Just Turkish

[ErikaAndHamit 73]

Hi again everyone,

I just wanted to share with everyone here an event that I got to experience in my hometown in New York City that made me feel as if I was back in Turkey!

It was the New York Turkish Festival in Central Park and I got to spend my day enoying the

festivities among all the Turkish people there. There were so many things to do and see, there were Arts and Crafts, Folk dancers in Traditional Costumes, Turkish music, Turkish food and tea. The whole festivities started from 10 am to 9 pm. Eventhough I had enjoyed my day in the park, I was also missing my husband and wished that he was there with me too!

This is the link to that event........

http://www.nyturkishfestival.org/www/

Well take care always everyone, hugs to all and have a wonderful week!

Wow Mina your husband is still with his mom in Turkey? I thought he would be home by now. Is she ok? How do you do it? Wow, much prayers to you for patience and strength girlfriend I am now in a similar boat-only a capsized one .

We had a scare too that is still uncertain...his mother is ill too and had to fly almost emergency across country 4 days ago to Istanbul for a possible operation tomorrow to remove a growth . I am praying it isn't malignant.

Plan was to go back to Turkey mid-september, but his mother became ill last week. We chatted and I cried and worried. Being an RN, I naturally wanted to gauge her condition or at least have an idea... in "Turklish" no less. The next day he stressed and flat out said not to come without elaborating, which made me worry more about how he was coping and wondering about his mother's condition. All next day at work I realized that being far in a crisis while loving someone deeply is very risky along with tons of " what if's." I was disappointed and sad I wasn't going to see him, but I understood and worried for him. I was more concerned that I was pushed away (at least that's how I felt right or wrong) but didn't think it would be a good time for a lecture on "how we need to stick together" However, within 24 hours, his family and mother insisted I come anyway(extremely sweet of them) and he in turn insisted I come and was super happy. I was confused, then super-reluctant and super-unexcited and again shocked as I stressed how this trip cancellation was going to be undone with minimal damage along with everything else aforementioned. In 24 hours I was shocked, sad, powerless, worried, hopeless then cautiuosly happy briefly. Now just flat. I told him how I felt today now that all is stable over there for now, but I feel a grudge settling in.

I need some advice on how you would feel and/or do in my shoes. Now I am afraid to have expectations lest they be dashed and a whole lot of doubt and caution after this. This visa process is already complicated enough without adding uncertainty. This made me realize that this can be fragile and we indeed are a world apart shall another crisis occur. I feel like reigning in my love and guarding my heart. Is this wrong? I am extremely patient, caring and generous and giving. I would do anything for the ones I love and his family anytime. Where do I stand now that I was made to feel like I would be pushed off as irrelevant in a crisis when spouses are supposed to stick together? I am confused, sad and not very excited as I was originally to go to Turkey now that I was pushed onto an emotional roller coaster in 24 hours. Now this is sitting in my gut with mixed feelings. Maybe I am PMS'ng......I dunno

[Mina76 0]

We got our interview date....September 24th. We're so excited! See you there Serdar.

God bless,

Doris

Hi Doris,

Wow your day is coming soon!

Wishing you and your fiance all the Best of Luck on your Interview and the same to Sedar on his interview as well!!!

Let us know how everything goes, GOD Bless!

[Mina76 0]

Hi Everyone - how's it going? I've been busy with school and beginning my teaching internship this week. I will be interning in a kindergarten and a second grade classroom all school year. My students are adorable! I am very excited...and excited that hopefully this time next year I will be teaching my own class! I studied psychology undergrad and really didn't know what I wanted to do when I graduated, I just knew that I wanted to do something where I worked with people and the community and felt like I was making a difference. After working as a preschool teacher for a year and a half I was sure that teaching was the right career for me. The program I am in now is a 1-year Masters program and it is intense, but at least it keeps me busy and makes the time go fast...and hopefully before I know it Onur's visa will be approved and he will be here with me! I really miss him and hate that I am getting used to living my life without him next to me. Sometimes it seems like just a dream that he will be here...but I have faith that this dream will come true.

Wendy - I am so sorry about your kitty. I know how hard it is to lose a pet and to watch your beloved animal suffer. ::hugs::

Mina - The Turkish Festival sounds awesome! I wish there was something like that here in Cleveland, but there isn't a huge Turkish population here. I read somewhere that there are around 1000 Turks in Northeast Ohio. I know many of them through my sister-in-law's family friends. There is an excellent Turkish restaurant a few blocks away from me that has been a hit. It is nice, because now people actually know what Turkish food is and aren't so confused when I talk about Turkey or Turkish food, etc.

