What was it like to see him for the first time?

[JLSBMF 16]

So we met thru facebook friends and relatives - we chatted daily - fell madly in love - i missed him more than words could say even though we had never met - I flew to Jordan five weeks later - of course a nervous wreck exhausted but did my best to look super wow - once i got out of customs and saw him standing there - i melted into his arms and never wanted to be apart from him for a second..... he took me to the car and the whole way to my hotel just squeezed and hugged me - kept smiling like is disbelief I was there... he held my hand and kissed my forehead..... it was magical to say the least - I have never felt so alive in any lifetime.......

we spent 5 days /nights together of bliss - so sad leaving but i went back 5 weeks later for 10 days and than 3 months later for 3 weeks..... than we got engaged and filed the K1 12 months after we met .... i went back again for another 10 days..... and now his interview is set for June 20th..... I leave to jordan on June 15th...... I have all the proof in the world...just need prayers cause of our age difference... but i have no doubt when the co sees us together he will know we are real....

[New Beginnings 32]

The first time I met my husband in person was at the airport in Tangier. I also did the primping during my layover in Madrid, I was very grateful to have that time since the flight from Minnesota to Madrid was quite long. When I got in line for customs I was stuck in the slowest possible line so I ended up being the last person from that plane (at that time Tangier's airport was quite small). So after finally getting through customs I was supposed to walk through these big doors out to where the people would be. It took me about 5 minutes to finally get the nerve up to go through the doors. When I did, I saw him leaning against a wall with his friend. We both saw eachother and I walked up to him. He kissed both my cheeks and then we had to go find his other friend who was sent running through the airport to look for me because I was so late they thought maybe I got lost.

It was great that he had a friend with, we were able to sit in the back seat of the car on the way to his city and it gave us plenty of time to chat and relax. That feeling of seeing him for the first time though... one of the happiest moments in my life. We were married a couple weeks later and now we're having our first child!

[RFQ 110]

I picked him up from the airport and tried to take a picture of him as I pulled up. I was so nervous I had it on video and all I have recorded is me fumbling the camera and it tumbling to the ground. I probably blushed for a solid hour and then off and on the rest of the day.

[berber_wife 90]

We met in person so our story is a little different.

He was standing in front of his tour agency and he asked me to go for a glass of avocado juice. He had one of the nicest smiles I'd ever seen so I agreed. That led to spending that weekend and the next together. I thought he was good-looking and we had fun together, but I didn't think much of it-I thought the long-distance and cultural aspects would be too complicated to even be worth pursuing.

Even though I left Morocco within a few weeks, I thankfully remained on his side of the Atlantic for almost five months after that. And he had his European tourist visa. Three months after that meeting that I never thought would turn into anything, I found myself drunkenly confessing my love over copious amounts of hot mulled wine at a Christmas market in Germany. And the rest is history...

Congrats on the baby New Beginnings!

Edited May 31, 2013 by futureberberwife

[Ismael&Blair 66]

Love all the lovely stories. So glad that there are many of us out there. I will share my story too later this weekend.

Work has been crazy! Need to catch some sleep now. Goodnight!

[kristen_maroc 126]

We met in person through a mutual friend. I was living in Rabat with three other American women, and we invited one of our co-workers over for dinner. His friend was in town and he had already made plans to hang out with him, so he asked if his friend could come along. It was taco night. Fun, fun times.

I drank at that time and drank very seldomly... so was a bit tipsy that night... and acted the FOOL. But somehow, maybe he was intrigued with how much of an idiot I was? In any case, we saw each other every day for two weeks (and he canceled a date he had planned for the day after we met-- I found that out a few months ago!) before he went back to Italy where he was studying. We continued half-long-distance, half-in the same town until the K1 went through.

I remember him coming to the States for the first time on his K1 though like it was yesterday. I literally stood in the airport, and when I saw him walking down the hallway past security, I just started bawling and couldn't let go of him. He was freaked out at the automatic hybrid car ("you just push a button? You can drive with one hand and one foot??")... and then he freaked my parents out (we started in their basement for 2 months!!) by how little he brought with him when he moved here. He had a small backpack and two small carry-on sized suitcases. We brought them into the house ourselves, and my dad came to the door and walked out to the car to get his "big" suitcase. We had to call him back.

