New and nervous :/

[hniHnitsuJ 8]

Hi Kevin, Welcome to our VJ family. Good luck.

[Mina76 0]

Hi Kevin and Welcome to VJ!

[Kevin-n-Merlaine 14]

Thank you all very much I tracked my passport today - should be here tomorrow! If everything falls into place, I'll be on my way in a few weeks. I'll see how it goes there, but I may just stay for a while.

[WROCLAW 0]

welcome 2 V.J.

[toddandhien 2]

Thank you all very much I tracked my passport today - should be here tomorrow! If everything falls into place, I'll be on my way in a few weeks. I'll see how it goes there, but I may just stay for a while.

good luck and enjoy VN

[Kevin-n-Merlaine 14]

Thank you all very much I tracked my passport today - should be here tomorrow! If everything falls into place, I'll be on my way in a few weeks. I'll see how it goes there, but I may just stay for a while.

good luck and enjoy VN

Thanks Todd It didn't come today, but the site says it was supposed to deliver today. This week hopefully then I can make some reservations. Really appreciate the help with the air travel.

[Anh map 2,098]

Welcome to the VN section of VJ. You're getting a lot of good input already. Hang out in the regional forum as well to get more info and perspective.

The age difference is an issue, but not a problem.

Single trip after being introduced by family member - another bigger issue. For HCMC a couple of trips including a Dam Hoi (ask Thao about it, her eyes will light up) will help a lot. None of us can travel there like Todd.

The opportunity to spend time together is important. It will help you answer all the questions in the back of your mind. Sitting seaside drinking iced coffee in Vung Tau is a great place to learn about each other. (worked for me).

Welcome to the VJ/VN family. Fire away with all the questions.

[spikeyflip 0]

Welcome to VJ hope your process will be a speedy one

[Kevin-n-Merlaine 14]

Welcome to the VN section of VJ. You're getting a lot of good input already. Hang out in the regional forum as well to get more info and perspective.

The age difference is an issue, but not a problem.

Single trip after being introduced by family member - another bigger issue. For HCMC a couple of trips including a Dam Hoi (ask Thao about it, her eyes will light up) will help a lot. None of us can travel there like Todd.

The opportunity to spend time together is important. It will help you answer all the questions in the back of your mind. Sitting seaside drinking iced coffee in Vung Tau is a great place to learn about each other. (worked for me).

Welcome to the VJ/VN family. Fire away with all the questions.

Thanks Anh map! And thank you spikeyflip I know your right about Todd's travels! I had a pretty happy/exciting day yesterday though. I talked to the matriarch of the family again (she lives here) and I can stay in her home there (she owns two) for as long as I'd like - she'll make the arrangements with her brother. They'll pick me up in HCMC and take me home with um So, after talking to Todd several times, It looks like I'm finally going to go meet my little sweetie in mid May!! And I'll be meeting up with Todd in San Fransisco and flying over with him (newb training). Looks like at least a month long summer vacation in Vung Tau for me this year!!

(happy dance again this morning )

[Anh map 2,098]

Sounds good.

The house thing could be a double edged sword. Again, you want to prove that you aren't being "recruited" to marry Thao. Staying for free in a house owned by a USC or LPR with family connections to your fiance could be seen negatively. I'm not saying this judgementally. Just thinking in HCMC consulate terms.

[Kevin-n-Merlaine 14]

Sounds good.

The house thing could be a double edged sword. Again, you want to prove that you aren't being "recruited" to marry Thao. Staying for free in a house owned by a USC or LPR with family connections to your fiance could be seen negatively. I'm not saying this judgementally. Just thinking in HCMC consulate terms.

I seem to run into a lot of those swords..LOL I really don't have much of a choice where that's concerned. I plan on just taking it easy and making at least 3 trips there like Todd suggested. If it weren't for the hospitality the family by providing a place to stay, I don't think I could afford to go. Hopefully I can circumvent any "negatives" we may have with steady documentation. Best I can do I guess.

[Anh map 2,098]

Being aware of how the process goes in HCMC (or any other embassy/consulate) will help you tremendously. Knowing what challenges you must overcome is much better than dealing with the blue/white slips at the interview.

You will want to hold onto every receipt. Make sure all of your chats are logged.

Multiple trips are a plus in every way. More time for the two of you to learn about each other and confirm that you want to be married as well as supplying more evidence of relationship.

Pick one airline or alliance to travel with. Be sure to join the airline's frequent flyer program and get an affinity CC if you can as well. Bank up the points/miles to help defray some travel costs.

If Thao is weak in english encourage her to learn more. Help her to learn all about you, your family, what you do for work, recreation, etc. Ultimately it comes down to her interview with the CO and telling your "love story." If she's confident and clear with her answers you two will be successful.

[Zee Bee 61]

Welcome to VJ and good luck on your journey