looking for MENA success stories

[Nasturtium 500]

#######. You're right about the zones. I just consulted the zone map here and I'm in Zone 8A.. and it's recommended to grow them in Zone 8B. Figures. lol I'm teetering right on the edge of the zone lines though. Believe or not, I guess humidity must not be factor to the southeast farmers here because they seem to be growing them in the southernmost part of the state (which is Zone 8b). Maybe I could try a container tree? That way I'd have a better shot at climate control while it grows.

In that case just give it a try-- I would pot it so you can take it in if things dip below 25!

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

Mmm.. I think I just might try my luck with one. Because I'm basically pretty stubborn

However, waiting is not my strong suit. I'm going to REALLY have to work on that considering my situation

I'm thinking you can get a variety that is suited to grow well in Georgia... I found this orchard's site with zone maps appropriate for different types of olive trees (not saying to buy from them - just look at their maps) and it looks like most of them will grow in all except the very furthest north part of Georgia.

http://www.willisorchards.com/category/Olive+Trees?gclid=CLq3xsaQr5gCFQHHGgod2icfVA

So you should be able to plant one in the ground in Georgia if you select a type that's hardy for your climate.

BTW I have a Picual olive.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

after a few years and still happy..i know no one has a certain ending because this site hasn't been around forever...just still married and happy...not fairy tale as in all rainbows and lollipops because no marriage is perfect ..

I'm the USC, he's from Morocco. I'll be 58 this year and I'm 21 years older than he is. We met online, talked for about 4.5 years before marrying in 2005. He's been here since 2008. No drama, no issues; we're still going strong.

I should add that we're both Arab, we were born into Islam, we both speak Arabic, French and English fluently, and I've lived in Morocco on and off since childhood. So, we didn't have any real cultural challenges. But, we are not on the same education level. He's never been to college, I have a Ph.D, but that hasn't been an issue either.

As far as age difference goes, it's up to you two how well it works. Don't lie to yourself about how much confidence you have to pull it off, and don't ignore red flags. Speaking of red flags, age isn't always red flag at the consulate. After all, they know about your age difference from your filings. If they can't find anything in their checks to raise suspicion due to age, it won't come up. My hubby was approved a couple of minutes into his interview and got his visa the next day. Piece of cake!

One thing that most of us have in common is that, no matter if there's an age difference or not, when he arrives, he's pretty much a babe in the woods who has to learn the ropes. Patience, but firmness, is required to get his butt in shape. If he's not a trophy husband, don't treat him like one.

Insha'allah, all goes well for you.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

We need a MENA Olympics like the good ole days.

Oh, stfu, Staashi! Besides, there are no worthy contenders

MENA Gone Wild !

* Outed at the consulate in front of the petitioner.... as already having a wife !

* Posing for a pic, wearing the same tiara and dress that had belonged to her fiance's now-dead former fiancee, who had also petitioned for him !

* He finally gets the visa - only to be left at the altar - by the petitioner !

Oh gosh there are so many memorable moments in MENA history...

Dayum! This place is book worthy. Maybe even film worthy!

[Shoot Em Straight 385]

I'm the USC, he's from Morocco. I'll be 58 this year and I'm 21 years older than he is. We met online, talked for about 4.5 years before marrying in 2005. He's been here since 2008. No drama, no issues; we're still going strong.

I should add that we're both Arab, we were born into Islam, we both speak Arabic, French and English fluently, and I've lived in Morocco on and off since childhood. So, we didn't have any real cultural challenges. But, we are not on the same education level. He's never been to college, I have a Ph.D, but that hasn't been an issue either.

As far as age difference goes, it's up to you two how well it works. Don't lie to yourself about how much confidence you have to pull it off, and don't ignore red flags. Speaking of red flags, age isn't always red flag at the consulate. After all, they know about your age difference from your filings. If they can't find anything in their checks to raise suspicion due to age, it won't come up. My hubby was approved a couple of minutes into his interview and got his visa the next day. Piece of cake!

One thing that most of us have in common is that, no matter if there's an age difference or not, when he arrives, he's pretty much a babe in the woods who has to learn the ropes. Patience, but firmness, is required to get his butt in shape. If he's not a trophy husband, don't treat him like one.

Insha'allah, all goes well for you.

Encouraging post...I only hope for everyone in the future to have similar blessings!!!

[Cathi 5,771]

Today is our 6 month wedding anniversary. Most days I am strong and I try not to let the separation get to me, I knew it would take awhile for his visa. But today is one of those days I break down and cry

[Cathi 5,771]

I'm the USC, he's from Morocco. I'll be 58 this year and I'm 21 years older than he is. We met online, talked for about 4.5 years before marrying in 2005. He's been here since 2008. No drama, no issues; we're still going strong.

I should add that we're both Arab, we were born into Islam, we both speak Arabic, French and English fluently, and I've lived in Morocco on and off since childhood. So, we didn't have any real cultural challenges. But, we are not on the same education level. He's never been to college, I have a Ph.D, but that hasn't been an issue either.

