nu7015
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Posts posted by nu7015
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Interesting subject. I have a question. My son is 10. About a year after my ex and I divorced, I took an interest in visiting Australia. I had him sign a paper that he agreed that I could take my son "anywhere inside or outside of the continental united states" as long as he was given a 2 week uninterrupted visitation twice a year (upon his request). We both signed the release and had it notarized. The question is....Is this notarized document enough to get my son a passport? I am wanting to take him with us to Jordan next year ensha'allah so I'd like to get his passport as early as possible. Do u think I'd need any other supporting documents or will this one be enough?
You can call the Office of Children's Issues 1-888-407-4747 to ask directly (then again, if it's like USCIS, who knows if they know for sure what they're saying) OR you could just try and get the passport and they'll let you know if you need anything further. That notarized paper sounds like that is all that you need from your ex; unless they require the document to be current, such as, within the last 6 months or so. I have no idea. Also, if your ex is willing to just sign the passport form, then you're good to go. Having a notarized document from him is a good thing to have, for any parent leaving the US without the other parent of the child(ren).
It also depends on what country and what they require too. Some countries require a signed document from the other parent authorizing the traveling parent to take child X to country X from this date until this date.
The following is from Travel.State.Gov:
Both parents must provide consent authorizing passport issuance for a minor under age 16. See the scenarios below, and follow the instruction that best applies to your circumstance:
Both Parents MUST:
Appear in person with the minor
Sign Form DS-11 in front of an Acceptance Agent
One Parent MUST:
Appear in person with the minor
Sign Form DS-11 in front of an Acceptance Agent
Submit the second parents' notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053)
One Parent
(with sole legal custody)
MUST:
Appear in person with the minor
Sign Form DS-11 in front of an Acceptance Agent
Submit primary evidence of sole authority to apply for the child with one of the following:
Minor's certified U.S. or foreign birth certificate listing only the applying parent
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or Certification of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350) listing only the applying parent
Court order granting sole custody to the applying parent (unless child's travel is restricted by that order)
Adoption decree (if applying parents is sole adopting parent)
Court order specifically permitting applying parent's or guardian's travel with the child
Judicial declaration of incompetence of non-applying parent
Death certificate of non-applying parent
NOTE: If none of the above documentation is available, the applying parent must submit Form DS-3053 stating why the non-applying parent/guardian's consent cannot be obtained
My daughters' father refused to let me take them to Egypt when I went in the summer but looking back it was a blessing in disguise. I probably could have fought him and won but seriously they would have hated it.I think it depends on the age of the child. If they were much younger they'd probably enjoy it but now, no way. Not unless we're in a 5 star hotel with a pool and they can have chicken fingers and fries or regular American pizza (which I never ever saw there...their pizza that I had was made with philo dough) for meals. Plus I think it would be a total waste of money. Seriously they'd be miserable and I'd be out a couple grand.
When they're out of college though, I think that will be a different story. Then they'll be more mature and will have a genuine curiosity for how people in other parts of the world live. My oldest is starting to have this now but she's got a ways to go I think. In school last year they had an internet meeting with a school from South Africa and that really had her thinking for a good week about how good we have things here. Still though, normal plumbing in the bathrooms, air conditioning, being able to drink the water, etc. are all things I don't think she could go without at this age unless I forced her, which I wouldn't do.
Plus call me paranoid and I'm the first to admit that I am but with Cairo being so crowded I'd be freaking out every minute that someone might take one of them.
I get what you're saying. My daughter may not be happy without all of the comforts of home but I do think that she would enjoy a lot of the time she'd be there. My husband's parents live in a nice home with 2 'american' style bathrooms. We would not go in the dead of summer because of the heat.
