Netherlands

[tmma 467]

Hi Everyone

Thanks for the congratulations-we are very very happy and relieved! Mark has told me alittle about the interview, but he is really busy right now-I am sure he will post in the Embassy review section, but he told me it was basically straight forward (like Rhonda said). A couple of questions ( where we met/what I did for a living...etc) and that was it, really! Mainly a long wait beforehand to be seen and no briefcases allowed in there.

I am sorry to hear that Wilmot's visa did not make it to him in time for his scheduled flight, Rhonda- but he is there now , and that's the main thing. How is he liking America so far?

How's the house hunting going, Em? Tell us all about your new house when you find one!

Azaria-how are you? Do you have the NOA2 yet? They seem to be processing alittle faster now.

I totally agree about the staying in touch and keeping our patch of Netherlands going! Especially for the AOS-I have to admit-I am so clueless about that I am sure it will all make sense when I start reading up on it all. Hopefully

Take care everyone!

keep posting!

Michele

Edited October 12, 2006 by tmma

[Arazia 0]

Azaria-how are you? Do you have the NOA2 yet? They seem to be processing alittle faster now.

No NOA2 yet. I'd be bouncing all over the forums if I had one. It's been 37 days since the original filing, and one month since our NOA1. I'm really not expecting any news until next month this time at the earliest.

Things have been a little hectic on the RL side of things. Harry's father took a job contract that lasts five years and will require him to live in another country after two. The entire family isn't taking it well. His mom is really stressed out, and that rubbed off onto his father who was/is already near a breakdown.

He sat down with both the 'kids', Harry and his sister, and told them that this is all their fault, and if they don't shape up, he's going to get a divorce. Seriously, that's probably the most stupid thing a parent can do. I hate hearing stories where parents do this to their adult kids, hell even their non-adult kids, that's even worse. Additionally, he said if they don't follow his rules, they can get the hell out. He passed a rule that Harry can't talk to me past 1am. (6pm my time. Bare in mind I don't get home until 5:30 so that cuts all communication to about 30 minutes a day.) We've been cheating that rule thus far.

His father is getting therapy right now, and his mother has said she doesn't agree with what her husband told the kids and the new rules he put on them. Harry still hasn't told them that we're engaged or anything about our plans. But really... after reading what I just wrote... would you tell them? I know it has to happen eventually, I just worry he'll get yelled at, kicked out of his home, or worse. So in some ways I'm feeling as if walking on egg-shells.

Merf.

[tmma 467]

Azaria-how are you? Do you have the NOA2 yet? They seem to be processing alittle faster now.

No NOA2 yet. I'd be bouncing all over the forums if I had one. It's been 37 days since the original filing, and one month since our NOA1. I'm really not expecting any news until next month this time at the earliest.

Things have been a little hectic on the RL side of things. Harry's father took a job contract that lasts five years and will require him to live in another country after two. The entire family isn't taking it well. His mom is really stressed out, and that rubbed off onto his father who was/is already near a breakdown.

He sat down with both the 'kids', Harry and his sister, and told them that this is all their fault, and if they don't shape up, he's going to get a divorce. Seriously, that's probably the most stupid thing a parent can do. I hate hearing stories where parents do this to their adult kids, hell even their non-adult kids, that's even worse. Additionally, he said if they don't follow his rules, they can get the hell out. He passed a rule that Harry can't talk to me past 1am. (6pm my time. Bare in mind I don't get home until 5:30 so that cuts all communication to about 30 minutes a day.) We've been cheating that rule thus far.

His father is getting therapy right now, and his mother has said she doesn't agree with what her husband told the kids and the new rules he put on them. Harry still hasn't told them that we're engaged or anything about our plans. But really... after reading what I just wrote... would you tell them? I know it has to happen eventually, I just worry he'll get yelled at, kicked out of his home, or worse. So in some ways I'm feeling as if walking on egg-shells.

Merf.

Wow Azaria-I can see how you would be feeling like you are walking through a minefield right now. What a terrible situation for Harry (and you).

I am so sorry he and you are going through this. I will pray for a speedy approval for you and Harry. What will Harry do to tell his folks about the petition? They MUST already know that you two are serious and this is bound to happen sooner or later...no?

I am sorry the situation is what it is, but soon you and he will have that approval and then you can make concrete plans for your lives together.

Best wishes.

Michele

[Arazia 0]

Wow Azaria-I can see how you would be feeling like you are walking through a minefield right now. What a terrible situation for Harry (and you).

I am so sorry he and you are going through this. I will pray for a speedy approval for you and Harry. What will Harry do to tell his folks about the petition? They MUST already know that you two are serious and this is bound to happen sooner or later...no?

I am sorry the situation is what it is, but soon you and he will have that approval and then you can make concrete plans for your lives together.

Best wishes.

Michele

Michele,

Thanks for your well-wishes. I do appreciate it.

His parents, I think, are somewhat in a state of denial. I think on some level they realize that we're very serious about one another, we talk to each other every night, we've seen each other multiple times across an ocean. On the other hand, I think they are trying to convince themselves that this is something that is a passing phase. I think they get their hopes up that every time we visit, that he'll come back home and settle down with a nice Dutch girl.