My mom was like, "wait, he knows he's moving here to LIVE, right???" She takes more for a 5-day vacation...hell, she takes more for a WEEKEND trip than he did when he moved here.

I'm most amazed though that he is so much of a better husband than he was a boyfriend. He wasn't bad when we were dating, but we fought so much more. Now? I don't want to jinx it or bring on some sort of evil eye, but somehow, even though I'm going through serious anxiety, we haven't fought for months. Months. I think our last super-serious fight that involved tears was almost a year ago. It's crazy that despite our differences, we just work. He's the most wonderful, patient man I've ever met. We've only been together 3.5 years and married 1.5... so we're still honeymooning, I guess. But holy #######, I got lucky.

He's working tonight, and even before he left to go out the door, I grabbed him in a hug and wouldn't let go, telling him I'd miss him tonight. Life is hard financially for us right now, but I couldn't be happier with my marriage.

[Ivy. 113]

Hi again everyone. I know I spend a lot of time caught up in the practical things that need to be done in this process. But I also often find myself daydreaming about getting off the plane and seeing him for the first time. And I really wonder what that will be like. So I am asking - what was it like to walk off the plane and see him (or her) for the very first time?

I am not in the MENA section, but this question seemed quite universal. I flew to the US first to meet him not knowing if we would end up being friends in RL (no "chemistry"?) or boyfriend/girlfriend. I saw him first, leaning on the wall and using his phone. He was texting me, asking where i was (my plane was late).

I came to him and we hugged without saying anything except Hi. The hug took a while. I kissed him on the cheek instinctively, without any plans to do so and then I had a short freak-out moment about that and if it was okay and what he would think. I decided to play it cool and act as if that was a normal thing to do. Within 10 minutes, after our second real kiss, it totally was.

[Anna Grant 169]

I didn't want to read and run but this thread came up when I clicked on 'View New Content'.

I have loved reading your stories and they are sending me to bed with a big smile on my face. I am not part of the MENA sub-forum but I thought I would say briefly my story.

We first met over 20 years ago but the timing wasn't right in either of our lives. Fast forward 20 years and I'm messing around online and suddenly thought 'I wondered what happened to him? I hope he's happy.' I Googled him and found him on Facebook. I sent him a friend request, he responded. Within 6 days he had asked me to marry him, although we hadn't even had a video chat at that stage. We needed to sort out a lot before we could meet physically, which took 6 months. He got down on one knee and proposed properly in the arrivals hall of Chicago O'Hare airport - this was the first time we had seen each other in the flesh for over 20 years.

We will be married in 42 days time in Illinois, which will be 21 months after I sent that FB friend request..

[Heather&Ramy 22]

Love the stories... I can totally relate to all the layover primping and the intimidating situation of trying to find him amidst a sea of people. Especially my fellow Egyptian-lovers. You guys crack me up with all the stories of awkward hand-shaking! I guess my guy must be more brave (or stupid, depending on how you look at it!) because he kisses my cheeks and hugs me in public. And what, are Egyptians unusually tall compared to Americans or is that just a coincidence? Everyone was saying how tall the guys are...lol My fiancé is pretty short, I have to say, but so am I so it works.

I first met my fiancé when I was working as an au pair in the resort community of El Gouna, near Hurghada, Egypt. On one of my days off work I decided to go to the downtown area and read a little, and I happened to sit on a bench outside his office. He used the excuse of asking if I was ok and needed to call anybody for a ride to talk to me, which was cute. We were just friends at first, I was interested in hanging out with his family because I was in Egypt in order to learn Arabic. The first time I saw him I just thought he had a very kind face and eyes, I knew I could trust him immediately.

Within weeks he wanted to marry me but that was a little fast for me, lol... so we were officially "dating" and I came back home to America. I didn't see him again for 3 months. Even though we talked on Skype nearly every day, there was still some part of me that wondered if this was all real or just a dream. Visiting him was not only an opportunity to spend time with him, but it was also an opportunity to confirm that what we had was real. Most of our relationship developed long distance, and the real feelings on my part only came then too, so I needed confirmation that it felt right in real life together.