As far as age difference goes, it's up to you two how well it works. Don't lie to yourself about how much confidence you have to pull it off, and don't ignore red flags. Speaking of red flags, age isn't always red flag at the consulate. After all, they know about your age difference from your filings. If they can't find anything in their checks to raise suspicion due to age, it won't come up. My hubby was approved a couple of minutes into his interview and got his visa the next day. Piece of cake!

One thing that most of us have in common is that, no matter if there's an age difference or not, when he arrives, he's pretty much a babe in the woods who has to learn the ropes. Patience, but firmness, is required to get his butt in shape. If he's not a trophy husband, don't treat him like one.

Insha'allah, all goes well for you.

Thank you. Great story, great advice

[PMartin37 161]

I'm thinking you can get a variety that is suited to grow well in Georgia... I found this orchard's site with zone maps appropriate for different types of olive trees (not saying to buy from them - just look at their maps) and it looks like most of them will grow in all except the very furthest north part of Georgia.

http://www.willisorchards.com/category/Olive+Trees?gclid=CLq3xsaQr5gCFQHHGgod2icfVA

So you should be able to plant one in the ground in Georgia if you select a type that's hardy for your climate.

BTW I have a Picual olive.

Thanks for that website! It's really a good resource. I see that I can order them for around $20..not bad at all. I'll most likely put them in a big pot and baby them for awhile til they're bigger. That will be a nice surprise for my hub when he gets here. Our first baby

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

Thanks for that website! It's really a good resource. I see that I can order them for around $20..not bad at all. I'll most likely put them in a big pot and baby them for awhile til they're bigger. That will be a nice surprise for my hub when he gets here. Our first baby

I saw that nursery was located in Georgia, so they ought to carry varieties good for your area. (Cold and drought tolerance will be decreased if planted in a pot, though.)

[Mithra 1,185]

Happy 6 month anni! I had those days, too. I think the hardest was when we hit our one year anni and we were still waiting. Hopefully it won't be too much longer for you and the wait won't be too difficult to handle. I think the uncertainty of when it all will be over is the hardest.

Today is our 6 month wedding anniversary. Most days I am strong and I try not to let the separation get to me, I knew it would take awhile for his visa. But today is one of those days I break down and cry

[~PalmTreeGurl~ 154]

Kathleen..near Warner Robins. How did your hubby like Georgia? I'm curious to see how my SO will find the climate/culture here. He's pretty laid-back so I think he'll do fine. He hasn't had the opportunity to drive in about 10+ years. Interested to see how that works out.

He loved Georgia as far as the city life! If we lived in Houston he'd love that too but we live 35 miles from it in the country

[Shoot Em Straight 385]

Happy 6 month anni! I had those days, too. I think the hardest was when we hit our one year anni and we were still waiting. Hopefully it won't be too much longer for you and the wait won't be too difficult to handle. I think the uncertainty of when it all will be over is the hardest.

I thought her name was Cathi!!! hahaha

MITHRA..It seems the uncertainty is larger now than when you were waiting...is that true? I know it could be said for Morocco and the situation with CASA..but over all? Is this what you did when you gals waited??? Have conversations with other ladies? I do have so much to do offline but taking this little time somehow...helps.

Oh ...got a massage yesterday. Full body and reflexology foot massage too!! Recommend it for everyone

[Cathi 5,771]

Happy 6 month anni! I had those days, too. I think the hardest was when we hit our one year anni and we were still waiting. Hopefully it won't be too much longer for you and the wait won't be too difficult to handle. I think the uncertainty of when it all will be over is the hardest.

Thanks Mithra. Yes, the not knowing when it will end really sucks. I'm glad I have people here who understand, although my family and friends say they understand, and I know they mean well, they really don't. On a bright note my husband just got word that he got a really good job and starts tomorrow. He applied for it 4 months ago and they just notified him today. It's in his field and it pays well. It may only be for a few months, but now he will be able to save more before he arrives here.

[Mithra 1,185]

Yes, I would say it is a bit more uncertain now than it used to be. Especially considering the amount of denials now. Back when I was waiting for my husband's visa we didn't see nearly the amount of outright denials.

I spent a lot of time, while waiting, talking to ladies on VJ and privately in groups or IM. It helped a lot but it also "hurt" a lot as well. Hearing the horror stories scared me as I think they scared a lot of ppl and still do. I took a lot of things personally that I shouldn't have back then. I chalk it up to the stress of waiting and all that uncertainty. Uncertainty about when he'd get his visa and uncertainty about how life would be once he got here.

[Shoot Em Straight 385]

I've posted a lot of pics of Palestine over the years... probably hundreds... many are still in the archives if you check my post history.

How tall are your pomegranates ? They love full sun... I have about 4 or 5 of them in my yard (including one miniature.) They are all covered in orange blooms right now.

2 are short and more baby bush like and the one I am banking my money on that this is the year..is maybe 8 ft.

But you know the irony of it is that...driving sometimes..there are established ones on the side of the road on someones property that have the fruits falling from not being picked!!! I drive by and dont understand wha happin to mine????...hahahaha. Patience I guess.

Looked on contents and it does not go back that far for archival history but thanks for the suggestion. I will survivie with out seeing peoples places..