Tanya - What a great idea to have a dinner for your local Turks! I need to do some searching and find where the Turkish people around Onur's age hand out. I hear people speaking Turkish every so often, but get shy to ask. I miss the Turkish social culture - sitting around and drinking tea and talking for hours.

I checked Ankara's security clearance site this morning for our case number. They updated it today, but our case number is still not there There was a case number that was identical to ours except for the last digit which was added today. ANK2008XXXXXX - I wonder if the case numbers are organized according time period the case number was issued. If so, that could be a good sign that it might not take too much longer for Onur's case to be cleared. Of course everything is speculation!

Take care everyone and keep in touch!

Iyi gunler!

Hi Julia,

Congratulations on your teaching internship!

Wow, you're getting a great jump-start in your new position teaching kindergarten and second grade.

I wish you much success and achievements in your future career!!!

....Awww, hang in there Julia we're all praying that Onur's case number will appear on the security clearance check list soon!

GOD Bless and know he is with you always

[Mina76 0]

Wow Mina your husband is still with his mom in Turkey? I thought he would be home by now. Is she ok? How do you do it? Wow, much prayers to you for patience and strength girlfriend I am now in a similar boat-only a capsized one .

We had a scare too that is still uncertain...his mother is ill too and had to fly almost emergency across country 4 days ago to Istanbul for a possible operation tomorrow to remove a growth . I am praying it isn't malignant.

Plan was to go back to Turkey mid-september, but his mother became ill last week. We chatted and I cried and worried. Being an RN, I naturally wanted to gauge her condition or at least have an idea... in "Turklish" no less. The next day he stressed and flat out said not to come without elaborating, which made me worry more about how he was coping and wondering about his mother's condition. All next day at work I realized that being far in a crisis while loving someone deeply is very risky along with tons of " what if's." I was disappointed and sad I wasn't going to see him, but I understood and worried for him. I was more concerned that I was pushed away (at least that's how I felt right or wrong) but didn't think it would be a good time for a lecture on "how we need to stick together" However, within 24 hours, his family and mother insisted I come anyway(extremely sweet of them) and he in turn insisted I come and was super happy. I was confused, then super-reluctant and super-unexcited and again shocked as I stressed how this trip cancellation was going to be undone with minimal damage along with everything else aforementioned. In 24 hours I was shocked, sad, powerless, worried, hopeless then cautiuosly happy briefly. Now just flat. I told him how I felt today now that all is stable over there for now, but I feel a grudge settling in.

I need some advice on how you would feel and/or do in my shoes. Now I am afraid to have expectations lest they be dashed and a whole lot of doubt and caution after this. This visa process is already complicated enough without adding uncertainty. This made me realize that this can be fragile and we indeed are a world apart shall another crisis occur. I feel like reigning in my love and guarding my heart. Is this wrong? I am extremely patient, caring and generous and giving. I would do anything for the ones I love and his family anytime. Where do I stand now that I was made to feel like I would be pushed off as irrelevant in a crisis when spouses are supposed to stick together? I am confused, sad and not very excited as I was originally to go to Turkey now that I was pushed onto an emotional roller coaster in 24 hours. Now this is sitting in my gut with mixed feelings. Maybe I am PMS'ng......I dunno

Hi Erika,

Yes, can you believe it???

He was supposed to come back home last month, but his mother made a turn for worse and he had to take her to the hospital!

She has diabetes and high blood pressuse and for me I believe she is stressed too about being alone again. Of course she shouldn't be alone, especially that she is an elderly woman and I guess there's not much my husband can do but to stay with her until he is sure that she will be alright and taken care of. His brother is out there now and hopefully he will be able to care for her.

Sorry to hear about your fiance's mother too and pray that this growth is not as serious as it sounds! My prayers go out to them also. I am sorry that you had to cancel your trip because of this, but I understand your feelings of being pushed aside during this family crisis.

He probably just didn't want for you come there now so not to worry about you also while he is caring for his mother and because he may not be himself around you and stressing about his mother at the same time. I understand you want to be there for him and his family, we all feel the same way too about being there for our loved ones.

Just give it a little more time and hopefully you will both be reunited soon. GOD Bless you both

[Galfeist 0]

Hi Everyone,

So am getting excited about interview date but even more because I will get to see Edip again. I'm praying we may be coming home together. I want to take a gift for his mother but am at a blank as to what to get her. Anyone have any ideas what a Turkish mom would enjoy, aside from fragrances/chocolates/scarves.