I remember I was soooooo excited to go see him, I was crying tears of joy on the transatlantic flight. When I finally got to Egypt in the middle of the night, I was nervous about finding my way through customs and finding him without a cell phone, but he somehow he found just the right spot to stand. I was looking for him nervously, some of the crowd parted, I spotted him, and his face broke into a huge grin. He had one little rosebud for me, and he kissed me on the cheeks. All I could do was stare at him and say, "You're real!!" I swear I said that about 100 times the rest of that night. Once we got on the road, I felt like I had never left Egypt. Everything was confirmed, our relationship was real, I felt at home with him.

I'm going to visit him again in just a few days, this time after 7 months apart! I'm staying for a month, and we are hoping to get our K1 NoA2 while I am there, and before my birthday on June 30th. I am so excited, I know it will be heaven, but I know I'm going to have that refrain on my lips again, "you're real!!!!!"

Edited June 3, 2013 by Heather&Ramy

[abbi627 43]

I'm smiling reading these. I started this post what seems like a lifetime ago before my first trip to Morocco. I could not imagine what it would be like to to see him for the very first time. But I remember it so clearly. It was my first flight ever. I was nervous and tired and worried if I would be able to find him. I collected my suitcase and walked out front and started scanning the crowd. Then suddenly he stepped from behind some people and I recognized him in an instant and he had a huge smile on his face. I felt like I was sleepwalking. I remember walking up to him and just throwing my arms around him and he hugged me and then took my suitcase and we went outside. He had hired someone to take us to his family's home and we sat in the backseat together. For a while we just smiled at each other. Finally he leaned over and said "I love you". It seems like that was so long agon but it is a beautiful almost magical memory I will always have. I just returned from spending three months with him. He is now my husband. But I still feel that wonderful thrill when I walk out into the Casablanca airport and see him waiting there for me with that wonderful smile on his face. I miss him so much......

[Happytobe 164]

As much as I want to go visit him and his family, like yesterday.... I am hoping and praying, that I will see him sooner in the airport here.... He'll be so tired and worn, but so excited to see his new city and home. I will have to figure out how to take pictures, carry bags and drive all at the same time. LOL it's a little off topic, but the recent posts, brought it all back. and being where we are in the journey (NVC) it just feels good to dream of what may be

[Mithra 1,185]

I don't think it's lack of bravery. It's how do I greet this person that I never met IRL before? What if she doesn't feel comfortable hugging an almost stranger?

Not all Egyptians are tall. Not all Egyptians are short. They're people and they vary in height, weight, and other features. Thankfully.

Love the stories... I can totally relate to all the layover primping and the intimidating situation of trying to find him amidst a sea of people. Especially my fellow Egyptian-lovers. You guys crack me up with all the stories of awkward hand-shaking! I guess my guy must be more brave (or stupid, depending on how you look at it!) because he kisses my cheeks and hugs me in public. And what, are Egyptians unusually tall compared to Americans or is that just a coincidence? Everyone was saying how tall the guys are...lol My fiancé is pretty short, I have to say, but so am I so it works.

I first met my fiancé when I was working as an au pair in the resort community of El Gouna, near Hurghada, Egypt. On one of my days off work I decided to go to the downtown area and read a little, and I happened to sit on a bench outside his office. He used the excuse of asking if I was ok and needed to call anybody for a ride to talk to me, which was cute. We were just friends at first, I was interested in hanging out with his family because I was in Egypt in order to learn Arabic. The first time I saw him I just thought he had a very kind face and eyes, I knew I could trust him immediately.

Within weeks he wanted to marry me but that was a little fast for me, lol... so we were officially "dating" and I came back home to America. I didn't see him again for 3 months. Even though we talked on Skype nearly every day, there was still some part of me that wondered if this was all real or just a dream. Visiting him was not only an opportunity to spend time with him, but it was also an opportunity to confirm that what we had was real. Most of our relationship developed long distance, and the real feelings on my part only came then too, so I needed confirmation that it felt right in real life together.