She is also a picky eater, but there is McDonald's and Pizza Hut and even Burger King now not too far away. Also, surprisingly, she likes the Moroccan food we make better than the regular stuff I make. My husband's mom/sisters/aunts/etc. are MUCH better at cooking than I am and we will definitely not go without good food 24/7. Plus there's so much to do, and she's looking forward to doing:
Seeing the wild monkeys
Seeing the people
Seeing the mountains
Seeing the ocean/beaches (Agadir, Esouria (sp), Tangier, etc)
Seeing the Sahara desert
Riding a camel
Seeing Rabat, Casablanca
Old ruins
Hot springs
There's so many things to spend our time doing!
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If the tables were turned, and your husband was taking your child to an unfamiliar country wouldnt you be upset? I dont know maybe Im a nutso with my baby but I would never allow it, under any circumstance. Sof and I have discussed this and have concluded that Zaid is not going to go to Jordan, or anywhere else for that matter, unless I am able to go or he is old enough to go on his own. There is too much crazy shite in this world, no way no how. lol Zaid unfortunately probably wont go to Jordan for a few years, I almost died from bacterial infections from food, water, etc. I wont put him through that.
I was more concerned when she was younger and I understand where you're coming from having a younger child. Because I only have experience with having this ex, I am worried when she is with him at all because he doesn't make the best choices for himself and especially with her.
The gov website states that One parent having sole legal custody can obtain the passport for the child.- Appear in person with the minor
- Sign Form DS-11 in front of an Acceptance Agent
- Submit primary evidence of sole authority to apply for the child with one of the following:
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- Minor's certified U.S. or foreign birth certificate listing only the applying parent
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or Certification of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350) listing only the applying parent
- Court order granting sole custody to the applying parent (unless child's travel is restricted by that order)
- Adoption decree (if applying parents is sole adopting parent)
- Court order specifically permitting applying parent's or guardian's travel with the child
- Judicial declaration of incompetence of non-applying parent
- Death certificate of non-applying parent
I have read and read about obtaining passports. The problem here is that he has filed our daughter with the Passport Child Alert Program and I will most likely need his consent. Otherwise, I could easily obtain her passport without him.
The gov website states that One parent having sole legal custody can obtain the passport for the child.- Appear in person with the minor
- Sign Form DS-11 in front of an Acceptance Agent
- Submit primary evidence of sole authority to apply for the child with one of the following:
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- Minor's certified U.S. or foreign birth certificate listing only the applying parent
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or Certification of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350) listing only the applying parent
- Court order granting sole custody to the applying parent (unless child's travel is restricted by that order)
- Adoption decree (if applying parents is sole adopting parent)
- Court order specifically permitting applying parent's or guardian's travel with the child
- Judicial declaration of incompetence of non-applying parent
- Death certificate of non-applying parent
the non-custodial parent, or the parent that's not on the birth certificate, can still file kidnapping charges, though, if you leave the country with them without their consent, unless they have had their parental rights revoked, or gave them up.
Yep!
Hi, I'm sorry to hear that you are in this situation, its very difficult and your right each situation is different. If you dont mind me saying, your best bet is to file the passport for your child and U.S Passport Services will tell you what you need to do if they have any additional questions/request additional information.I've never taken my daughter to Tunisia nor does she any interest in going but she is in Europe (Italy, France & England) right now on a student ambassadorship, her biological father is on her birth certificate & we have joint custody. So I HAD to have his consent (due to his name being on the birth certificate) in order to obtain her passport (May '09) - NO "if's ands buts", U. S. passport services would not approve her passport for any circumstance unless he agreed (or disagreed).
If his name is not on the birth certificate and you have legal documentation stating you have sole physical custody - submit all supporting documentation your childs passport application. However, Amysaid may be correct in stating the noncustodial parent filing an international kidnapping alert but you may need to check further on that.
Unfortunately his name is on the birth certificate. He has had very limited contact with her for the past 7 years however. He wants more than anything to get power in any way he can and when he found out that he could use control with the alert program, he jumped at the chance. Now she will be on it until she is 18 unless he sends a notarized statement asking her to be removed.
