awaterlily

Wow, this board is super quiet these days. I was just popping in to say 'HELLO' to everyone and know how everyone is doing.

All is very good with me and my hubby. Life happens. Our little girl is turning five and starting school in the fall. Where does the time go???

Awesome News, Jenn. Congratulations!!!!

Hı everyone

As for me the doctor has declared me cancer free for my last three checkups! Tıme to try to start havıng a normal lıfe.

Hope all ıs well wıth everyone

Hello all -

I haven't been on here in some time and am so thrilled to see all the new members representing TKY and this new thread. I just want to say, having been there, hang in there because this is such a process, especially for those who can not be together while awaiting the all important decision. Some recipients have never lived or travelled in the U S.

Be realistic. The REAL journey begins after a visa is granted. This VJ is not a fairy tale with a happily ever after. I've watched so many couples struggle the first couple years. Adjusting to the U S. Adjusting to each other. Adjusting to family, habits, religious and cultural ways. Sadly, some couples did not make it. You won't many of these failures sharing that part of their story on V J.

But there are those who do make it. I'm proud to say my S O and I are counted in the numbers. We've been married 8 y rs this year. Best friends. We've a beautiful daughter who is turning five. A successful marriage requires ongoing work, regardless if immigration is an aspect of the equation. Marriage evolves much as an individual does through out life. We've had our fair share of ups and downs, sometimes it gets really tough. It's Life. For us, it is love and more so the commitment to each other, to our marriage. Appreciation and Respect our differences. Focus on the many things that we have in common that brought us together in the first place.

BTW, my S O has been a citizen for six years now.

Congrats & Best of luck to everyone.

Insallah.

Congrats on your sweet little girl. she's just beautiful!

Our little one was same exact weight at birth and 17in.. She's now 3 and at the 50th percentile in both!

Hey everybody. How's it going? Our baby, Nora, was born on Sept 4 so we've been pretty busy for the past month. My wife and mom are going to take the baby to Turkey some time around April 2011 (tax return time!!!) so that she can spend a while with her other half of the family. I wish I could go too, but Nora had some issues that landed her in the NICU for antibiotics during her first few days, so most of my vacation time is gone already. She weighed 5lbs 13oz when she was born, but already she's past 7lbs as of a week ago.

Come February we'll file for removal of conditions for Handan. I hope everybody has a good week.

doing great, girlfriend!! Hope u are well too.

How is everyone doing?

I hear you about not being back since...as it is/was our situation as well. Having a child changes a lot. We just shelled out big $ for this trip, which we really can't afford but didnt want to postpone any longer since our little one is going on three. We are in TR right now and will be for about another week. Having a super fun time and our little one is finally meeting all of the other relatives, sooo nice.

so sorry to hear u all have been sick, etc...

Hi Everybody!

Home sick with a stomache virus and wanted to finally post and say HI! Life is busy as you all know... Mehmet will be 18 months old on June 5th! How time flies! We had a rough Fall and Winter as he was sick for months. Had to get ear tubes due to 6 months of ear infections and was hospitalized for his 1st birthday. Poor guy went through hell... But thanks to God he is better now and in a new in-home daycare with only 4 other children and I think that makes a world of difference from a health stand point. He is starting to talk and it is just amazing! Resul is working at a local Midas car shop and learning to be a mechanic for almost a year now. He still hasn't been able to go back to Turkey since he's been here (almost 4 years)and his family still has not met Mehmet and that makes him sad. Finances are the issue, especially now with having a baby and paying for daycare. But thank God we still have our jobs, a roof over our heads, and food to eat in this economy!

Hope you are all doing well and hears to a great summer!

~Deb

Hi Jenn, I am terribly sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. My thoughts and prayers are extended to you and your family as you embark on this difficult journey.

Hi Everyone,

I have some bad news I wanted to share. Last week, I was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer. I'm still in a little shock, and I can't believe Fuat is going to have to go through all this after everything we;ve done to try to be together. It just doesn't seem fair that we fought to be together for two years... he's here less than a month and then THIS.

Take care,

Jenn

I did and did not have any issues.

Have a great summer trip and be sure to eat lots of watermelon!

