Yardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 6)

[Forever Young 1]

Marla's visa is approved but not printed (called the 202#). My question is, Marla decided to have her visa delivered rather than pick it up, does it take longer to get it that way?

I know I am being inpatient but dang, I'm so ready for her to be here by this weekend.

IMO J., Yes it does. Ken decided to pick his up from Airpak MoBay and they called him and told him to pick it up in 6 days!

It should be coming soon...Hang tight...at least you know she WILL be coming!

Gill

According to your time-line - Ken got his visa 9 days after the interview.

J.,

Airpak called him on Monday to advise him the visa would be available on Tuesday for p/u ...but he did not pick it up until Thursday, because he wasn't leaving JA until 04/02/08!

Bless-ed,

Gill

[Forever Young 1]

Hey Quanah;

What's up. Listen, I thought about it too, but the thing is you have to start somewhere. My mom came here in 1972 and my dad followed in 1976 (against his will, but he loved his wife). My dad didn't want to come to the states because he worked so hard to get to where he was in Jamaica. He was in his early 20s and he had his own business that was doing very well. We came from a very poor family that struggled to get to where we are now. I remember at my grandmother's house (since she raised my brother and I), we had a kitchen that was made totally out of zinc. No electricity, no bathroom, but we made it and we thank God everyday for what we have.

People ask my dad why he left Jamaica to come here to start all over again and he said he loved his wife and didn't want to be away from her. Things worked out for us though, my dad was able to build his dream home in 1982 and we're constanly upgrading or adding another room on to it. My dad had to start over when he came here and he had to work for someone. He's never worked for anyone before that and he said it was very difficult. But he did what he had to do to provide for his family so that we could all be together again.

I'm the same way. I cleaned hotel rooms to get through the first 3 years of college. The last year I got an office job. I don't owe any school loans and I choose to do it that way.

Baby girl, life is a struggle. It's really up to you if you want to deal with it. My friends here in the states and the ones that have men in Jamaica go back and forth with arguments about money.

So, if I have to choose love and happiness over money.......mi we tek di loving...di money can come latah

EXCELLENT ADVICE LAWNY!!!!

[Forever Young 1]

Remember money can't buy happiness, been there done it. At the end I was in the same place I started. Now I only want someone who sees me as part of his future and together we will build. One stone at a time. As long as we have the same master plan we will build.

Be Bless

Roxcie

Na na na na naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...LOVIN' IT!!! That's dead on Rox!!!

[clairern 0]

Hey Yardies waiting on airpak to deliver their visas. You can track your visa delivery at airpak.

Website is airpakexpress.com and click on visa tracking. It allows you to enter your ticket number first and lst name and visa type. If anyone uses it and is successful let us know

You can also email them at pickups@cwjamaica.com

Human resources/customet service tsmith@cwjamaica.com

[clairern 0]

Does anyone have the e-maill address for AirPack?

airpakexpress.com and you can track your visa by entering the ticket number you got when you paid the airpak fees and it also allows you to enter first and last name and visa type.

Good luck

[brownnskinn 0]

Hello Ladies,

I hope everyone is well. It has been a while. I wanted to share that I just found out that I129 file has been approved finally. I am so excited.

Health and Wellness to all!!!

Congrats!!

[brownnskinn 0]

Has anyone seen this?

http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/20...rtsmanship.html

So much hate in the world. It is refreshing to see kindness.

Yes, it is.

[brownnskinn 0]

GILL --

Lef Ken alone. I too have an early morning man. When I was in Jamaica last month I was like where are you going. He's says, I'm going to make breakfast. It was 5:30am...mi just drag im back inna di bed...bout u a wake mi up earli mawnin.

Gurl,

Mi seh mi a ear em a knock round inna deh room hearly dis mawning...Mi haffi hask "Babes, is wah yuh a duh?" Em seh..."Ow yuh mean...mi a guh tuh wuk now yuh knoa...mi haffi git ready!"

