Yardies, at home and a farrin' (Part 4)

[12/11/2006 0]

One thing that I really don't hear many people talking about in this thread is the stigma associated with Jamaicans and them doing anything for their opportunity. This may be something that was previously discussed but I may have not joined at that time. I'm just really curious to know what people's thoughts are about this particularly topic. Honestly speaking, I'm pretty confident that my fiance is with me an only me and not only looking for the opportunity but there is always that negative thought of it not working out (due to my pessimistic thinking). Of course many of us wouldn't complete this process if we had an incline. The way that I look at it is: There are many marriages that do not work out even when they meet here from their own country! My main reason for asking is because many of my family members and friends are against my current relationship. Yes I'm grown but their opinions do matter to me. And get this, all of my family members and friendsare Jamaican. Their mindset is that they will not provided the opportunity for someone to come up off of them. Now me personally, I can't just assume that everyone is the same.

My experience prior to this relationship is that I did run into a Gigolo in Jamaica at margaritaville by the name of Tony (Aston Brooks) and it just amazed me how some people really choose to live their lives. It obviously didn't last too long because my gut feeling told me the truth about him but if I would have allowed to happen it would have. I was so hurt when it all came out but just the audacity of many people out here is mind boggling. I prayed to god that he would send me signs to take me away from Tony and he did. He sent many of them.

I'm just asking that you all shed some of your thoughts by response. Besides this thread needs some excitement. Thanks

I am not into to discussing this I know many people have gotten upset in the past over topics like this in the yardies thread and left. My family was like yours in the first place. Then after our relationship had gone strong over 8 years gave in. My mom and dad paid for our wedding in Jamaica and that was the first time they meet my hubby. They love him very much and think he is great. No he never used me its been true love. My proffesor use to say those mean things to me all the time until 2 years ago when she realized it was true love. If this thread does turns like in the past I will leave. So no this thread doesn't need that kind of excitement.

belwin another thing you may want to look into is checking with the local animal hospitals. there's one in my town that takes in puppies/kittens, gives them appropriate shots, neuters them, and then adopts them out cheaper than petsmart. they're also healthier than animals from the shelter. keeping the litter box in the basement is a great idea, that way you won't see litter scattered on the floor in the main living area.

my fiance hates dogs (he prefers cats) and he says that when he moves in the dog is moving out. my dog has been a house dog most of her life and she couldn't handle living outside. hopefully he'll come around when he sees that she's always clean and flea-free. she even sleeps in my room at night.

Thanks for the advice!! We were trying to see if we can even afford a kitten with money so tight. We hope his welcome letter arrives next week and cards.

I do thank you for your response and its ashame that we as adults cannot discuss "reality" in a mature state of mind with one another without getting nasty and upset. I did bring this to light because the man I have chosen to marry is someone that I do plan to spend the rest of my life with and I am not going to act totally oblivious to the issues that many face. I have seen it happen to many people (not just Jamaicans) and I do consider it to be a significant topic due to my prior experiences. I apologize if I have pissed anyone off but as I did state in my initial topic " I had not joined at that time" so I cannot vouch for anything that happened before in this thread. I'm glad that you were able to stand the mean things but I still hear them everyday and its upseting! My personal feeling is that the thought is relevant and unlike many others, I did choose to speak on it and its unfortunate that the topic is so "touchy" for many that it is ignored

Good luck on your journey!

I think the topic went sour because of some of comments that were said. It turned into a battle yardies vs yankees.

I understand how you feel. My family and all my friends are also JA'n but I got the most negatively from family. My mom was hard on me at first b/c of that very same reason. She liked Javon and everything he stood for BUT knowing things could happen just wasn't worth it to her. It was hard for me b/c my mom blessing means a lot to me know. I will do whatever I choose b/c I'm grown but deep down it still bothered me. When I first started the process I made a BIG mistake by telling some ppl what was going on in my life b/c I figured they would understand, but instead it was a mess esp when our I-129f was denied. But since then we got married and only a few ppl know b/c of that very same reason. I'm a very private person so for me to express something to you really means a lot b/c it's not something I do.

Recently my mom has been asking my sister if I was married b/c she claims "she eard tory"... She heard nutin b/c I told NO ONE!!!! I think she just worries about me b/c I keep to myself. She can't figure me out.