I remember I was soooooo excited to go see him, I was crying tears of joy on the transatlantic flight. When I finally got to Egypt in the middle of the night, I was nervous about finding my way through customs and finding him without a cell phone, but he somehow he found just the right spot to stand. I was looking for him nervously, some of the crowd parted, I spotted him, and his face broke into a huge grin. He had one little rosebud for me, and he kissed me on the cheeks. All I could do was stare at him and say, "You're real!!" I swear I said that about 100 times the rest of that night. Once we got on the road, I felt like I had never left Egypt. Everything was confirmed, our relationship was real, I felt at home with him.

I'm going to visit him again in just a few days, this time after 7 months apart! I'm staying for a month, and we are hoping to get our K1 NoA2 while I am there, and before my birthday on June 30th. I am so excited, I know it will be heaven, but I know I'm going to have that refrain on my lips again, "you're real!!!!!"

[Golden Gate 530]

I don't think it's lack of bravery. It's how do I greet this person that I never met IRL before? What if she doesn't feel comfortable hugging an almost stranger?

Not all Egyptians are tall. Not all Egyptians are short. They're people and they vary in height, weight, and other features. Thankfully.

Yes, when you finally meet this person for the first time in reality whom you've only known in virtual reality, your preconceptions are then addressed. The two realities join. It's fascinating. I needed to know if this person was the same in reality as my virtual impression.

Edited June 5, 2013 by Golden Gate

[Heather&Ramy 22]

I don't think it's lack of bravery. It's how do I greet this person that I never met IRL before? What if she doesn't feel comfortable hugging an almost stranger?

Not all Egyptians are tall. Not all Egyptians are short. They're people and they vary in height, weight, and other features. Thankfully.

I was making a few lighthearted jokes. You don't need to tell me that some Egyptians are tall and some are short, and that they are people. I just read through the whole thread in one go and it struck me that a whole handful of people included in their story, "he was the tallest person I ever saw!" or something like that.... just saw a pattern. Thought it was funny. Also, for your curiosity, some countries DO have taller on average people than other countries (such as generally European countries vs. Asian). But many of the Arabs I know are shorter than average, so that pattern of statements made me curious about the scientific reality.

I also wasn't trying to imply that your husbands/fiancés are all cowards or something. I get your point though, and I can see how that plays in most of your stories. My story is a little different since I originally met mine IRL. But I still laughed and could relate to all the cute stories about PDA dilemmas since, hello, my fiancé is Egyptian and we were in Egypt! As we all know, it's not just a first meeting thing, it's a strict Muslim society thing! Even if you feel completely comfortable, you can't exactly start making out, or even looking too friendly there! I was just making a joke because mine crosses the line of what even I think would be appropriate in Egyptian public sometimes. I'm often thinking he is a strong mix of brave and stupid when he steals kisses on the mouth in public when he thinks no one is looking. For Egyptians, that's completely scandalous!

[JLSBMF 16]

I'm smiling reading these. I started this post what seems like a lifetime ago before my first trip to Morocco. I could not imagine what it would be like to to see him for the very first time. But I remember it so clearly. It was my first flight ever. I was nervous and tired and worried if I would be able to find him. I collected my suitcase and walked out front and started scanning the crowd. Then suddenly he stepped from behind some people and I recognized him in an instant and he had a huge smile on his face. I felt like I was sleepwalking. I remember walking up to him and just throwing my arms around him and he hugged me and then took my suitcase and we went outside. He had hired someone to take us to his family's home and we sat in the backseat together. For a while we just smiled at each other. Finally he leaned over and said "I love you". It seems like that was so long agon but it is a beautiful almost magical memory I will always have. I just returned from spending three months with him. He is now my husband. But I still feel that wonderful thrill when I walk out into the Casablanca airport and see him waiting there for me with that wonderful smile on his face. I miss him so much......

this touched me so much ..... I too always get that thrill when I come out of customs in Amman and see him waiting for me...

his smile is enough to melt my heart and light up the world.... i actually feel like my smile muscles hurt when we are together...

12 days and I will be throwing myself into his arms....