Sierra TC

My situation was different but similar. There was no COVID when I arrived, I haven’t had to adjust to motherhood and I was able to work from the very beginning. But I went through similar emotions of feeling “lost” and that I would never settle here. It was almost like a grief for my old life. And I’d visited over 40 times before I moved! Case in point that no amount of visits can prepare you for living here. 
 
Anyway, here’s what I did. It may or may not work for you. Stop comparing things to back home. Accept that things are different here and the life you had in Europe has gone for good. Mourn the loss of it, for sure. But convince yourself to start to see things as “different”, not “wrong”. I’m in a group on Facebook for British ex pats and I see posts from people who’ve been here a decade of more still lamenting that they can’t find custard powder or fairy liquid here. Some of them even resort to importing things at huge expense from Europe. Don’t. Just find a new way to make custard or wash your dishes. Find a new way of doing things. I can’t stand the bread here. I grew up in a bakery that my family had owned for generations. Until I went to university I’d never eaten bread that wasn’t made in our own kitchen. The stuff they sell here and call bread, it’s an abomination. Yes, I know they sell so-called artisan stuff here. Still not good enough for me. Much too sweet. So I make my own now. And I actually enjoy it rather than seeing it as the twice-weekly chore that it was throughout my childhood. And much better than ordering from British food suppliers online. It’s my connection to my past and brings fond memories. Allow yourself the memories but don’t be angry that those days are gone. 
 
I’m finding that I’m less and less saying “we don’t do it like that at home” and more and more “that’s different. But it obviously works here”. Some things don’t change, and that’s OK. You will still be you. And your homeland will still be your homeland. But start to see it as a favorite vacation destination now, and look forward to going back again, rather than seeing it as a the home you been pulled away from. Carve out a new you. Keep some bits of the old you but accept that some bits are gone for good. When my mum comes to visit all I hear is “well we don’t do/say/have that in the UK”. My response? Well, this isn’t the UK. Things are not “wrong”, just “different”.
 
Last month I became a US citizen. People I work with were thrilled and sent messages of congratulations like I’d run a marathon. To me it was just paperwork. I’m still me. Someone said “how does it feel that you’re now an American?” And I really don’t know. I’m still me. Still can’t understand the rules of baseball. Still need to use a knife and fork to eat and will never be able to cut food with the side of a fork. Still expect “chicken salad” to be a garden salad with slices of grilled chicken rather than chopped chicken in mayonnaise. Still say “Aubergine” and not “eggplant”. But that’s ok. Not everything has to change. But not everything will stay the same either. 

It’s an adventure to be enjoyed. 

My husband had his interview Friday and took in a metal clip binder and they didn't say anything about it.

Yes

Is that so? It would save me a lot of stress for the living situation.

I believe it's in the information about how to obtain a social security number for K1 filers on here in the guides

So excited. Our case is in transit to the consulate. I won't lie it is moving faster than I expected but I'm very happy
 

Something very strange happened today.....K1 interview date received....couldn't be happier 🙂

Thank you for your extremely meaningful and kind comment. My best to you and your fiancé as you both embark on your journey to a fruitful life together. 

Just received NOA2!
NOA1 March 27
NOA2 November 9

Congratulations! Join us in the NOVEMBER 2020 K-1 NOA2 to NVC to EMBASSY thread and download the PDF file on the first post of the first page for tips, tricks, and hacks to follow your case to the embassy. I'll post both links below:

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/750819-november-2020-k-1-noa2-to-nvc-to-embassy/

Just received NOA2!
NOA1 March 27
NOA2 November 9

Just received NOA2!
NOA1 March 27
NOA2 November 9

Just received NOA2!
NOA1 March 27
NOA2 November 9

Just received NOA2!
NOA1 March 27
NOA2 November 9

How lucky, Congratulation!!

Hello guys! 
I just got my NOA 2 today 
NOA 1 March 13
NOA 2 November 9

Just received NOA2!
NOA1 March 27
NOA2 November 9

Compared to July where we saw 34 approvals, we are pushing triple digits!  We have seen 25% of the approvals being K1-Visas which is a huge jump from 0% in July!
 
Never lose hope!
 
Aug (88 approvals, 40 countries): https://www.visajourney.com/content/visa-approvals-last-month/
Sept so far (99 approvals, 35 countries): https://www.visajourney.com/content/visa-approvals-this-month/

Juarez is also where my fiance will need to interview once everything gets moving - we're in the same boat with the same concerns. It's hard to stay positive sometimes but one day when y'all are together whether that takes up to a year or more.. you will still be together and hopefully this process will just feel like a moment of time. Wishing you good luck.

This can be found on https://vn.usembassy.gov/visas/fiancefaq/
 
 

I have read (mind you this is what I read not my own knowledge) that when you're in the process of applying for a K1 it can actually be more detrimental to your case to have your foreign fiance visit in your country while that is pending. Whether this is true or not I can't say - but I was looking into the same thing as you. I do highly suggest a return ticket - if she needs to go back sooner that she can try to exchange that but better to be prepared for border control than to hope nothing happens. Good luck to you.

My 2 page explanation had our detailed future plans/plane ticket purchases to see each other and our families and now that's all a wash thanks to covid. Wishing you two the best of luck - we're all in this struggle together.

Hello -
 
Ears showing/not showing does not matter. They just want full visibility of your face 😃
 

You could work one or a million jobs and USCIS doesn't care. The only one that will care is the embassy and you are a little way from that time. If you are above the poverty level for one job, you're good to go.

You are fine, no need to.