As for being a pessimist (being a Virgo and all) it's very easy to believe. I used to drive myself crazy thinking he was using me so I made him wait for that reason. But honestly after a while you just have to follow your heart. I don't know what the future may hold just know I can't see myself w/out my baby.

Yessssssss. I feel like we are identical when it comes to this. Its like I want to go to the interview with him but I don't want anyone to know that I'm going back down to JA so soon (August). I am thinking to just down for it when it comes in August and then return the next day. I'm just so upset that I have to go through all of this ( sneaking to JA...lol). I'm just going to have to do what I gotta do. Thanks again for sharing. Hopefully things will work itself out.

[Elizabethnhenry 0]

For all Chicago Yardies.

Dwain and I are going to see Buju Banton on July 4th. He was screaming he knows the keyboard play. He screamed bumbclot and took off my ears LOL.

As MsSquito used to say: "DWBCL!!!"""***

***dead wid bloodclat laugh

Edited June 25, 2007 by Elizabethnhenry

[Shemmy 4]

For all Chicago Yardies.

Dwain and I are going to see Buju Banton on July 4th. He was screaming he knows the keyboard play. He screamed bumbclot and took off my ears LOL.

As MsSquito used to say: "DWBCL!!!"""***

***dead wid bloodclat laugh

We always miss Buju when he comes to DC. And I'll miss him again at the Sumfest. Have fun.

[nyseness 0]

Will share a story I wrote with both of you, it may offend some so will not post on the board lol....

Thanks You helped my night go by faster! I would love to read more if you have any.

I just realized you're gonna be in the U.S. at the end of this week!!! Are you all packed? Are you excited? scared? nervous? Have a safe trip!

Ooh I wanna know...

[Dwarf_Ogress 0]

Marlon texted me to let me know that he finally received his police certificate from the UK as well as Packet 3. It says the Visa fee is $335.00 US?!?!?!

[MyDestinyAwaits 0]

Marlon texted me to let me know that he finally received his police certificate from the UK as well as Packet 3. It says the Visa fee is $335.00 US?!?!?!

can someone remind me when does this fee get paid? isn't it a part of the AOS once he gets to the states?

[nyseness 0]

One thing that I really don't hear many people talking about in this thread is the stigma associated with Jamaicans and them doing anything for their opportunity. This may be something that was previously discussed but I may have not joined at that time. I'm just really curious to know what people's thoughts are about this particularly topic. Honestly speaking, I'm pretty confident that my fiance is with me an only me and not only looking for the opportunity but there is always that negative thought of it not working out (due to my pessimistic thinking). Of course many of us wouldn't complete this process if we had an incline. The way that I look at it is: There are many marriages that do not work out even when they meet here from their own country! My main reason for asking is because many of my family members and friends are against my current relationship. Yes I'm grown but their opinions do matter to me. And get this, all of my family members and friendsare Jamaican. Their mindset is that they will not provided the opportunity for someone to come up off of them. Now me personally, I can't just assume that everyone is the same.

My experience prior to this relationship is that I did run into a Gigolo in Jamaica at margaritaville by the name of Tony (Aston Brooks) and it just amazed me how some people really choose to live their lives. It obviously didn't last too long because my gut feeling told me the truth about him but if I would have allowed to happen it would have. I was so hurt when it all came out but just the audacity of many people out here is mind boggling. I prayed to god that he would send me signs to take me away from Tony and he did. He sent many of them.

I'm just asking that you all shed some of your thoughts by response. Besides this thread needs some excitement. Thanks

I am not into to discussing this I know many people have gotten upset in the past over topics like this in the yardies thread and left. My family was like yours in the first place. Then after our relationship had gone strong over 8 years gave in. My mom and dad paid for our wedding in Jamaica and that was the first time they meet my hubby. They love him very much and think he is great. No he never used me its been true love. My proffesor use to say those mean things to me all the time until 2 years ago when she realized it was true love. If this thread does turns like in the past I will leave. So no this thread doesn't need that kind of excitement.

belwin another thing you may want to look into is checking with the local animal hospitals. there's one in my town that takes in puppies/kittens, gives them appropriate shots, neuters them, and then adopts them out cheaper than petsmart. they're also healthier than animals from the shelter. keeping the litter box in the basement is a great idea, that way you won't see litter scattered on the floor in the main living area.

my fiance hates dogs (he prefers cats) and he says that when he moves in the dog is moving out. my dog has been a house dog most of her life and she couldn't handle living outside. hopefully he'll come around when he sees that she's always clean and flea-free. she even sleeps in my room at night.