Bless-ed,

Gill

Now, that's a good man. Be blessed. Girl, I'm hoping Marcel will get packet 4 soon and will not need to take off work to go to Kingston again. I met his boss last time and he was all in my face wid im TINKIN mout. Keep asking Marcel a wah im do fi get mi and dem way deh! So, since Marcel don't ansah im...he showing Marcel different face. I told him to get some letters of recommendation and then walk. The other co-workers telling the boss that he soon left cause he had to go to Kingston last month. I told him not to tell anyone what he was doing. You know how people can be badmind.

Lawney,

That is the same thing Drew said about people.....He did not want this one boss of his knowing his plans......He said sometimes people do bad things to prevent others from getting what the Good Lord has in store for them.....

Tonya

Tonya,

Good morning -- as much as I hate to admit it, it is very true. That's why I told him don't tell anyone. His friends don't ask because they think we're married and since I'm Jamaican they assume I'm moving back home soon. His immediate family don't really know everything 100% yet. His older brother knows, but I choose to leave everyone else out. Although his family is nice, some of them I don't get good vibes from. Especially his aunt from queens, who is still bad mouthing me and has since move to Maryland. She will never know where I live. I forgot to tell ya'll when I was in Jamaica last month she asked me if I was pregnant in front of about 30 people...then replied, oh, it's just the heavy weight She doesn't like me because she feels that I'm too old for her nephew. Always saying, look how much young women in Jamaica, why u go pick up di old ooman wid pickney. I've cussed her out before and if she comes that way to me again, ya'll may see me on the 6 o'clock news

Lawney,

Girl....you are so funny......when we were in Negril.....A lady at the beach park........she was very nice built....a nice shape for an older woman......Drew ordered my lunch.....and he ordered me pork.....and made the comment that I really liked pork......She looked at me......with a very pleasant attitude.....and says to me and Drew......thats why pudgy........I know Drew was about to die.....Not knowing if I was gonna lose it on this woman or what........

Tonya

Wakey -- Tonya, I been hearing lawddddd what a way u nice and FAT! or what a piece a BAXIDE...u ago mad di man dem. I never bothered me. It's the culture. Some of my friends think I'm INSANE, because I'll walk around NAKED at a beach. LOVE HEDONISM.... and there's another all adult resort in Ocho (can't remember the name). All I can say is LORD ave merci! I'll put on my 2 piece and say the hell with everyone else. To me, my body is perfeccccctttt, matter a fact it's the bomb! I want to get back to a size 16 though, because I was comfortable and found clothes that I liked easily. I'm in a 20 now. I want to also get back down to maybe 180. I can't be smaller than that I do't look right. I'm pushing 225lbs now. I was almost 300lbs when my son's father was stressing me. I remember when I was pregnant with my son, the first thing my doctor said was "YOU SHOULD HAVE CONSIDERED LOSING WEIGHT BEFORE YOU GOT PREGNANT, NOW YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS AND END UP WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETIES"...I ran out of his office crying, but not before CUSSING him out.

I agree, I'm fat and fabulous!! Once at this JA club the JA guy taking the money called me a "fatty" I was pissed. but apparently it was a complement. Hubby claims it has a lot to do with culture. I think it's rude. But health wise I need to lose 30 pounds, esp if I'm plannin to become preggers WI the next year. That doctor was very insensitive. What a jerk!

[shrewdgal 0]

Hey JG-

Have you heard anymore about the best way to adopt your nephew?

I still think the best way would be to get Andre to be the legal guardian in JA and then file the I-130..

but then I am almost afraid that you might run into complications with the EMbassy thinking that it is some ploy just to get the nephew to the U.S. and they may run into DNA testing...

hmm. I didnt think about that before.....

Im still trying to figure it out for you. I will ask around some more

[Marlita 0]

I am from VA and have lived all over the state and in the SouthWestern part..and the middle fo the state it is STILL touchy with a lot of older folks..