In any case, it could still be a while before USCIS approves us on this side of the pond. Our plans were, and seem to remain as such, to tell them after the Christmas holiday. This is the time when we should (unless USCIS really screws up) have approval and Harry will have to tell them that he's not attending school next semester. Oh well. We'll see.

*hugs*

- Barbara

[Em&Ed 0]

Arazia.....I want to wish you and Harry good luck with the whole situation. I can imagne it's not easy. After reading that his dad passed a rule that he can't talk to you after a certain time one question popped into my mind though, how old is Harry?

Rhonda.....It's so good to hear that you and Wilmot are together now!

Michele.....When's Mark arriving in the States?

As for us.....we now saw 3 houses. House 1 was gorgeous, huge backyard, lots of privacy.....but no garage and we need one for Ed's cars. House 2, gorgeous as well, backyard was huge, but.....behind the backyard was a canal and some trees and....the very busy I-95 freeway (noise would drive mecrazy, we were standing in the yard and could barely have a normal conversation). House 3 looked good online but in reality was not so great, needs a lot of work (the so-called fixer upper.....lol). We met a nice realtor though who is a buyers specialist and she is going to work with us in order to find our dream home, so hopefulle we will have our own home soon and we will finally get out of this place.

Take care all!

[Arazia 0]

Arazia.....I want to wish you and Harry good luck with the whole situation. I can imagne it's not easy. After reading that his dad passed a rule that he can't talk to you after a certain time one question popped into my mind though, how old is Harry?

Harry is 19. He'll be 20 in February. When I first met him, he was living in Amsterdam going to school there, but he had to transfer schools and is now attending a school in Maastricht and is living at his parent's home. He's probably a bit younger than most people involved in this sort of thing, I would guess.

It was a situation of 'you do what we say or get the hell out'. (You live under our roof you follow our rules or leave.)

[MarkTexas 3]

Hiya everyone,

It’s been awhile I’ve been on here,…again,……..sorry about that – its kinda hectic with all the arranging and stuff!

The interview 10th October 2006 review;

Appointment was originally scheduled at 13:30PM!

Staying address to Embassy = 120 Kilometers

06:00AM rise_n_shine_n_shower

06:30AM Drive off to Amsterdam

10:15AM Arriving at MusuemPlein, parked my car at Museumplein (indoor)parking

10:15AM to 13:00PM hanging around the Museumplein

13:00PM to 13:30PM waiting infront of the Embassy’s gate where another 30 people had the same appointment!!!

13:30PM to 14:00PM waiting inline to check in

14:00PM to 15:55PM waiting inline to see the consular officer

15:55PM to 16:10PM “interview” with consular officer!

He asked a couple things as;

To swear with my right hand raised; that what “we” have written in all the forms and what I will answer to his questions is The TRUTH and nothing but the TRUTH”

-How/where did you two meet first time?

-How many days/weeks/months did you actually spent together, before filling?

-Do you know what your fiancées occupation is?

-Do you know if your fiancée has any kids?

-Are you planning on going to work in the USA and if so when?

-Are you planning on doing the same the job as you do right now?

-Do you know the validation of this visa application?

After that my fingerprints were taken, he said quote;

“well by the looks of it all and the information we have about you two!

I have to congratulate you, and wish you a happy and joyful life with your new wife!

You got the VISA, sir!

We’ll send it up to you as soon as the visa has been made”

Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooohooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Shele My LOOOVE –and- Texas here I come wooooooooooooohooooooooooooooooo

16:10PM to 18:30PM driving back!

When I’m gonna be IN the states?

I’m flying HOME SWEET HOME on December the 9th!!!! Woooooooohoooooooooooooooo

I Looooove YOU Shele, soon, very sooon, you and I will be together FOREVER woohooooo!

Mark.

[Mel 0]

Hiya everyone,

It’s been awhile I’ve been on here,…again,……..sorry about that – its kinda hectic with all the arranging and stuff!

The interview 10th October 2006 review;

Appointment was originally scheduled at 13:30PM!

Staying address to Embassy = 120 Kilometers

06:00AM rise_n_shine_n_shower

06:30AM Drive off to Amsterdam

10:15AM Arriving at MusuemPlein, parked my car at Museumplein (indoor)parking

10:15AM to 13:00PM hanging around the Museumplein

13:00PM to 13:30PM waiting infront of the Embassy’s gate where another 30 people had the same appointment!!!

13:30PM to 14:00PM waiting inline to check in

14:00PM to 15:55PM waiting inline to see the consular officer

15:55PM to 16:10PM “interview” with consular officer!

He asked a couple things as;

To swear with my right hand raised; that what “we” have written in all the forms and what I will answer to his questions is The TRUTH and nothing but the TRUTH”

-How/where did you two meet first time?

-How many days/weeks/months did you actually spent together, before filling?

-Do you know what your fiancées occupation is?

-Do you know if your fiancée has any kids?

