this is the end...

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Awe A beautiful story with a happy ending. Thanks for sharing and stay in touch.

[Staashi 371]

Sister Jen, my Muslimah friend...are you crazy?!?! I luvz the story but I'm still around here even after hubby became a citizen last July 4th. What will I do without piccies of Squeaky...I have even told everyone about the beautiful Qur'an pic of her. I am totally sad. I hope that you don't be a stranger...although you might be done with other parts of VJ, you seem to be needed on this thread - for the whole Muslim thingy (you know what I mean) which many need guidance on.

I wish you both a glorious life together. Have a super Ramadan...may it bring peace to your soul and fervor to your spirit. Ameen.

Edited August 6, 2009 by Staashi

[Musho 0]

...of our elaborate plans, the end...

Nearly 9 years ago, I was a college sophomore, attending a small liberal arts university in the middle of a corn field in Indiana. I was miserable and spent a lot of time online, chatting with people from all over the world. My ICQ friends list was long and I thought nothing of adding a young man from Egypt to the mix.

Months passed, ICQ friends came and went, but he stayed.

I transferred to the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and was much happier, but we kept talking.

In August of 2003, my Grandmother drove me to the bus stop in Madison, where I boarded a bus to O'Hare. 20 hours later, I landed in Cairo.

Hands shaking, I found my bags and looked through the crowd for a face that had become so familiar. He wasn't there. My heart sank. Then I heard a voice call, "Jen!" And there he was! He had convinced the security guard to let him stand right next to the door, away from the crowd.

Fast forward, October 2005. A flight was scheduled to arrive at Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport at 5:00 p.m. I left work at 3:00 and was there very early. I drank way too much coffee and paced the airport hallway.

When he finally arrived, coming down the escalator, my heart leapt. He wore his gray suit and was carrying his briefcase. We embraced, and drove off into the crisp Minnesota sunset together.

Of course, there is no such thing as happily ever after in real life. Or at least I haven't found it yet. Over the years, we've had our fair share of arguments and difficulties. Moving to the US isn't easy. Leaving behind your family, your friends, your job, your culture, your life, it takes it's toll.

And here we are now, in August of 2009. 8 years and 11 and a half months from the day we met online and 6 years nearly to the day that we met in person. Today, my husband has his United States passport in his hands. At his citizenship ceremony a few weeks back, the judge who officiated their oath talked about how these new citizens need not leave their countries, cultures and religions behind them. Rather, they should bring it with them and create their own unique american experience.

I am happy to say that today, the United States has one more Muslim American in their midst (take that DS!). Alhamdulilah, Allah (swt) has granted us the blessing of living in this country together.

So now, this is the end of my visa journey my friends. With the coming of Ramadan, I am hoping to pull back from technology a bit, or at least the message board aspect of it. I haven't been sucessful doing so in the past, but in case I suceed this time around, I can still always be reached via my blog (points to link in signature).

Best of luck to those who are still in their visa journey. I hope that you continue to ride the roller coaster, have the time of your lives and end up with the one you love.

Salaam.

Ohhhh so nice story" You made a tears in my eyes!

Take care

Allah bless you!

[Muhammad n Maryam 1]

Awhh .... Your so naughty , made us think you were gonna give us bad news .

Awesom story !

[childress_london 3]

Congratulations and good luck!

[~ameriptian~ 54]

I jumped to this thread once I came to MENA forum. My heart sank in my chest!! I thought it was bad news.. You're a teaser

MashaAllah that was wonderful news and a very touching story. I wish you long years of happiness and joy with your husband. I'm going to miss you around during Ramadan Have a very blessed one and don't forget me in your prayers! May Allah accept your fasting and your deeds. Ameen. *hugs*

[Revived 0]

m'A ... congrats ! ! !

[KittyPollitt 284]

Congratulations

[bhajishah 4]

A Beautiful story!! thank you

Alhamdullilah, Allahu Akbhar!!

[ManilaIdaho 2]

Made me happy to read a sweet kind of story like this.Congratulations!God bless your marriage and your life

[Jasman0717 9]

Congrats to his citizenship

[NatPatBen 3]

Oh, I was reading this thinking you were going to give us bad news, but it is very good news! I wish you both well!

I did, too. Glad it was a happy story!

[UmmSqueakster 54]

Sorry for giving ya'll a scare I know it's not the happiest song, but for some reason it's what was running through my mind.

AbuS is celebrating his citizenship by defending the US to assorted arabs in random chat rooms. It's rather cute. I think Obama should hire him to do outreach and bridge building. He doesn't think the US is all peaches and cream, but he knows it's not as evil as many MENA peeps seem to think.

Just logging in to let everyone know I've moved by blog. It says it on my old one, but I thought I'd post here too, just to be on the safe side

http://umms.wordpress.com/

Edited August 10, 2009 by UmmSqueakster

[meowmeowmeow 1]

im happy that things went well for you and hubby. and squeaky is awesome...ill see you around

[CasandraYounes 0]

what a beautiful story...I hope that you guys enjoy a beautiful life together. At first reading this, like many others had thought, I thought that you were going to give bag news, so glad it turned out so well.