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My ex-husband has put our 10 year old daughter on a passport child abduction alert program to make it more difficult for her to obtain a passport. My husband and I have been married for 2 1/2 years and together for 4 1/2. I have been to Morocco 5 times and it breaks our heart that she has to be left behind.
The biggest reason my ex wants to put a stop on the passport is simply a play of power because I do have full legal and physical custody of our daughter. He says he doesn't want her to go to Morocco because his daughter shouldn't have to go to a country that is so dangerous.
I would love to hear anyone else's experiences that have children from previous marriages that have taken their children to Morocco or North Africa or even the Middle East and please share in detail the good and bad.
Also, has anyone had their ex oppose letting your children go to any of these countries and you were able to convince him to do so, and how did you convince him?
My ex is also concerned that our daughter won't like the food, won't be able to speak the language, will feel uncomfortable, will get sick from the food/water, get a disease, etc.
I know that she would be welcomed with open arms by my in-laws and they are waiting for the day they can meet her in person. She would have a better family there than she does here anyway, if even to visit once in a while. There are 10 siblings of my husband's and 20 nieces and nephews and many of them speak english.
It would be a wonderful experience for her culturally, family wise, and just in general in my opinion.
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YAYYYYYYYYY to new beginnings!!!!!!!!!!! Letting go of the old will leave room to bring new things to your life. DEFINITELY something to celebrate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I'm the one who never bothers to buy clothes, and he chides me for that. Sometimes when we're out, he'll grab something off the rack and say, "Here, get this for yourself." It's usually a good choice, too.
same here!!! Whenever I used to go to the mall it was to find clothes for my kids or for him or ANYONE ELSE but me! Just the other day the four of us were at Macy's and he bought me my first ever pair of leather gloves. OMG I love them and they are Ralph Lauren and stylish. He's quite the bargain hunter too and always looking for that name brand. It's almost like I'm getting a MENA eye for the American Girl guy/girl type thing with him. lol
Exactly! Now that he is here, I have more clothes because he either buys them for me or talks me into getting some when we're out. He's sooooooooo much better at picking out clothes and I will send him by himself to pick out an outfit for me and I am never disappointed!
He grew up with his family having a big clothing and shoe business so he is no stranger to having all the clothes he could want and more. He brought back 2 BIG suitcases of clothes from Morocco the last time he went because he doesn't like the styles here in the US. Thank goodness, they are much cheaper to buy there than here!
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And I'm glad that my husband isn't the only one too, humpkinpumpkin!
Cologne, jeans, shoes, coats, hair products, exfoliating products for the shower, and on and on and on...
I always joke with him, "Who's the girl?"!
Sometimes it really makes me wonder.
Needed to edit to say that he does always look great though, so I put up with it!
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He has been against counseling here in the US.
However, in Iran, the few times we did argue (over small stuff) his mother pulled him aside and set him straight. Nobody is here to do that now.
Is there any way that you can communicate with his mom or family about the situation? My husband's sister and brother each speak a little English so it works out well when I need to let them know things. One huge plus of MENA families (mothers especially) is their ability to get through to their sons!
My husband didn't want anything to do with counseling when he got here, but after a situation that changed his mind, he went, NOT willingly mind you. After a few sessions he said, "I didn't understand what counseling was. It's just like having another friend."
If there is any way that you could get him to understand what counseling really is (not blaming one or the other - which is what my husband thought), then maybe he'd open up to it. Also, finding a GOOD counselor is key too.
Not that he would want to, but if your husband wants to ask another MENA man about counseling, let me know. My husband would be happy to talk to him I'm sure.