Julia and Sibel-you're in my thoughts/prayers

Wendy-am sorry about your loss, I know the feeling.

Mina-Thanks for your well wishes

God bless everyone,

Doris

[wendya 0]

Hi Everyone,

Julia, Thank you for the condolences on my little kitty. We got her ashes back the other day.

What wonderful news on your teaching internship!! It sounds wonderful and I wish you the best!!

Awaterlily and Doris, thank you for your sympathy in my loss.

Doris, I wish you a safe and successful trip!!! I am sure you two will be flying home together!

I am excited for you both!!!

Thank you all for all your thoughts and prayers and kind words for me!! I love this group of people and I am so happy I found this site (Thank you Mina!!). I hope one day we can all meet up!! Maybe like Julia suggested and we can take a nice Mediterranean trip together!!!

Love to All,

Wendy

[ErikaAndHamit 73]

Thanks Mina for your reply. Are you planning on going to see him or? Wow...this could last forever. Now my trip is not canceled as his mom insisted that I come (what a saint) and I really want to meet her. You are right anyway-I am just way too sensitive and always waiting for the worst to happen. I am going on September 12. Is there anything I could do for or get you while I am in Istanbul (such as your husband... ?) Anyway, I will keep you in my prayers along with Julia. Hope to be here more this weekend!

Ta ta for now

[tanyakaraman 0]

Erika, I hope you are able to enjoy your trip and I hope his mom is going to be OK!

Having your plans almost turned upside down can definitely throw you emotionally. I have a friend who's seeing a Turkish guy, bought plane tickets to go be with him, and arrived in Istanbul, only to have him tell her "don't come" because his father was also ill with cancer. She did end up seeing him briefly during her trip (fortunately, she had other friends in the country that she was able to spend time with in the meantime) but I'm sure that was very disheartening for her. On a happier note, a year later, they are still together and going strong I believe she is planning to move there (to Konya) after finishing college.

So I guess what I'm saying is "hang in there". This road is definitely not easy, but it is worthwhile...and remember that a man who treats his mother well will treat his wife the same way

Galfeist, I hope your interview goes well & you two are able to return to the US together! As for the gift, you should just give her something from your heart. If you really want a recommendation though, you can't go wrong with gold Maybe a bracelet or necklace...or earrings if she wears them. All of the Turkish women I know love it!

Tanya

[JULIAFERNO 0]

Hi Everyone - how's it going? It has been a couple of weeks since anyone has posted, so I thought I would check in and see what's going on and if anyone has any news. Onur is still waiting for his security clearance. I am going to contact my senator when we hit the 2 month mark (in another 9 days).

I have been very busy with teaching and classes, so at least my mind is occupied.

I am excited for autumn! It is my favorite time of year (and I am an October baby)...I just love the weather, the trees, the back-to-school spirit, the harvest season

Well, hope you are all well - let me know how you are doing!

[miamiwife 0]

Merhaba everybody!

I have never posted in this forum, but I have read many of your journeys. Like Julia and Onur, my husband and I have been stuck in AP since his K-3 interview back in June. Every day I hope that his number will appear, but each day is met with dissappointment. This is the longest I have gone without seeing Muhammet, and it has been really difficult. I don't think I will be able to go to Turkey until Winter Recess in December. I know Serdar received his visa recently and I wish the best of luck to Doris this week too. Hopefully Julia and I will have good news soon!

Sibel

[Galfeist 0]

Thanks Sibel for your well wishes!

I am off to Istanbul in about 8 hours. Interview on the 24th! I will let everyone know what happens. Just keep us in your thoughts/prayers. I am so nervous/excited now that it's getting so close.

All the best to everyone!

Doris

[Galfeist 0]

We're approved!!! Thanks to God! Will follow up with interview details later since we're off to Antalya now, just wanted everyone to know. They said we should get visa in a few days. He's coming home with me!!!!

Thanks for everything everyone,

Doris

[Ctrl+alt+delete 0]

Congratulations

[tanyakaraman 0]

Tebrikler Galfeist!!! That's wonderful news!

[JULIAFERNO 0]

Congratulations Doris! I am sure you are elated and relieved!! Best wishes to you and your fiance with your new beginning.

It is good to know that AP is not becoming the norm in Turkey...but still have no clue why Onur is in this horrible dark hole. I have been feeling pretty depressed these last few days. I feel like crying all the time. There is no reason that Onur shouldn't be here with me right now. It is getting harder to stay positive...I just feel so sad.

Edited September 24, 2008 by JULIAFERNO