Thanks for the advice!! We were trying to see if we can even afford a kitten with money so tight. We hope his welcome letter arrives next week and cards.

I do thank you for your response and its ashame that we as adults cannot discuss "reality" in a mature state of mind with one another without getting nasty and upset. I did bring this to light because the man I have chosen to marry is someone that I do plan to spend the rest of my life with and I am not going to act totally oblivious to the issues that many face. I have seen it happen to many people (not just Jamaicans) and I do consider it to be a significant topic due to my prior experiences. I apologize if I have pissed anyone off but as I did state in my initial topic " I had not joined at that time" so I cannot vouch for anything that happened before in this thread. I'm glad that you were able to stand the mean things but I still hear them everyday and its upseting! My personal feeling is that the thought is relevant and unlike many others, I did choose to speak on it and its unfortunate that the topic is so "touchy" for many that it is ignored

Good luck on your journey!

I think the topic went sour because of some of comments that were said. It turned into a battle yardies vs yankees.

I understand how you feel. My family and all my friends are also JA'n but I got the most negatively from family. My mom was hard on me at first b/c of that very same reason. She liked Javon and everything he stood for BUT knowing things could happen just wasn't worth it to her. It was hard for me b/c my mom blessing means a lot to me know. I will do whatever I choose b/c I'm grown but deep down it still bothered me. When I first started the process I made a BIG mistake by telling some ppl what was going on in my life b/c I figured they would understand, but instead it was a mess esp when our I-129f was denied. But since then we got married and only a few ppl know b/c of that very same reason. I'm a very private person so for me to express something to you really means a lot b/c it's not something I do.

Recently my mom has been asking my sister if I was married b/c she claims "she eard tory"... She heard nutin b/c I told NO ONE!!!! I think she just worries about me b/c I keep to myself. She can't figure me out.

As for being a pessimist (being a Virgo and all) it's very easy to believe. I used to drive myself crazy thinking he was using me so I made him wait for that reason. But honestly after a while you just have to follow your heart. I don't know what the future may hold just know I can't see myself w/out my baby.

Yessssssss. I feel like we are identical when it comes to this. Its like I want to go to the interview with him but I don't want anyone to know that I'm going back down to JA so soon (August). I am thinking to just down for it when it comes in August and then return the next day. I'm just so upset that I have to go through all of this ( sneaking to JA...lol). I'm just going to have to do what I gotta do. Thanks again for sharing. Hopefully things will work itself out.

Girl, I know what you mean. When I went down last Oct to get married I didn't tell anyone except my sister. My daughter didn't even know until we reached the airport. But I don't know how on earth but my Grandmother cld AFTER I came back saying she heard I came down. She said someone tell her dat dem se Trevor dawta dung a airport... I was cracking up but I couldn't tell her I did b/c it wouldn't look good. And mind you, I stayed in Mandeville w/Javon but all I can say is ppl cyan chat!!! Yu see mi..

I'm going back down for interview but I'm flying into Kingston b/c too many ppl at MoBay Airport fo mi.

Marlon texted me to let me know that he finally received his police certificate from the UK as well as Packet 3. It says the Visa fee is $335.00 US?!?!?!

can someone remind me when does this fee get paid? isn't it a part of the AOS once he gets to the states?

The $100 is the only thing you pay for once the file goes to JA. I'm not about the AOS process.

[BelwinMills 0]

For all Chicago Yardies.

Dwain and I are going to see Buju Banton on July 4th. He was screaming he knows the keyboard play. He screamed bumbclot and took off my ears LOL.

I am also thinking of going myself. Still haven't decided.

Anna if you go maybe we will see you there. Did Mindy tell you if she was going? She is the one who let me know about this. Can you buy tickets there or do we need to buy them online?

Will share a story I wrote with both of you, it may offend some so will not post on the board lol....

Thanks You helped my night go by faster! I would love to read more if you have any.

I just realized you're gonna be in the U.S. at the end of this week!!! Are you all packed? Are you excited? scared? nervous? Have a safe trip!

Ooh I wanna know...

All the best with your packing and safe journey this week.

Marlon texted me to let me know that he finally received his police certificate from the UK as well as Packet 3. It says the Visa fee is $335.00 US?!?!?!