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I really wonder if men from MENA even know about "counseling"
or if they think it is something rational.
some people, even those americans from way back when have dissed counseling
simply because they dont need someone getting into their heads or telling them
what is wrong with them. "problems?" I dont have any problems
it hurts to hear the truth but seriously we all know the counseling saves lives and marriages
however I dont know how open of a resource that is for MENA
there are even plenty of American men who are too macho to seek counseling
just wondering
My husband who was against counseling/anti-depressants before coming here, has changed his thoughts on this when I asked him to go to counseling with me. I first asked him to go at least 2 times and he ended up feeling relieved when we went, we ended up going for several months together and it helped us A LOT. He was also diagnosed with depression a few months ago by his Dr. and has even opened up to taking medicine. I didn't think I'd be able to say any of this a couple of years ago!
Lost Pilgrim, my heart goes out to you. I hope that you are able to find peace soon.
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Here's some recipes that have received ooh's and ahh's from the hubby:
Couscous
1 t tumeric
1 t black pepper
2 t ginger
1 t cumin
1 pinch saffron (tumeric)
1 t paprika
2 t salt
1 t coriander
2 lb chicken
2 T olive oil
2 t garlic (minced)
1 onion (chopped)
4 c water
1 c tomato sauce
5 carrots quartered
3 potatos - peeled & quartered
zucchini
red bell pepper
squash
1 can chick peas
Mix spices in bowl. Cut chicken into chunks; heat oil and brown chicken in large pot. Add onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes.
Add water, spices and tomato sauce and cook 5 more minutes. Add carrots and potatos and cook for 10 minutes. Add zucchini, squash and red bell pepper and cook for 10 minutes. Add chick peas and cook additional 20 minutes.
Prepare topping (optional-husband doesn't like it, I do so I just add to my own serving-he says that this is what northern Morocco does but not central Morocco where he's from):
Carmalized Onion Topping:
1 onion-minced
2 T olive oil
3/4 c brown sugar
1 t cinnamon
saute onions; add rest of ingredients and cook until bubbly
I use the couscous you buy in the grocery store and boil in chicken stock and add 1/4 c butter. Spoon couscous on plate, top with chicken and add the carmalized onion topping if you like.
Moroccan Chicken
1/2 c orange juice
2 T lemon juice or lime juice
1 T soy sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
1-2 T fresh ginger, minced
1/2 t ground cumin
1/2 t salt
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4-1/2 t cayenne pepper
1/2 t black pepper
12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 lg. onion, chopped
2 carrots cut into 1/2 inch slices
2 c garbanzo beans
1/4-3/4 c dates, pitted and chopped
1/2-3/4 c almonds or pecans
1 T olive oil
1 T tomato paste
2 T fresh parsley
Combine first 10 ingredients and put into plastic bag for marinade. Cut chicken into chunks and add to marinade in bag. Refrigerate and marinate 4-24 hours. Put rest of ingredients in casserole dish. Add chicken and marinade and mix. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 1/4 hours.
Here's a quick way to make really good chicken:
Quick Moroccan Chicken
1 t cumin
1 t ground coriander
3/4 t salt
1/2 t ground ginger
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 t black pepper
4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
2 t olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Put all ingredients in a plastic bag and mix to cover chicken well. Put in baking dish with extra marinade and bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees F.
Here is what I use in my Ras el Hanout (I make a big batch of it to keep on hand):
1 t ground cumin
1 t ginger
1 t salt
3/4 t black pepper
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 t coriander
1/2 t cayenne pepper
1/2 t allspice
1/4 t ground cloves
I'll use the Ras el Hanout in American dishes like meatloaf, hamburgers, chicken dishes; just about everything and that goes over well with hubby.
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I'd like 1 copy too and I like title #1 and you can use my user ID. I will also probably have other people wanting copies later. Will they be available to order at a later time too? I've got some recipes to add that have gotten the A+ from hubby. I'll get those together and add them here as soon as I've got a minute.
I love adding the translations of the spices and any other translations would be great!
Great work amal!!
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Yes, any meat can contain parasites.
I can understand your husband, being muslim, not wanting to eat it or have it cooked in the house (since it would require using the same cooking utensils). Asking you to not eat it, and you are not muslim, is just your husband's preference.
