Update

[ose_n_me 0]

Hello Subbies

Its been awhile since I've posted, cuz life is hectic and busy these days!

Yesterday was the one year anniversary that my hubby has been here! YAYYYYYY! We are going strong and doing great! He has been to school, received his state and national certification for Pharmacy Technician, and has been employed at a pharmacy for 6 months now. His next step is to start the pre-reqs for nursing school. His goal is to be an FNP first, then possibly pursue either Physicians Assistant or maybe even all the way thru med school to be a pediatrician. With the crazy economy and so many out of work we are so thankful and blessed that he has been able to find his niche in our community.

Besides the normal marital ups and downs, and minor cultural misunderstandings...(hahaha)...I must admit that his transition has been much easier than either of us imagined. Of course we both face the guilt issues of wanting to do more for our Naija family...but we know that our long-term success is the key to ultimately changing our family's living conditions etc. His new-found understanding of the American lifestyle, finances, and culture has given him a reality check about the misinformation about America being paved with gold

I don't really have time to address people individually...but I do want to say:

--To those still going thru the process.. Hang in there, and talk to God daily for guidance and strength, stay strong and patient, and take care of yourself too! May you have Godspeed in your journey!

--To the old-timers and veteran subbies: Hope all is going well, and your life is happy and full-filled. (please give updates occasionally!)

--To Leedah....I am so so sorry. Pray Pray Pray. My thoughts are with you.

Here's a few questions:

1. Can anyone recommend a bank that they are able to do international transfers back and forth and have a family member (from Naija) listed on the account?

2. Anyone had experience with sponsering a family member (from Naija) for a student visa? Any info at all would be greatly appreciated.

Take care and God Bless,

Crystal

[Zee Bee 61]

Nice to see you are doing well Crystal

[Enlighten one :) 5]

Thanks for sharing your story of blessings!

[chispas 0]

Hi Girl,

Glad to know all is well and that you guys are looking at the long-term success of the relationship and family ties. Citibank is one bank that I know of that does transactions in some parts of Africa, but some branches may require that you maintain a very high balance. I've learned of some cases where the bank manaager takes the money away from you if you don't continue to put money in there so be watchful of that. With a bofa ATM card, you can put money in an account and send them the ATM card. Put just what amount they'll need, and they can withdraw the funds for the prices of the bank fee.

For the student VISA thing, go down to Chico's Internation student department and see what they say. The University may issue an I-20, but its up to the consulate to award the visa. So even if they are admitted into a school here, and you pay your portion of the tuition. The visa can still be denied in Nigeria.

Hugs

[reeses16 8]

Good to hear from you. I remember several months ago I saw that HSBC had an account where you could deposit money and family members could withdraw it in a different country. I think it was for their UK accounts and I see now that HSBC isn't in Nigeria.

Maybe an alternative solution would be to open a US bank account and send them the debit card linked to the account. I recommend Salem Five Direct (Its the online division of Salem Five Cent Savings Bank) and their eOne interest checking account has 1.5% (no montly requirements, $100 to open online). They do no charge a fee for ATM use (theirs or other banks) and they reimburse up to $15 in ATM transaction charged by other banks.

I can't seem to sell my hubby on this idea. I think it would work as long as your family went to the ATM machine and didn't try to get bank teller assitance.

[tamirpcv 0]

I just want to say that the picture in your signature is so sweet. Glad to hear that you're doing so well.

[idocare 3]

Nice to hear that you and your husband is still going strong. School is very important to Nigerians, glad to hear of him excelling!!!

I don't know of any banks; but I do know that you all can send money thru Western Union and it gets to Nigeria within an hour if I remember right.

[ForeverAmen 0]

Cyrstal,

I'm glad things are going well.

Edited May 1, 2009 by Boaz

[forchika 4]

Hi Crystal,

Glad you guys are progressing well....thank for the update!!!!

Robin