:dance:

[BelwinMills 0]

Jax, depending on the kitten (than cat food) you buy ---wet and/or dry....or both will determine how much it will cost you monthly and how many shots they'll need (in the beginning) and where you get them from if they have been spayed or neutered. My big cat has only eaten dry food and the little one has dry plus canned (only Friskies shredded---he's WAY picky!!). The big cat gets to lick the (almost) empty can of food.

Thanks ladies for all the help. We have decided to get the kitten in September. We are having 4 people stay with us from Jamaica in August for our USA reception so we thought we should wait. We will be having 6 guest that week and it will be crowded here. I hope we have enough beds even though everyone from Jamaica told me they would sleep on the floor.

[BelwinMills 0]

For all Chicago Yardies.

Dwain and I are going to see Buju Banton on July 4th. He was screaming he knows the keyboard play. He screamed bumbclot and took off my ears LOL.

As MsSquito used to say: "DWBCL!!!"""***

***dead wid bloodclat laugh

We always miss Buju when he comes to DC. And I'll miss him again at the Sumfest. Have fun.

:lol: Maybe next year?? Third time is the charm.

[12/11/2006 0]

Marlon texted me to let me know that he finally received his police certificate from the UK as well as Packet 3. It says the Visa fee is $335.00 US?!?!?!

why so much? What happened to the 100US dollar fee?

[Dwarf_Ogress 0]

Marlon texted me to let me know that he finally received his police certificate from the UK as well as Packet 3. It says the Visa fee is $335.00 US?!?!?!

why so much? What happened to the 100US dollar fee?

That's why I am trying to get some clarification from the people who recently went through it!

Also, the packet asks for an I-864 but I had emailed the embassy and the reply was I only need the I-134?

[BelwinMills 0]

One thing that I really don't hear many people talking about in this thread is the stigma associated with Jamaicans and them doing anything for their opportunity. This may be something that was previously discussed but I may have not joined at that time. I'm just really curious to know what people's thoughts are about this particularly topic. Honestly speaking, I'm pretty confident that my fiance is with me an only me and not only looking for the opportunity but there is always that negative thought of it not working out (due to my pessimistic thinking). Of course many of us wouldn't complete this process if we had an incline. The way that I look at it is: There are many marriages that do not work out even when they meet here from their own country! My main reason for asking is because many of my family members and friends are against my current relationship. Yes I'm grown but their opinions do matter to me. And get this, all of my family members and friendsare Jamaican. Their mindset is that they will not provided the opportunity for someone to come up off of them. Now me personally, I can't just assume that everyone is the same.

My experience prior to this relationship is that I did run into a Gigolo in Jamaica at margaritaville by the name of Tony (Aston Brooks) and it just amazed me how some people really choose to live their lives. It obviously didn't last too long because my gut feeling told me the truth about him but if I would have allowed to happen it would have. I was so hurt when it all came out but just the audacity of many people out here is mind boggling. I prayed to god that he would send me signs to take me away from Tony and he did. He sent many of them.

I'm just asking that you all shed some of your thoughts by response. Besides this thread needs some excitement. Thanks

If you read back on pages from April (I think) and maybe pages 30-40-ish....from part 4 there was lots of talk about stuff. Yes, alot couldn't take the "mean" things a very few were saying and we lost ALOT of "veterans" (that have been on here for 2 or more years. I would say 99% of us on the VJ site are **with** Jamaicans and the relationship(s) we talk about are with **our** Jamaican man or woman and how we have dealt with our adversities and challenges within our "own" Jamaican/American relathionships. Some, took that as being "personal", but .....we are being honest about what we have personally been through within *our* own relathionship. "I" personally LOVE to have the "real deal" told to me. I **wish** there were folks that would have shared with me the honest truth about their relationships when I was in the midst of bringing Craig here. Shoot, I WISH there were those on here that would share their *real* stories (that aren't together) to be able to help some that just lurk around.

Craig and I have been through ALOT (as most) and more than I ever imagined and actually have ever been through with any other relationship. My parents and family members have no idea about Craig and our almost 3 yr relationship.....nor will I share with them because I'm not going to subject me, my son or Craig to all of their negativity, especially with all of the ####### that we've been through.....just not going to deal with it. My cousin who I've been close to since we were born, doesn't "agree" with our relationship, and it's very unfortunate that we just don't communicate any more....for over a yr now.