There are many "unpleasant" things eaten in the middle east. I have seen dried, smoked, sheeps head in shops. Had it served up to me once after being in a pressure cooker, with all its teeth laying about.
I know they eat camel. And I even saw Anthony Bourdain in Saudi Arabia eating lizards.
See if your husband is will to give something up, edible that is, that you find repulsive.
I am mormon and my husband is muslim. We respect each others' religions. My religion requires that I not consume coffee, tea, tobacco, alcohol and drugs. My husband smokes and drinks tea and coffee and I don't ask him not to. I eat pork and he doesn't ask me not to.
I took meat science classes as an undergrad and any meat can contain parasites. The countries with the highest pork consumption are also listed with the countries with the world's healthiest people. I think that long ago (long long long ago), there were deaths from trichinosis from pork consumption which would cause caution in eating pork and that began the belief that pork is not ok to eat.
Pigs are actually one of the cleanest animals. As far as them eating anything and everything, after growing up on a farm with sheep, cows, goats, pigs, horses, dogs and cats; it's AMAZING what ANY of these animals will eat. Almost ALL animals under certain circumstances have been known to eat their own feces. Sheep, goats, and cows; all those who graze; are ruminant animals and eat differently than other animals because of their internal anatomy. Also, when grazing, there are endless amounts of parasites/bacteria/toxins/etc. that are consumed from the dirt that the grass is growing in. All animals eat from the ground and the ground isn't sterile.
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I'm so sorry to hear about this. I've never heard of them asking for the passport and 2 photos and then have another interview on the spot let alone an interrogation. I'm shocked but unfortunately with Casa, anything goes. I would get ahold of other members here who have had their petitions returned; Chiquita is one who is quite knowledgeable as well as several others. But I do know that you should start taking steps quickly, like tomorrow with hopes of stopping it from being returned to the US. Look at the 'pinned' topic above about Returning Petitions.
I wish I could help you more. I hope this will get resolved quickly. There are others who have done it successfully.
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They were always running around wild but they learned that they could come and sit with me quietly and we would communicate in our own little ways. The women would always look at me weird; I don't know if it is because they thought I was being bothered by their kids or that they thought I was being inappropriate with their kids.
My husbands niece was so intrigued by me. She was my little shadow. Especially when I did my makeup and hair. I wasn't quite sure what attracted her to me since she couldn't speak English but eventually I figured out that it was my hair. So for fun I used my curling iron on her hair. she enjoyed how it took the kink out of her hair and proudly displayed it for all. Her mother seemed concerned that she followed me everywhere, but I thought it was cute. His nephew on the other hand threatened to steal me away from my husband, and called me baby. My husband and I got a good laugh out of that one since he was only 14.
That is so sweet that you curled her hair too.
The nieces love to stare at my hair too and seem to have to control themselves from touching it (mine is blonde; I"m guessing yours is too?)!One of the nephews is disabled and tries to always be around me; acting like a bodyguard I guess. He is very sweet and at a wedding party he asked me to dance and so I did. The women chased him away quickly though. I felt so sorry for him.
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My husband held his tongue for the first fivemonths but recently he's started to politely request that I demand certain things of my girls. I know your OP was re: babies though. When my girls were babies I did have them "cry it out" for a while when nothing else was wrong and I knew they were just looking for attention but more often than not I brought them in the bed with me and those nights were the ones that I got the most peaceful sleep ever!
Anyway his gripe is that they don't have any responsibility around the house. NOt sure if this is American though I tend to think it's moreso related to being divorced for ten years but I don't demand that they do chores. I never had to, though we had a housekeeper that came everyday growing up. The only thing I demand of them is to do their homework and bring home good grades. Well that was all well and good when it was just me but now that he's doing some of the share of the cleaning he thinks they should step up to the plate. Babysteps are in place to slowly ease them into things and so far so good. I'm very glad that a) he didn't say anything in the beginning and knew enough not to and that B) he feels confident enough now in his stepdad position to say something, even though it was directly to me and not to the girls.