Hi everyone- I'm currently planning my future summer Turkey travels. I'm pretty excited, I've only been to Turkey in the winter, I've never been able to take advantage of the beaches in Efe's hometown. Have any of you USC's flown to Turkey with a one plane way ticket on a tourist visa? My departure date is more or less set but I'm not sure when I'll return to the US. I'm just wondering if I'd have any problems entering Turkey with a one-way plane ticket, not a round trip ticket. Hopefully this is a silly question and there wouldn't be any problem with this. I hope that I'll get my NOA2 within the next few months so we have also have our interview in the summer while we are together!

Woot! Congrats!!! Details, please

WE GOT IT!!!!

Erıka thank you SO MUCH for lettıng me know you had emaıled the consulate about attendıng the ıntervıew and havıng the emaıl wıth you. I dont know ıf I would have thought to do that ıf you hadnt saıd you dıd ıt.. they were NOT goıng to let me ın. Fuat kept sayıng that I should just do what they say and waıt outsıde.. but I refused and by the thırd person I talked to they fınally agreed to look at the emaıl and let me ın.

They asked hım two questıons.. asked me two questıons and then they saıd yes.

On our way to the bus to Istanbul now. Wıll wrıte more when I have tıme and when I am not on a Turkısh keyboard

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP

Thanks all! We just love her -

After researching everything about the breed for almost two years then deciding to take the plunge and get one, I found her through a breeder registered with the Cat Fancier Association . It took a while to find a breeder that had available kittens at the right age. I understand that because this breed is so rare there is generally a wait list to get kittens, esp the white blue-eyed or odd-eyed ones. However, if you want to adopt a retired show cat, there are plenty, some as young as one year and many breeders will let them go with simply the cost for spay/neuter and the shipping, if needed. If all goes well with our little girl, we may adopt a retiree later.

Kinda interesting that there is also a global pedigree database available online too I can trace some of her ancestry all the way back to Ankara, Turkey in the 1960s!! ;-)

What a cute cat! where did you get her from?

Please welcome the newest addition to our family - a furry little four-legged blue eyed pure breed Turk...

Deb, I am so glad you posted this - in fact, I feel there should be a whole thread on VJ dedicated to this topic. It's a huge dilemma. It would be helpful to hear from others about what works for them, what doesn't in terms of meshing the family.

So many on VJ do talk about the positive and joyous aspects of getting their foriegn loved ones here and adjusted to life in the US but never say a word on the sour side. I know a few divorces (discussed off board). This needs to be openly addressed.

We are dealing with spouses who speak a foriegn language first, add to fact of vastly different cultures, religious beliefs and then American kids. And surely, you can add to the issues if your spouse or kids or both have had little to no close exposure to different ethnic groups, cultures, foreigners or international travel. But sometimes that does not matter.

Some back ground: My entire family including extended family is a mix of ethnicities, races and cultures and my husband, is educated, worldly in that he has travelled to several different countries and speaks five languages. He even lived in South Africa for one year. As much as I tried to make our relationship and marriage a smooth transition for my teenage kids, it has been any thing but. Now, most kids struggle with a parent's new marriage. Throw a foriegner from a muslim country in the mix. I, too, have struggled with my teen/young adult daughters and my husband's relationship. That all said, my husband has been a super trooper!!!

It has not created any wedge in our marriage, in fact, we anticipated these issues and he has been so understanding and tolerant. We love each other tremendously and continue to brainstorm ideas to work through this. Believe me, it is not easy as I have one very mouthy, tell it like it is, no holding back, beautiful and smart 19 year old teenage daughter who really hates her mother right now. (God love her so that she may find a way to channel all of that in a more appropriate, productive and useful way.)

So if anyone here ever needs to talk about dynamics of blended families I think Deb and I would be great resources for that. Feel free to send me a PM any time.

Ready made families....... ;-) umm this is a hard one. Very, Very hard and difficult.

My American children / teenage girls meet Turkish Muslim man (Culture/Religion shock for everyone)

My children talked on msn chat, emailed..I tried to get them ready for change. BUT, it just didn't happen the way I thought it would. "Caught in the middle" is a huge understatement...Huge ;-))

My youngest moved out right away and moved in with her father.