Like Rhonda, I'm white....but there's an age difference between me and Craig. Craig HAS changed ***ALOT*** being here (and not all for the better) and we've had many challenges within our marriage.

I am one to chat about my personal relationship......I'm not scurred to tell what we've been through, but I too know ALOT that I've met on here in the past 2 yrs that have not made it, or are still having "issues/problems", but won't share their stories. I do truly admire those relationships (on here) that have nothing but positive things happen to them.

All I say is...................things happen for a reason!!! Be real....share.....trust me, it helps !!! If someone asks for advice/opinions and it may be a little *to real*....we're just trying to help, shed light, whatever you want to call it.

Dwain has almost been here once. Everything has been wonderful. One little argument over his driving but he is doing really good right now and if he drives bad I just joke and tell people to get off the road a crazy Jamaican has moved in and he laughs.

He is right now at the college training to see if he can make the soccer team. He got a call today and said he needed to show up for training he was great it is my lucky day. He isn't in the best of shape he should be dragging when he comes into tonight. On Wednesday he gets to play with the guys and he is so happy. We have my mom's car until the end of September which really helps with independence. We are considering buying him a mini van cause we found out that he needs a Upright String bass for college. They don't except electric gutiar audiences at NIU. Right now he says he is enjoying his time off playing video games all day and chatting on the internet . He is also studying out of some GED books for his math and reading placement test at college next week. Really all in all is going smoothly and he wishes he would of moved here earlier. We don't need to prove anything to anybody. It doesn't fell much different with him here as it felt when I was in Jamaica.

Dwain was excited today when he got his welcome letter to the USA but he asked where are my cards. The sheet said they should be here by July 18th. I think he wants a part time job.

I really don't recall how everyones first month went with their SO. Did it go this smooth for everyone else? Six more days of work until summer break whoopie.

Marlon texted me to let me know that he finally received his police certificate from the UK as well as Packet 3. It says the Visa fee is $335.00 US?!?!?!

why so much? What happened to the 100US dollar fee?

That's why I am trying to get some clarification from the people who recently went through it!

Also, the packet asks for an I-864 but I had emailed the embassy and the reply was I only need the I-134?

I know we have a CR1 but we only paid 550 JA at the window. It said 335 for us on the sheet to so I was preparied to pay the fee but we did not need the cash. I don't think the K-1's have to pay all 335 dollars either.

[SupportOAFJF 0]

One thing that I really don't hear many people talking about in this thread is the stigma associated with Jamaicans and them doing anything for their opportunity. This may be something that was previously discussed but I may have not joined at that time. I'm just really curious to know what people's thoughts are about this particularly topic. Honestly speaking, I'm pretty confident that my fiance is with me an only me and not only looking for the opportunity but there is always that negative thought of it not working out (due to my pessimistic thinking). Of course many of us wouldn't complete this process if we had an incline. The way that I look at it is: There are many marriages that do not work out even when they meet here from their own country! My main reason for asking is because many of my family members and friends are against my current relationship. Yes I'm grown but their opinions do matter to me. And get this, all of my family members and friendsare Jamaican. Their mindset is that they will not provided the opportunity for someone to come up off of them. Now me personally, I can't just assume that everyone is the same.

My experience prior to this relationship is that I did run into a Gigolo in Jamaica at margaritaville by the name of Tony (Aston Brooks) and it just amazed me how some people really choose to live their lives. It obviously didn't last too long because my gut feeling told me the truth about him but if I would have allowed to happen it would have. I was so hurt when it all came out but just the audacity of many people out here is mind boggling. I prayed to god that he would send me signs to take me away from Tony and he did. He sent many of them.

I'm just asking that you all shed some of your thoughts by response. Besides this thread needs some excitement. Thanks

If you read back on pages from April (I think) and maybe pages 30-40-ish....from part 4 there was lots of talk about stuff. Yes, alot couldn't take the "mean" things a very few were saying and we lost ALOT of "veterans" (that have been on here for 2 or more years. I would say 99% of us on the VJ site are **with** Jamaicans and the relationship(s) we talk about are with **our** Jamaican man or woman and how we have dealt with our adversities and challenges within our "own" Jamaican/American relathionships. Some, took that as being "personal", but .....we are being honest about what we have personally been through within *our* own relathionship. "I" personally LOVE to have the "real deal" told to me. I **wish** there were folks that would have shared with me the honest truth about their relationships when I was in the midst of bringing Craig here. Shoot, I WISH there were those on here that would share their *real* stories (that aren't together) to be able to help some that just lurk around.