You know that is interesting as I once brought up to my husband about chores for kids. I am more for it because I had it growing up and it teaches kids the skills they need to handle their own homes. Anyway, I told my husband how if me and my brother did all our chores then we would get an allowance each week. My husband totally disagreed with this. He said kids should just do the chores and if they need something, then we can buy it for them or give them some money. The thing is I prefer to tie in the money directly to the work so they understand the concept of working to earn money. I guess it is something we will have to work out later when the time comes.
He doesn't believe in an allowance either but then again neither do I. I tried that once and one week I didn't pay it ( i think they were at their dad's house) so my oldest disputed it saying that it's not fair to penalize just 'cause they are at their dad's. Well she wrote it down (as she does everything) and started charging me interest for each day that I didn't pay her!!!!
I just give them money here and there when they need it but they definitely need to step up to the plate more in terms of cleaning and picking up after themselves.
That is what I do and my daughter does need more chores to do too. My husband has pointed that out over and over. I haven't pushed it because I know that I didn't want my daughter to grow up like I did and have to be over responsible. My sister and I were doing all of the housework and cooking ever since I can remember as well as other chores outside on the farm. I still have to find that happy medium of not too much or too little responsibility.
My husband is used to having all family members younger than him do everything for him and everyone else and without asking twice.
We are adjusting and giving and taking slowly with what our expectations are.
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How long has this Syrian lady lived here and how many mothers has she witnessed leaving their babies crying???
My daughter screamed and cried 24/7 for the first 7 months of her life, waking up 5-7 times a night until I finally let her cry in her crib and then she finally began sleeping most of the night. She was always held, I stayed home with her for the first 6 months and she was given all the attention in the world. I searched online, bought books, took her to Dr.'s, breastfed, gave formula, switched formulas umpteem times. Some babies are fussier than others.
I still had to do everyday things and so I had to bring my screaming baby with me. People in stores and everywhere I went looked at me as though I was torturing her. We flew several places and went entire flights with her screaming and through airports with her screaming bloody murder. So I suppose if the Syrian lady had witnessed me or someone else with a screaming baby like mine (God help them), then I suppose that would make her think badly about mothers here. However, it is rare when I've seen other babies like that when I am out and about.
I don't feel that you need to apologize. I'm sure you won't be the last American that she will encounter with that reaction if she keeps insulting Americans.
Crying 24/7 sounds like Colic. The poor babies that go through this appear to be in pain. And the poor parents. Not easy at all!
Oh Kat, I just read your posts. OMG you crack me up!!
Colic is what the doctors said too. But when it went past the typical 3 month mark, they ruled out colic. Believe me, I was counting on it ending after 3 months!!!!!!!
From my experience, and I've been to Morocco 5 times and there a total of about 4 months, I don't really like how the children are treated there. The women were always busy cleaning or cooking or socializing and the kids seemed to be left to fend for themselves. I always felt the urge to go comfort the kids and give them attention. They were always running around wild but they learned that they could come and sit with me quietly and we would communicate in our own little ways. The women would always look at me weird; I don't know if it is because they thought I was being bothered by their kids or that they thought I was being inappropriate with their kids.
I know that when I fly Royal Air Maroc, waiting in JFK for my flight includes having a slew of Moroccan kids chasing each other around all of us waiting. I feel that I am in "Little Morocco" when at JFK waiting for a RAM flight and preparing myself for the 21 nieces and nephews I will be around in a short while.
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How long has this Syrian lady lived here and how many mothers has she witnessed leaving their babies crying???
My daughter screamed and cried 24/7 for the first 7 months of her life, waking up 5-7 times a night until I finally let her cry in her crib and then she finally began sleeping most of the night. She was always held, I stayed home with her for the first 6 months and she was given all the attention in the world. I searched online, bought books, took her to Dr.'s, breastfed, gave formula, switched formulas umpteem times. Some babies are fussier than others.