I had a student say at the beginning of the year (in another class..not mine...3rd grader..keep that in mind)... that such and such (some football player) could be my husband because we have the same last name. then he walks off..comes back and said "well, actually he cant" and I said "why not" and he said "because he is black" and I said "but hunter...I do have a jamaican husband" and he said "nuh-uh..you cant" and I chuckled and said "why not" and he said "because the bible says its wrong"

My students were standing there and all the girls were like "nuh-uh that is not true...the bible does not say that"

I couldnt help but feel sorry for those young boys and girls that are being raised in ignorance....

True Shrewdie,

The same is true on the other side. So many of my girlfriends are financially successful...but are looking for that 'special someone' to settle down with! All I hear is "All the good black men in America are in prison, married, gay or all of the above! " You don't know how lucky you are to have found Ken! (I remind them...He's just as lucky to have found me ) Because there is a Black man shortage" No doubt I know there is but...

Then when I tell them that they need to open their search to include ALL men from all backgrounds I get ...which I dont condone b/c in my view that's reverse racism! You can't DATE someone b/c of their skin color or background??? I'm not even telling them to marry...but DATE...get out there figure out what you want and what you don't! Who knows what G-d may have in store!

Anyway, I hope I didn't offend anyone..it's just my $.02!

Bless-ed Gill

Good afternoon to all.. I have been trying to catch up and not doing very well.. I had a great time in Ft Lauderdale, the part I was in was like Lil Jamaica.. I understood conversation maybe 50% of the time cuz everybody spoke Patwa and I ate American food maybe ONCE the whole time I was there.. Porridge, mackrel, rice, turn cornmeal, yam, sweet potato (both of which are orange where I live, not white) dumpling.. I didn't even that much Jamaican food when I was in Jamaica LOL EVERYTHING WAS SOOO GOOD..

I chimed in to ask a question about women being open in relationships.. I don't mean to offend anyone. Obviously love is a powerful thing cuz u guys have went against all odds for it. i just wondered did the money issue ever deter u.. I really am not materialistic, but money is important. I look at the odds and the earning potential for people that immigrate here just doesn't look very good. Although I was encouraged by the story of the chef that Lawny told the other day, and then I guess those that open their own business. But it seems most of the time even if u are well educated from your own country, u have to start ALL over from square one here.

I know this post was talking about race and that is also an issue that with all the complications interracial relationships can have, it is beautiful to see people pursue it nevertheless. I think love is supposed to conquer all, but the whole being open to someone who's income will be rather meager is soooo scary.. I work for SSA, so I think about survivor benefits if he were to pass, disability if he were to get hurt, medical insurance.. I know I can make my head hurt thinking about all the cons but I have been wanting to ask.. anybody ever wrestle w/ it??

PS.. i know that same question can go to relationships w/ men NOT from another country but I thought I would ask u wise, beautiful ladies LOL

Yes, to a point. First of all, he had to be able to support himself in JA and to take care of some expenses while I was there visiting. If he didn't have a job, I doubt I would've put up with it.

Then, I had to have the gut feeling that he would work here just as hard as he worked there. I knew he probably would not start out making the salary I would've liked; but that there was potential.

My husband found had job with decent starting pay, has moved up 4 raises in the last year and 4 months, has moved up one promotion, and is set for another raise in 4 months, along with a promotion soon after his training. He also carries his own health, dental, and eye insurance.

My husband has not disappointed me.

Very true JG!! You have to see the potential. Sometimes women date men that are plain an simple good for nothin. If you met and he wasn't doing much for himself...how can you expect him to all of a sudden become this head of household husband...its not gonna happen....at least not with alot of work. I know good and well that I could NOT date a man without a job...i don't care...aint gonna happen. I am used to good men in my life beit my g.father, father, brothers uncles, and there is just no way that I can date a man not meeting that criteria. He don't have to be pulling in big bucks or nothing, but he has to have that dirve to want to get out there and help support his family. As long as he has that we're all good.