Craig and I have been through ALOT (as most) and more than I ever imagined and actually have ever been through with any other relationship. My parents and family members have no idea about Craig and our almost 3 yr relationship.....nor will I share with them because I'm not going to subject me, my son or Craig to all of their negativity, especially with all of the ####### that we've been through.....just not going to deal with it. My cousin who I've been close to since we were born, doesn't "agree" with our relationship, and it's very unfortunate that we just don't communicate any more....for over a yr now.

Like Rhonda, I'm white....but there's an age difference between me and Craig. Craig HAS changed ***ALOT*** being here (and not all for the better) and we've had many challenges within our marriage.

I am one to chat about my personal relationship......I'm not scurred to tell what we've been through, but I too know ALOT that I've met on here in the past 2 yrs that have not made it, or are still having "issues/problems", but won't share their stories. I do truly admire those relationships (on here) that have nothing but positive things happen to them.

All I say is...................things happen for a reason!!! Be real....share.....trust me, it helps !!! If someone asks for advice/opinions and it may be a little *to real*....we're just trying to help, shed light, whatever you want to call it.

Dwain has almost been here once. Everything has been wonderful. One little argument over his driving but he is doing really good right now and if he drives bad I just joke and tell people to get off the road a crazy Jamaican has moved in and he laughs.

He is right now at the college training to see if he can make the soccer team. He got a call today and said he needed to show up for training he was great it is my lucky day. He isn't in the best of shape he should be dragging when he comes into tonight. On Wednesday he gets to play with the guys and he is so happy. We have my mom's car until the end of September which really helps with independence. We are considering buying him a mini van cause we found out that he needs a Upright String bass for college. They don't except electric gutiar audiences at NIU. Right now he says he is enjoying his time off playing video games all day and chatting on the internet . He is also studying out of some GED books for his math and reading placement test at college next week. Really all in all is going smoothly and he wishes he would of moved here earlier. We don't need to prove anything to anybody. It doesn't fell much different with him here as it felt when I was in Jamaica.

Dwain was excited today when he got his welcome letter to the USA but he asked where are my cards. The sheet said they should be here by July 18th. I think he wants a part time job.

I really don't recall how everyones first month went with their SO. Did it go this smooth for everyone else? Six more days of work until summer break whoopie.

Marlon texted me to let me know that he finally received his police certificate from the UK as well as Packet 3. It says the Visa fee is $335.00 US?!?!?!

why so much? What happened to the 100US dollar fee?

That's why I am trying to get some clarification from the people who recently went through it!

Also, the packet asks for an I-864 but I had emailed the embassy and the reply was I only need the I-134?

I know we have a CR1 but we only paid 550 JA at the window. It said 335 for us on the sheet to so I was preparied to pay the fee but we did not need the cash. I don't think the K-1's have to pay all 335 dollars either.

Why would u think you have to pay another $335 when you already paid it at least I thought..Cause when they request the $335 plus the affidavit fee $70..to tell u the truth I didn't think there was anything else to pat for...can u explain what that $550 JA was ? I just think these forms are out dated thats what I think..and the can't update this for ppl information...

[BelwinMills 0]

One thing that I really don't hear many people talking about in this thread is the stigma associated with Jamaicans and them doing anything for their opportunity. This may be something that was previously discussed but I may have not joined at that time. I'm just really curious to know what people's thoughts are about this particularly topic. Honestly speaking, I'm pretty confident that my fiance is with me an only me and not only looking for the opportunity but there is always that negative thought of it not working out (due to my pessimistic thinking). Of course many of us wouldn't complete this process if we had an incline. The way that I look at it is: There are many marriages that do not work out even when they meet here from their own country! My main reason for asking is because many of my family members and friends are against my current relationship. Yes I'm grown but their opinions do matter to me. And get this, all of my family members and friendsare Jamaican. Their mindset is that they will not provided the opportunity for someone to come up off of them. Now me personally, I can't just assume that everyone is the same.