I still had to do everyday things and so I had to bring my screaming baby with me. People in stores and everywhere I went looked at me as though I was torturing her. We flew several places and went entire flights with her screaming and through airports with her screaming bloody murder. So I suppose if the Syrian lady had witnessed me or someone else with a screaming baby like mine (God help them), then I suppose that would make her think badly about mothers here. However, it is rare when I've seen other babies like that when I am out and about.
I don't feel that you need to apologize. I'm sure you won't be the last American that she will encounter with that reaction if she keeps insulting Americans.
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Mine called me a cow once, when I called him a donkey. (Not because I'm fat, I'm not.... he was just finding something to call me back)
Apparently, you dont call a Moroccan man a donkey. And now he knows that you NEVER call an American woman a cow
Oh yes, don't call an MENA any animal names...lolMen can be so "helpful" can't they?
My husband told me in arabic how to say "You have a cute son" to his sister, or so I thought. He actually made me say "Your son is a donkey". I felt like I was in that scene from My Big Fat Greek Wedding. 
so when is the op gonna get one of these?
If my husband looked like any of them, then he'd have room to talk.
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I'm so so so sorry.
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I arrived in JFK July 23rd at 3 pm. I was supposed to leave at 4:30 pm for Chicago. I didn't leave JFK until July 24th at 11:30 am. I had to take 3 flights to get to Chicago and I finally got home at 3 am this morning. I tried sleeping on the floor at JFK but kept waking up shivering to death. What a nightmare. I don't think I slept for almost 72 hours. I feel like a zombie. I just got one of my lost bags returned to my door and they still need to bring the other one.
I kept wondering if any of the MENA men I saw were waiting to reunite with wives/fiances. I'm glad you were finally reunited with yours! I hope everyone has made it out of JFK. I will try to avoid JFK from now on.
what was the reason for this delay? Y'all are scaring me!
They were cancelling flights because of bad weather. I was able to see outside JFK and there was no bad weather and CNN showed Chicago was clear too. I heard there was bad weather in the Northeast but it made no sense to cancel flights to the west except that when they cancel flights because of bad weather, they don't have provide any hotel stays. The real reason for cancelling flights I don't know because the weather seemed fine.
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I arrived in JFK July 23rd at 3 pm. I was supposed to leave at 4:30 pm for Chicago. I didn't leave JFK until July 24th at 11:30 am. I had to take 3 flights to get to Chicago and I finally got home at 3 am this morning. I tried sleeping on the floor at JFK but kept waking up shivering to death. What a nightmare. I don't think I slept for almost 72 hours. I feel like a zombie. I just got one of my lost bags returned to my door and they still need to bring the other one.
I kept wondering if any of the MENA men I saw were waiting to reunite with wives/fiances. I'm glad you were finally reunited with yours! I hope everyone has made it out of JFK. I will try to avoid JFK from now on.
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Good Morning! I'm off to the airport. I've got 18 hours of airplanes/airports ahead of me. Have a good week everyone!
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I don't know where I want to go but here are my requirements:
1) no cooking area where I would be expected to even prepare so much as a cup of coffee
2) no laundry facilities whatsoever so that I'm not tempted to do even a load of whites
3) 24/7 room service available
4) shady spot on both the beach and the poolside where I can sit and read my books
5) spa on site where I can go for a daily 1 hour deep tissue massage
6) sound of ocean HAS to be heard from my room
7) plenty of activities for tweens that they will actually want to go to giving hubby and me some alone time
8) no phone service so that no one can get ahold of me at all
My sweet/crazy husband called me last night to tell me he booked a ticket for me to meet him in Morocco this weekend
so we can travel home together on the 24th. It's been 6 weeks since I've seen him so I am very excited. He has planned for us to stay in a resort with what sounds like all of the things you listed above.
