Just Turkish

[internetkafe 0]

No, Obama's mother was an atheist.She had no religion.How could that be a loss for her?

I know that Obama published books.I have not read any of these books.Because they were his political means/investments to get where he is now.

Is Obama himself saying that his father chose not to be involved in his life?

I do not think that would be the truth just because Obama says so.

[camistanbul 0]

No, Obama's mother was an atheist.She had no religion.How could that be a loss for her?

I know that Obama published books.I have not read any of these books.Because they were his political means/investments to get where he is now.

Is Obama himself saying that his father chose not to be involved in his life?

I do not think that would be the truth just because Obama says so.

I would recommend that you read "Dreams of My Father," which was originally published in 1995, before Obama's political career began. He was approached while still in Harvard Law School to write it. It was a very interesting book about his family history and a lot about how his father's presence (or lack thereof) influenced his life. It's very easy to theorize about someone's life and experiences, but another thing to read firsthand. I just finished it and it seemed to me to be a very honest window into his life, not just something he wrote to further his presidential campaign.

Regarding children, my husband and I don't have any and probably won't for quite a while. His parents are Muslim, but he's more of an agnostic. My parents are also agnostic, but I grew up being able to investigate faith and come to my own conclusions. I've been to mosques, cathedrals, churches, and synagogues. That said, I have a great respect for religion and having lived in Turkey for 4 years, a great respect for Islam. I want my children to be able to make their own choices, but we'll raise them with a broad education when it comes to religion. I've always believed that the basic tenets of most religions call for the similar things (belief in a higher power, being a good person, helping others). We celebrate Christmas, but we also celebrated Kurban Bayram here in the US. Will that be confusing for our kids? No, I don't think so. I definitely want our children to grow up with an awareness that they are part of both cultures -- and are Turkish and American. That means learning about Islam and of course, Christianity since it will be all around them in the US. We'll plan yearly trips to Turkey, I'm going to continue learning Turkish-- and I want my children to try and learn it as well, and hopefully we'll be able to appreciate the best of both worlds as a family.

Of course, ask me this once we actually have children and maybe I'll have a completely different opinion!!

[awaterlily 0]

just want to wish you all...

[internetkafe 0]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28292113/

This is a loss for Obama's father.

I see that if the immigrating parent is not a follower of any religion it does not matter as much.Giving a part of you, leaving a part of you in a foreign land to turn into something you hate seeing.

Obama's grandfather was arrested and beaten to death just because he resisted the British when they occupied Kenya. His second name Hussein comes from that grandfather...

By the way awaterlily,it seems you have exceeded your photobucket limits....

[tanyakaraman 0]

I have read that although Obama's father was raised Muslim, he later became an athiest....

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28292113/

This is a loss for Obama's father.

I see that if the immigrating parent is not a follower of any religion it does not matter as much.Giving a part of you, leaving a part of you in a foreign land to turn into something you hate seeing.

Obama's grandfather was arrested and beaten to death just because he resisted the British when they occupied Kenya. His second name Hussein comes from that grandfather...

By the way awaterlily,it seems you have exceeded your photobucket limits....

[awaterlily 0]

Happy Holidays

[tanyakaraman 0]

Happy Holidays to you too...and everyone!

Julia, I bet you are sooo excited about your upcoming trip! Iyi yolculuklar!

~Tanya

Happy Holidays

[camistanbul 0]

Happy Holidays to everyone!!

We received my husband's green card in the mail today -- best Christmas present I could ask for!!!

We're moving to San Francisco next month... I have a job lined up, but my husband is fretting a bit about

finding one out there for himself. Hopefully something will come through, I feel positive about it.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year's and that 2009 brings your visas quickly and your

loved ones closer to you.

[awaterlily 0]

woo-hoo! Congrats on the GC and move!

Happy Holidays to everyone!!

We received my husband's green card in the mail today -- best Christmas present I could ask for!!!

We're moving to San Francisco next month... I have a job lined up, but my husband is fretting a bit about

finding one out there for himself. Hopefully something will come through, I feel positive about it.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year's and that 2009 brings your visas quickly and your

loved ones closer to you.

[tanyakaraman 0]

Congrats!! That was fast! Our GC seemed to take *forever* to come...

Good luck with the move, new job and your husband's job search!

Happy Holidays to everyone!!

We received my husband's green card in the mail today -- best Christmas present I could ask for!!!

