onwa

Well... we met in person so most of my firends and family knew I was dating a guy in South Africa from Nigeria. However, when we decided to get married, the biggest obstacle was my dad. And my then fiance said we must have his permission to go ahead with our plans. That was one of the hardest conversation ever, but in the end...my dad supported us. My firends were very supportive and even helped financially (over 2000) to help get him here. When he got here we were very casual and he just met my friends as opportunity came. The only negative comment I had was from someone at work who told me to make sure he wasn't just in for a greencard. I sadi I was sure and she has never brought it up again. In fact, she gives me fruit all the time to take to my husband. So I am very thankful for all the positive people in my life, and for my dad for supporting us even though it was so hard to do at first.

Happy B-Day! Babies are so cute at that age!

Names: Date Sent (USCIS) System Biometrics EAD Received AOS Interview Local Office

Sanita...........Dec. 13 '05......Dec. 23, 2005 St. Louis

Princess........Jan. 12 '06.......Jan. 24, 2006........Mar. 10 '06....March 21 '06 Lubbock,TX

Onwa............Sept. 13'05......Sept. 20, 2005......Sept. 23'06.....Nov. 24 '06 Honolulu, HI

I've got all 3 congress peeps involved. I just saw someone with a receipt date of March 1sst 2006 have their interview today. So where'e our case?

all the offices have different wait times...our wait from sending the AOS papers til the AOS interview was a year, and that is normal for the Tampa office.

I should have clarified. This id for the same district office...Honolulu. So were at the same place.

Names: Date Sent (USCIS) System Biometrics EAD Received AOS Interview Local Office

Sanita...........Dec. 13 '05......Dec. 23, 2005 St. Louis

Princess........Jan. 12 '06.......Jan. 24, 2006........Mar. 10 '06....March 21 '06 Lubbock,TX

Onwa............Sept. 13'05......Sept. 20, 2005......Sept. 23'06.....Nov. 24 '06 Honolulu, HI

I've got all 3 congress peeps involved. I just saw someone with a receipt date of March 1sst 2006 have their interview today. So where'e our case?

A bolnde is fair.

A carnival is fair.

But life is not fair.

The crime should fit the punishment. If he ate a cookie that wasn't his--I would have him make a few dozen cookies to not only give back to the one he stole from--but he should also give them to a retirement home and eat the cookies with some people who could give wisdom. Why take away baseball privileges--something that will have a positive impact in his life.

wrong forum...but congrats!!!!!

Hmmm. While agriculture manure can contribute heavily to bacteria levels in streams and the ocean--passing a law like that is not going to be helpful. Where I live in Hawaii--the main problem is animals having free access to the streams that run through the property without sufficient measures--One of my projects right now is to write a watershed plan and we are looking at agriculture areas that have streams and seeing how planted the stream banks are. ITs amazing what a few plants can do or a fence. Since Hawaii's main economic drive is tourism--its important that the streams and ocean be safe places to swim and bacteria is a huge problem.

Well I don't mind calling them--every day if need be! I have a Jr. Congressman trying to replace one of the old senators. I guess my vote will go to whoever gets me help first! Thanks for the replies.

I've contacted one of our senators to inquire about our case. They will not give me a timeline as to when I might expect a result. So I was wondering how long it took for others. Thanks.

Kia

Congrats Alicia! Well, our AOS is still in some black hole--but still, its better then waiting for the visa. First year of marraige is rough. But alot of faith and a little tenderness go a long way.

Congrats! Do the happy dance!

IMHO all religions contain truth. If they didn't, they wouldn't be followed, because no matter what kind of dogma you try to force upon people the truth will win out eventually. The problem is when you decide the truth of your religion is better than others, or (worse) that other religions cannot have truth. Then you find yourself on a crusade, or forcing your religion on others at the point of a sword.

I don't think it is wrong at all for someone to believe strongly that what they believe in, is the only truth. Have you seen me forcing my religion on anyone around here? You can't force anyone to believe something, they have to decide for themselves. I only believe in one truth, and feel it to be the only truth. There is nothing wrong in actually believing something concrete in life. At the same time I don't go around forcing others to listen to me or believe the way I do. I do talk about it but also want to live how I believe and not just talk about it, so people can actually see it working in my existence not just words coming out of my mouth.