Nothing like last minute. 
love the good days
I thought I might see a few camel toes,...oh well. maybe next week!!!I don't know where I want to go but here are my requirements:1) no cooking area where I would be expected to even prepare so much as a cup of coffee
2) no laundry facilities whatsoever so that I'm not tempted to do even a load of whites
3) 24/7 room service available
4) shady spot on both the beach and the poolside where I can sit and read my books
5) spa on site where I can go for a daily 1 hour deep tissue massage
6) sound of ocean HAS to be heard from my room
7) plenty of activities for tweens that they will actually want to go to giving hubby and me some alone time
8) no phone service so that no one can get ahold of me at all
My sweet/crazy husband called me last night to tell me he booked a ticket for me to meet him in Morocco this weekend
so we can travel home together on the 24th. It's been 6 weeks since I've seen him so I am very excited. He has planned for us to stay in a resort with what sounds like all of the things you listed above.
Nothing like last minute. Oooh, now, I like that kind of last minute! Enjoy your trip and your reunion.
I've got a list a mile long of things I need to get done but it feels good sometimes to just say screw it and be spontaneous (did I spell that right?
). I'm a planner; he's a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of guy. We balance each other that way I guess. 51 more minutes. Time to see if hubby remembered to turn a/c on in house.
Ain't no way I'd be a happy camper coming home to a sweltering house!
He's gotten so used to the a/c and when he went back to Morocco in June, he actually ended up in the hospital for heat stroke a couple of weeks ago. His father told him the next day that he isn't Moroccan anymore. nawal, good to see u back, cant wait for some new pics of the twins!!Im off work after 10 friggin hours. im tired, starved, and sad that the baby is already asleep for the nite...
tomorrow is a new day right?
Hey Kelly!! Thanks
I am working on the new pics now! LOL 
So he's sleeping for the night already....I can't wait for that to be true for the twins! I'm starving too....thinking of making kofta soon! 
Ohhhhhhhhhh Nawal your twins are sooooooooooo adorable. It brought tears to my eyes seeing them with your dog! What a sweetheart! Enjoy every day with them!
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WoooooHooooooooo!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!
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Wahrania - I'm so sorry to hear about what you are going through.
My husband and I have gone through A LOT and many times the future looked pretty glim. Have you thought about counseling? That may or may not sound corny - I don't know. I do know that it has helped my husband and I tremendously. I can't even tell you how much! And my husband is a man that did not believe in therapists/counselors one bit! Not even would consider it until he agreed to go for a couple of times. It has been such a blessing (be sure to find a good one) and now he is the one that reminds me when it's time to go. Not only has it helped us get through some tough issues, it has helped guide our relationship into a wonderful partnership. I never dreamed he'd keep going, let alone follow any advice. It's amazing how it's helped him and you can just see the relief on his face knowing we have someone to help us through the bad times.
Please consider it. Whatever your decision, I hope that it brings peace to all of you.
Anyone have trouble from their ex's with taking your children to North Africa?
in Middle East and North Africa
Posted · Edited by nu7015
Oh boy, I was afraid that's what they'd say. It's amazing the extent WE (the parents who take care of and provide for the children) have to go through to ask approval from someone (deadbeat parent) who doesn't even give a ####### about anything their kids do.
I get that there are some parents who do take advantage of the chance to run away with their kids to another country to never return. I can't imagine the horror that would be for a parent that really cared and the nightmare they face in trying to see their kids again. I get that. On the other hand, it leaves a mess for the rest of custodial parents to get a passport for their kids.
I have no idea where you start to track down your child's father if you have no address or phone #. I can't imagine the time and possible expense of that. Then if he cannot be found, or he won't give permission (like my ex), then there is the enormous cost of fighting in court about whether or not the child should be allowed to get a passport. For heaven's sake, you need a passport to just go to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean!
It makes me depressed to even think about starting the process...