My eldest.......I thought for sure my eldest, a Basketball star for most of her childhood. Which was being scouted for college basketball would be fine. Then high school starts....she became a lesbian, started cutting, became a huge pot head then dropped out of basketball and barley graduated from high school. My perfect honor role daughter with scholarships and a bright future. Who would have thought......

Talk, talk, talk, talk, talk......TALK before he comes about everything, don't sugar coat it because american children can be Nasty! They have sex in middle school, smoke, drink...everything starts young. Parents don't have control like we use to. It is sad!

Mind you, our problems in this area are really intense, not all ready made families get in this type of situation...but it can happen, just know that. I guess that is all I am trying to say.

I just wish people would share more about the issues of adjusting, Religion, culture, families and so on. It is not all peaches and cream.. but yet I think most wanted it to be perfect ;-) I know I did.

Sorry if this causes any discomfort.

Best wishes,

Debbie

so sorry to hear, Jenn. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

my sister had Leukemia She passed away 54 weeks after her original diagnosis.

I'm so sorry to hear of the delay. It is typical for Iranians to go thru AP. I don't know why immigration does things this way. One would think they would do all the add'l security clearances before the interview/interview date. Anway - hope things go quickly. Chin up, GL and please do KUP!

.

Thanks. Unfortunately we were put on AP. They were in an APish kind of mood this morning. There were loads of Iranians in line ahead of us and all of them either got AP, an RFE or denied altogether. My mother is crushed. She was hoping we might be able to make it home for the holidays. I hope it won't be a long AP.

Hey Tanya - for the purpose of removal of conditions, you must have your application sent in the 90-day window before your three year anniversary of entry to the US as identified on his GC. Do not wait until the last minute. Supporting docs can be sent in with or later but before the interview date. (See the application instructions FMI) Be sure to include your A number and other pertinent info if you do send supporting docs at a later time. GL!!

As far as the letters go (are these even mandatory? I can't remember) - anyone that witnesses the two of you in the capacity of marriage such as friends, coworkers, neighbors or relatives, you do not need them notarized. A simple letter, typed or hand written, but signed, is perfectly fine. BTW, Your best asset in terms of proving 'validity' of marriage is your new LO, Defne Be sure to include a copy of her birth certificate.

Hi All,

How is everyone? I guess I haven't been online much lately owing to my hectic life! Just 2 more weeks and I'll be done with nursing school & Defne is almost 2 months old already and getting sooo big (way over 10 lbs I'm sure!) & starting to smile and coo. We're also getting ready to start the paperwork for Ozzy's 10-year GC next month. The instructions say to file "during the 3 months prior to the expiration" of the 2-year card. Anyone know if that means anytime during the 3 months prior or if I need to file the papers before the 3-month mark? I'm hoping to file before or right at 3 months prior, which will be Dec. 20th, but with Christmas and me still not working, I'm thinking money might be an issue....

Also, for those who know, is there a particular form for the affidavits that need to be filed by 2 friends or relatives who know us, or do they need to just write a letter? I know, I'm lazy and could prolly just look it up, but I figured since I'm here, might as well ask

Well, somebody (a particular spoiled little princess) is crying to be picked up, so I better go for now!

Tanya

Welcome Melinda & Necmi! and GL with the immigration process.

We've a great group of ppl here on the 'Just Turkish' thread who've a range of immigration experiences to share. Hope we can be of help or, at the very least, a 'hand to hold'.

I know, they really pull on your heart. You want to help & 'save' them all - but how?

I've hear in Italy the kids actually will try to take money right out of your pockets. Friends that have travelled there said they had to slap their hands away otherwise they'll keep reaching in. Very brave little ones.

They're like little gangs....and, unfortunately, shady adults 'take them in' and abuse & exploit them....kind of like slaves.

What I found interesting was the pics of the transvestites. I mean, I heard there was a big community of them, mostly in Izmir (correct me if I'm wrong in this one). I don't recall seeing any of these people (unless I was mistaken b/c they looked so much like the real deal LOL).

Anyway, like Turkey, I suppose there are many countries where homosexuality is still illegal or mostly underground.