My experience prior to this relationship is that I did run into a Gigolo in Jamaica at margaritaville by the name of Tony (Aston Brooks) and it just amazed me how some people really choose to live their lives. It obviously didn't last too long because my gut feeling told me the truth about him but if I would have allowed to happen it would have. I was so hurt when it all came out but just the audacity of many people out here is mind boggling. I prayed to god that he would send me signs to take me away from Tony and he did. He sent many of them.

I'm just asking that you all shed some of your thoughts by response. Besides this thread needs some excitement. Thanks

If you read back on pages from April (I think) and maybe pages 30-40-ish....from part 4 there was lots of talk about stuff. Yes, alot couldn't take the "mean" things a very few were saying and we lost ALOT of "veterans" (that have been on here for 2 or more years. I would say 99% of us on the VJ site are **with** Jamaicans and the relationship(s) we talk about are with **our** Jamaican man or woman and how we have dealt with our adversities and challenges within our "own" Jamaican/American relathionships. Some, took that as being "personal", but .....we are being honest about what we have personally been through within *our* own relathionship. "I" personally LOVE to have the "real deal" told to me. I **wish** there were folks that would have shared with me the honest truth about their relationships when I was in the midst of bringing Craig here. Shoot, I WISH there were those on here that would share their *real* stories (that aren't together) to be able to help some that just lurk around.

Craig and I have been through ALOT (as most) and more than I ever imagined and actually have ever been through with any other relationship. My parents and family members have no idea about Craig and our almost 3 yr relationship.....nor will I share with them because I'm not going to subject me, my son or Craig to all of their negativity, especially with all of the ####### that we've been through.....just not going to deal with it. My cousin who I've been close to since we were born, doesn't "agree" with our relationship, and it's very unfortunate that we just don't communicate any more....for over a yr now.

Like Rhonda, I'm white....but there's an age difference between me and Craig. Craig HAS changed ***ALOT*** being here (and not all for the better) and we've had many challenges within our marriage.

I am one to chat about my personal relationship......I'm not scurred to tell what we've been through, but I too know ALOT that I've met on here in the past 2 yrs that have not made it, or are still having "issues/problems", but won't share their stories. I do truly admire those relationships (on here) that have nothing but positive things happen to them.

All I say is...................things happen for a reason!!! Be real....share.....trust me, it helps !!! If someone asks for advice/opinions and it may be a little *to real*....we're just trying to help, shed light, whatever you want to call it.

Dwain has almost been here once. Everything has been wonderful. One little argument over his driving but he is doing really good right now and if he drives bad I just joke and tell people to get off the road a crazy Jamaican has moved in and he laughs.

He is right now at the college training to see if he can make the soccer team. He got a call today and said he needed to show up for training he was great it is my lucky day. He isn't in the best of shape he should be dragging when he comes into tonight. On Wednesday he gets to play with the guys and he is so happy. We have my mom's car until the end of September which really helps with independence. We are considering buying him a mini van cause we found out that he needs a Upright String bass for college. They don't except electric gutiar audiences at NIU. Right now he says he is enjoying his time off playing video games all day and chatting on the internet . He is also studying out of some GED books for his math and reading placement test at college next week. Really all in all is going smoothly and he wishes he would of moved here earlier. We don't need to prove anything to anybody. It doesn't fell much different with him here as it felt when I was in Jamaica.

Dwain was excited today when he got his welcome letter to the USA but he asked where are my cards. The sheet said they should be here by July 18th. I think he wants a part time job.

I really don't recall how everyones first month went with their SO. Did it go this smooth for everyone else? Six more days of work until summer break whoopie.

Marlon texted me to let me know that he finally received his police certificate from the UK as well as Packet 3. It says the Visa fee is $335.00 US?!?!?!

why so much? What happened to the 100US dollar fee?

That's why I am trying to get some clarification from the people who recently went through it!

Also, the packet asks for an I-864 but I had emailed the embassy and the reply was I only need the I-134?

I know we have a CR1 but we only paid 550 JA at the window. It said 335 for us on the sheet to so I was preparied to pay the fee but we did not need the cash. I don't think the K-1's have to pay all 335 dollars either.

Why would u think you have to pay another $335 when you already paid it at least I thought..Cause when they request the $335 plus the affidavit fee $70..to tell u the truth I didn't think there was anything else to pat for...can u explain what that $550 JA was ? I just think these forms are out dated thats what I think..and the can't update this for ppl information...

It says 335 on the packet 4 sheet. The 550 JA is for the delivery fee of the visa.