-Are you planning on going to work in the USA and if so when?

-Are you planning on doing the same the job as you do right now?

-Do you know the validation of this visa application?

After that my fingerprints were taken, he said quote;

“well by the looks of it all and the information we have about you two!

I have to congratulate you, and wish you a happy and joyful life with your new wife!

You got the VISA, sir!

We’ll send it up to you as soon as the visa has been made”

Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooohooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Shele My LOOOVE –and- Texas here I come wooooooooooooohooooooooooooooooo

16:10PM to 18:30PM driving back!

When I’m gonna be IN the states?

I’m flying HOME SWEET HOME on December the 9th!!!! Woooooooohoooooooooooooooo

I Looooove YOU Shele, soon, very sooon, you and I will be together FOREVER woohooooo!

Mark.

Arazia.....I am sorry to hear about the problems you and Harry are having. The time difference alone is difficult enough let alone to have his Father telling him when he can/can't talk with you.

Congratulations to all others with the recent approvals! It is well deserved and certainly long awaited.

Best of luck to everyone else still waiting.

[Em&Ed 0]

Hi Mel .....welcome to our little Netherlands corner here.

Mark and Michele .....Thx for telling your Consulate story. I guess I was very lucky by being the 4th in line and the first one out the day I had my interview.....Not long for you guys now 'till you finally will be together!!!!!

Arazia .....Best of luck with the whole situation. Seems very complex.

Rhonda and Wilmot .....So you love birds, what's it like being together now . I hope it's everything you imagined it would be. Have you guys picked a wedding date yet?

Take care all!

[Mel 0]

Thanks Em and Ed. I am happy to have found this forum.

Mel

[wileastmot 0]

Welcom Mel. . . good luck on your journey.

We are doing great. I went to buy my dress for the Wedding today. We are planning to have the wedding December 29, 30, or 31st. I prefer the 31st, but I will need to check on the reception site, this coming week.

I hope everything is going good for everyone, I will try to check in. We are going to apply for social security card next week. Em, did you wait two weeks to apply for yours?

Take care,

Rhonda

[tmma 467]

Welcome, Mel hope your visa process is a speedy one-keep us updated!

and Hi all!

How are things? Well, we are starting to get very excited; Mark is getting ready to leave the Netherlands and I am running around like a headless chicken getting things ready! It seems the more I do the more I still have YET to do although, I think I am pretty much "set" for our wedding. My parents are flying in from the UK; for the wedding,afew days after Mark lands , which will be lovely!

Rhonda-Congrats on finding "the dress". and sorting out your wedding date How exciting!

I loved looking for my dress ( and "hated" looking too because there were too many to pick from)-and I am a very "picky" shopper who gets frustrated easily.....But I have it now ( have had it ages, actually). It took FOREVER to find the right shoes, though , I looked everywhere-Dallas-Shreveport..etc etc etc and ended up finding a pair online!

Em-did you and Ed buy that house you were looking at? How's it going over there in FL?

Arazia-How is Harry doing with everything over there in The Netherlands? Hope all is well!

Keep posting, everyone!

take care, all

Michele

[Em&Ed 0]

Hi all

Rhonda.....Yeps, I did wait 2 weeks before applying for the SSN. Come to mention of it, I still have to get my name changed on it . Good to hear you found a wedding dress. In a way I amglad I didn't have to go through that -help, I need a dress- stress Are you guys going to get married in a spelcial place?

Michele.....I bet you are just counting down the days till Mark will be over. Doesn't it feel great not to have that visa stress hangin' over your head anymore (although now you might have wedding stress )

Arazia.....Any news on your K1 case?

Mel.....Good luck on the whole K1 thing!

As for me, I am not doing to great right. I have the -I feel lonely, I am homesick (read, I miss my family back in Holland) blues- I guess. I knew this would hit sooner or later and it's not much fun. I feel pretty down right now, but ah well, I guess I'll be ok again in a few days from now..... It's hard to entertain yourself all the time. Ed's at work all day, I am on my own here, I do go for walks and bike rides, I go to the park or beach, but I do everything by myself and well, that really starts to suck. Since most people work during the day the people I do run into are mainly elderly people over here and hardly ever people of my own age. I miss hanging out and talking with friends, shopping with my mum etc.....sigh

No house for us yet.....boohoo. But we are still looking!!!!!

Take care all!

[Arazia 0]

No news yet on our K-1. It's 45 days into things, so I don't really expect to hear much for a while unless CSC decides to do something to surprise me.

Harry's family situation is still tense, although it's eased somewhat since his father started seeing a therapist. We really miss each other, and it's a day to day battle sometimes. Still, it's nice to hear about other's interviews and know that someday we'll get to that point.

Not much do do but cross our fingers and wait for a while.

[Mel 0]

Hello! How is everyone? I hope that things are going well for all! I have a question regarding shipping companies from the Netherlands to the US. Is there anyone who has used this type of service? If so, who did you use or who do you plan on using? Rene has been searching for a company there (Netherlands) that will ship to here for a reasonable fee. Any input would be appreciated

Mel