks, everyone!

[MyLittlePony 340]

Enjoy your stay.

[GirlWithAGerman 0]

Great story! I can totally understand where you are coming from with the language barrier, not working, and being away from family. I only stayed here for one year, so I can't imagine 5 years. You're a strong woman! I'm glad that everything is looking up for you and your family. Good luck on your journey!

And from what I know. All you need is the green card and ss#!

Tschüss!

[mounir412 101]

welcome to VJ!