Someone can think there is only one truth and yet still does not go around forcing people to do anything. The crusades, etc were horrible...even more because those taking part in killing others for the name of religion were not following the teachings they claimed to believe in.

So I respectfully disagree with your opinion. We are all entitled to believe what we feel is real and not have to go along with everyone around us. And the way you say others may force their beliefs onto others, is the same way those against those beliefs try to force ppl to accept that everything is true and nothing is concrete and that there isn't an ultimate truth. But I believe there is. That is my opinion, not a force on anyone.

My husband and I saw the movie and we are Christians. Nothing to get riled up about because it was obvioiusly fictional to me. MOvie was good, but WAY too long. People who do not want to believe that Jesus was the Son of God will believe that whether or not there is a movie that gives them a reason to belive what they want to believe. If I meet someone who actually changes the way they think from this movie--then I will revise my opinion. Otherwise--its just a movie and provides good opportunity for some good conversations about Jesus.

LIke JoeJ said--it won't be all roses--but it won't be all bad either. Everybody has a similar but unique story to tell. One of our major problems has been food. There is no African community here in Hawaii and no African food stores or restaurants--so if you live anywhere near a big city that's not Hawaii---you should be fine. Have lots of patience, love, and don't be afraid to set your own boundaries as you start your life together. If you are a church person, try and get him involved right away--IT also helped me to read some people's stories here on Visajourney to realize just how hard it is to for some to leave one's country--how hard it can be to find a job, and just how hard the first year of marraige is for anyone. Its good to realize you are not alone in the struggles you will face. And for me--some things are alot harder then I imagined them to be--and some things are 100 time better. If you have any preconceived ideas about how things are gong to be--I'd probably throw those out the window and grow into the life you will share once he's here.

Another happy reunion! Congrats!

Thanks! Got it.

Didn't think I would even get to platinum--but I managed and want my own title to. I've seen this asked before but never actually read the answer.

Thanks!

Nope - looks normal to me!!! No touches on my I-485 since september, 2005.

Ditto...well make that October 1st!

I believe that 4 times has got to be your lucky charm. I am praying and hoping for a sucessful interview for you! And you can bring your family home.

The Sixth Sense....in my pants

I am very thankful that as a woman, I have the opportunity to be or do anything I want. With hard work and creativity you can reach your goal. Start thinking about a home based business or work that allows you to telecommute. If you want your husband to be the sole breadwinner start investing in his education now...or other training to get him the job he wants. The things we want in life will not be handed to us on a silver platter and so often we let life pass us by without ever getting what you want. If you want to stay at home with your kids....there is a way! I feel very blessed to be in a supportive marraige where we can both encourage each other in our dreams. For me, I am contuniung my education and looking at ways to earn money from home before we ever have kids. Don't be disheartened or put blame elsewhere. It can be done!

Congrats! Can you have a dream for me for when our interview will be! Just kidding. Best wishes on the interview.

Congrats!!

I wasn't directing this towards you actually. But if there needs to be some active campaigning...what exactly are you doing then? Since I presume this is something you feel strongly about....well strong enough to want to bring about change...tell me what you're doing to change it. Or is this just armchair quarterbacking then? Someone ELSE needs to actively campaign, eh?

Furthermore, I asked you to quanitfy 'how many' families are 'a lot' in your original statement that there is a MAJOR breakdown in al ot of American familes. since you seem to be an expert...or are you just watching too much Springer???

Seriously, how did you come to this theory of yours How many is a lot? How did you do your research? Cmon then, back up your statement with some facts and knowledge please? Again, Springer doesn't count, sorry!

Making a difference for me happens on a local level. If I start a business, and have employees, I can have a family firendly company for a few. My quantifying Alot and many come from personal observation. I visit the prisons, work with organizations for finding homes for foster children, have rode 'The bus' here in Hawaii for 7 years---and worked in after school prgrams where half the kids were dropped off at 5 in the morning and picked up at 6:30 pm. I nver said that all familes had a breakdown--but I definitely think there is a trend in that direction. I'm not writing a thesis paper here. I'm stating my opinion. Like I said earlier, we can agree to disagree.

I don't think the breakdown has to with both parents working. I plan on working and having kids. I'd still want the 2 years for bonding time but I plan on being able to work from home. My husband does not want a stay at home wife--