I was just looking at this story on CNN and found it very interesting. I praise this guy for bringing attention to the underside of 'cosmopolitan' Istanbul - these issues effect so many places, globally.

Cabbie photographs the underbelly of Istanbul

here's his personal photo gallery website

Sevket

Thanks for posting Awaterlily. He's quite a photographer and his photos bring attention to an issue that really needs it. I've noticed a lot of ppl begging in the streets, not just in Istanbul but elsewhere in Turkey also. The children are the ones that really get to me...the ones selling tissues, etc., in the streets with the big sad eyes... Of course it is a global problem as well, especially in big cities like Istanbul, but you don't see the little children so much here in the US. Their situation really touched me...

OMG! How exciting! Welcome Defne and Iyanna! Congrats, Merk, Tanya and to both of your families! *Insallah*

Well I am glad to announce that Iyanna Behiye Bagceci was born Oct 2nd!!!! She came in at a healthy 5lbs 5oz.

Hi everyone! I just wanted to tell you all that our daughter, Defne Azra Karaman, was born on Oct 1st weighing 8 lb 2 oz!

Tanya

I was just looking at this story on CNN and found it very interesting. I praise this guy for bringing attention to the underside of 'cosmopolitan' Istanbul - these issues effect so many places, globally.

Cabbie photographs the underbelly of Istanbul

here's his personal photo gallery website

Sevket

hey Mina - whether you remain married to a Turk or not, you're always welcome here. You're neither the 1st nor last VJer to have this not work out. It's just a fact of life, u know. You did the best you could and tried as long as possilbe. In the end, that's all that is important.

We luv u!!! Stay strong, sista, ...and please do KUP!

Hi Everyone,

Hope everyone is all doing well and happy!

As for myself, I am sorry for not being here for a long time now being that I had to go through a grieving period in my life and thought it would be best for me to stay away for a while because I needed time to gather my strength and to get well again after being in the hospital due to the stress of my work and mostly because of the stress and problems in my marriage.

Some of you had already known for some time now that my marriage was over and that I would soon be divorcing. It wasn't easy living with someone who truly did not tried his best to make it work here because he was always missing his mother and Turkey.

Of course I understood his unhappiness and I tried my best to make his life easier here, but one can only do so much to help make things better when the other does not even want to try.

Anyway as you can all see I have changed my signature now to being happily divorced soon because the heaviness of this marriage and visa process is finally over for me and I am much better now and looking forward to my new life and have been spending more time with my family and friends now, they are truly the most important people in my life!

Well I wish everyone here much much Love & Happiness and a warm Welcome to all the new couples that have joined "Just Turkish"!!!

GOD Bless Everyone,

Mina

ditto! Tanya where are you? We want stats!

Tanya has been suspiciously MIA......bet she has had her baby! Cannot wait to see a pic and hear from her! Wishing you the best Tanya!

yes. I think Debbie says this best.

There's just no way to know what the experience will be like until your SO gets here. That said, it sounds like you are doing the right things in preparation of arrival - talking. GL and KUP!

JennandFuat,

I sent you a message.

Maybe this is a very personal issue for some....ppl like to think after all this time, paperwork... The tears we shed that only happy time come when we are reunited...doesn't always work that way...adjusting can be very difficult for some. To others, simple....one won't know until you live it.

MashAllah…….Not all have hard times, I talk to many who are so very happy...everything just fell into place....

Wishing you both the very best in this journey

Debbie

Congrats, Merk!!!

Debbie, your son is beautiful, tfs the pic! I can't believe he's almost 10 months now! where does the time go?

Mina!!! Good to see you on here and hope you are well

Debra, how's everything going with you?

Julia - congrats on the wedding. Your dress is stunning, btw!! TFS pics

All is well here...busy, busy.

Congrats!

Just wanted to share my good news - I got a job teaching 2nd grade! It's at the same school where I did my graduate internship all year. I am very excited!

Now we are just waiting for Onur's EAD so he can start working! He's soooo ready.

Congrats, KatherineCC

Hope you get your Oath date soon, Lappa1. It seems way to long for those of you who are still waiting especially for Yorker and Par who are still awaiting interview dates.

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USCIS Lockbox Arizona

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USCIS Lockbox Texas

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