[brownnskinn 0]

Hey JG-

Have you heard anymore about the best way to adopt your nephew?

I still think the best way would be to get Andre to be the legal guardian in JA and then file the I-130..

but then I am almost afraid that you might run into complications with the EMbassy thinking that it is some ploy just to get the nephew to the U.S. and they may run into DNA testing...

hmm. I didnt think about that before.....

Im still trying to figure it out for you. I will ask around some more

We are looking in to adoption as well, there is some sort of rule where the child has to live with you for at least a year before filing finalizing? I don't quite know how to get around this, with out one of us moving to JA to live for a year. Also the lawyer mentioned that if the child was to come to the US by let's say... a student visa; the child could be adopted after living with us for 1 year. There is a couple here who have grade school children here on student visa's. I'm still learning about how this lady was able to do this. She's telling me it took a little over two months, but the children(3) have to go back home in the summer and return for the school year. If doable this would be a perfect way to get around that one year requirement. Any one know anything about student visa's? I also asked the lawyer about legal guardianship, they tell me they will not do it unless there is a court order for you to be the guardian, Only then would they draw up the documents for me. I know nothing about the family court system in JA. Andre might have to petition the court in JA for gardianship first and have a lawyer draw them up.

[jason&Marla 0]

Hey Yardies waiting on airpak to deliver their visas. You can track your visa delivery at airpak.

Website is airpakexpress.com and click on visa tracking. It allows you to enter your ticket number first and lst name and visa type. If anyone uses it and is successful let us know

You can also email them at pickups@cwjamaica.com

Human resources/customet service tsmith@cwjamaica.com

Thanks for the link to the web site but the visa tracking link does not work. I did use the e-mail address, just have to see if they will respond. I e-mailed the embassy 3x yesterday and still no resonse. I cannot stand the people at the embassy.

Yesterday i also called the Dept. of State 2x. The 1st time they told me the visa is approved and waiting to be printed, I called later in the day and that woman told me its still in review. Do these people really know what they are doing. Most backwards people I have ever seen are the people that work for the gov't.

[Mrs. Cole 0]

Hey ladies!! Anyone up here live in ATL?

I'm so late, but I live in ATL

[jason&Marla 0]

Hey ladies!! Anyone up here live in ATL?

I'm so late, but I live in ATL

I live 1hr north of ATL

Hey, I wanted to ask you a question? I know you had trouble getting the visa at AirPack on time. Once AirPack recieved the visa how long does it take to get it. They are saying that marla's visa is approved and waiting to be printed

[shrewdgal 0]

Hey JG-

Have you heard anymore about the best way to adopt your nephew?

I still think the best way would be to get Andre to be the legal guardian in JA and then file the I-130..

but then I am almost afraid that you might run into complications with the EMbassy thinking that it is some ploy just to get the nephew to the U.S. and they may run into DNA testing...

hmm. I didnt think about that before.....

Im still trying to figure it out for you. I will ask around some more

We are looking in to adoption as well, there is some sort of rule where the child has to live with you for at least a year before filing finalizing? I don't quite know how to get around this, with out one of us moving to JA to live for a year. Also the lawyer mentioned that if the child was to come to the US by let's say... a student visa; the child could be adopted after living with us for 1 year. There is a couple here who have grade school children here on student visa's. I'm still learning about how this lady was able to do this. She's telling me it took a little over two months, but the children(3) have to go back home in the summer and return for the school year. If doable this would be a perfect way to get around that one year requirement. Any one know anything about student visa's? I also asked the lawyer about legal guardianship, they tell me they will not do it unless there is a court order for you to be the guardian, Only then would they draw up the documents for me. I know nothing about the family court system in JA. Andre might have to petition the court in JA for gardianship first and have a lawyer draw them up.

hey brown...is this for a child/step child or another child? Are you talking about with your I-130 for your step-daughter?