We're moving to San Francisco next month... I have a job lined up, but my husband is fretting a bit about

finding one out there for himself. Hopefully something will come through, I feel positive about it.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year's and that 2009 brings your visas quickly and your

loved ones closer to you.

[wendya 0]

My husband and I are raising my 3 children (from a previous marriage) together. He is Muslim but not strict. I was raised Christian but no longer choose to "label" myself as such (I am not an athiest...I just don't feel the need to put a denominational label on my belief in God). Obviously, my children were raised in America all their lives so Christmas has just always been a tradition for them, and one that they obviously look forward to and enjoy. We view the Christmas tree and gift giving as a non-religious custom, although obviously it is related to a religious holiday for Christians.

After all, the christmas tree originated as a pagan custom I believe, and my husband loves the fact that Santa Clause himself (though Christian) originated in Anatolia (at least according to one legend). My husband celebrates Christmas with us and just considers it a part of the New Year celebration. We also celebrate the Muslim holidays such as Ramadan and Eid.

As far as religion goes, I make every effort to educate my children about different religions, although admittedly, they do have more exposure to Christianity...simply because of where we live and my family, etc. I do feel that one's faith is a personal decision and it's one that I want my children to make based on their own education, experience and just what they feel is the best fit for them.

I'm sure, however, that when/if my husband and I have our own children together, there will be a much more balanced input from his side, and that will be fine with me....even welcomed We often discuss moving back to Turkey someday as well.

I believe that children should be exposed to and taught as much as possible about their (and their parents') heritage, history and religion. Those things are an important part of who they are.

I did not know Debra and John did not have kids together.I posed the question for everyone in this thread.I do not know who has kids and who does not.But thanks for replying.

Do you know if Obama was born out of wedlock?

It must be very difficult for the children in similar situations to be able to find their identity. Even after they decide which id they would like to carry as a grown up people will see them as they wish.

Obama's choosing Christianity is a loss for his late-father in my opinion.

I asked the question also to people who do not have kids but planning to have. Just to make them think about it.It is not easy.

By the way, congratulations on your spouse's green card approval, awaterlily.

Well said!! I also liked awaterlily's explanation as well

To EVERYONE - Happy times and celebrations with your families and a very Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year!!

Here is to open hearts and minds

Julia - Safe and happy travels!!!

Love to ALL!!!

~Wendy

[tanyakaraman 0]

Wendy! How are you? I hope all is well!

Happy Holidays...

[wendya 0]

Wendy! How are you? I hope all is well!

Happy Holidays...

Hi Tanya, Ozzy and Family.

I am good, thanks. Still waiting (15 months and counting!!).

Yilmaz's youngest sister that got married a little over a year ago is pregnant!!

Are you guys ready for Christmas?

[tanyakaraman 0]

Wow congrats Aunt Wendy

Gosh...an answer on your waiver can't take *too* much longer...can it? I hope not...

I am nowhere near ready for Christmas! We definitely spent too much on our ski vacation last month (it was worth it tho). I get paid again on Christmas eve and I have a feeling I'm going to be one of those people out there shopping until the stores close...

How about you? Hope you have a warm and happy holiday!

Tanya

Wendy! How are you? I hope all is well!

Happy Holidays...

Hi Tanya, Ozzy and Family.

I am good, thanks. Still waiting (15 months and counting!!).

Yilmaz's youngest sister that got married a little over a year ago is pregnant!!

Are you guys ready for Christmas?

[internetkafe 0]

Happy Holidays to everyone!!

We received my husband's green card in the mail today -- best Christmas present I could ask for!!!

We're moving to San Francisco next month... I have a job lined up, but my husband is fretting a bit about

finding one out there for himself. Hopefully something will come through, I feel positive about it.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year's and that 2009 brings your visas quickly and your

loved ones closer to you.

Congratulations!

It has been over 4 months since I applied to remove conditions, no words from the USCIS yet. As I said somewhere else on the forum that Ithink they know who celebrate Christmas and who does not and act accordingly...in giving 'presents'...

wendya, it is good to be open-minded. But this issue is very very important. It never goes away. Living in a foreign country and wanting to raise your children according to your cultural sphere is very very difficult if not impossible in inter-national/ inter-faith marriages. Even when people say they are not religious they still celebrate Christmas.Muslims do not. If I want my children to be Muslim how can I let my children to be subject to Christian/pagan rituals? When it comes to faith we can not say let us have both.