I129F April 2017 filers

[Salty2305 504]

It's definitely frustrating playing the waiting game but we've all managed this far, try to keep your spirits up! Nothing worth having is ever easy! 

 

I would really like to be in the US by Thanksgiving but whatever happens, happens. We've tried to use this time as productively as possible gathering paperwork for the next packet, selling our house and looking for another one, looking up recipes! Whatever helps pass the time and helps to concentrate on the end goal of actually getting there. 

 

Have faith everyone, NOA2's will start coming through the post before we know it!

[JayMar2019 2,741]

Good morning April Filers, 

 

Once again it's your favorite May filer (one of your favorites at least) lurking and I just have to say that as hard as it is right now with the inconsistency of this process, now is not the time to lose perspective or lose focus and hope because we've all made it this far. But remember, once you signed your name on the petition and mailed it off, we all knew what we were signing up for which was the waiting. 

 

I'm not saying that how you all feel is wrong and by no means should you not express yourself because this forum I believe was made for this. Keep in mind also that I'm not telling you how to feel because what affects you is affecting me as I'm a May Filer and need you all to start getting approvals to make way for mine and the rest of May. But the moment we all decided that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives with our fiance's, we knew the obstacles that would be in the way of our happily ever after. 

 

I strongly believe that the majority of this process is built on making couples wait in order to "weed out" the "fake" or "weak" relationships that won't make it a year after POE. And no, I don't have the ingredient on how to survive this wait process because I have my moments just like the rest of you if not more, but the one thing that keeps me strong and holding on is my fiance telling me that he loves me and will always love me and nothing or nobody is gonna stop that or us being with each other. So when you have someone fighting alongside you in this, it does make it easier.

 

Not everyone's life on VJ is the same so I totally understand how the pressure of wanting to move on with your life weighs on us. As hard as it is, I'm trying to wait on starting our family because I don't want to raise another child with him being in a different country but with my age (37 turning 38 in January) time is not on my side. However, I believe in my heart that all in the end will work out.

 

I say all of this to say, (1) you all are not alone which should make the wait easier because thanks to VJ we have each other to help get through this... (2) we've all been through harder things that this wait is just part of process that if you let it, will break you physically, mentally, and for those that are believers, spiritually... (3) you've made this far, I know that doesn't sound like a good thing to say but April is next, you guys could be May, June, July, etc., but it is your time so a few days more should be nothing when you've just made over 3 months... (4) DON'T RELY ON THE VJ ESTIMATED TIMEFRAME!!!! Keyword in that whole phrase is ESTIMATED! USCIS doesn't go by it, so don't hold on to it like a bible because it will make you feel worse...(5) remember, if you can't make it through this, how will you and your fiance make it when it's time to do another waiting for the AOS process? Even with you guys being together, that is gonna be another strain on the relationship we all have to go through again... (6) lastly, don't lose hope, trust me, you're climbing up the hill that you once were stuck at the bottom. It's coming, so in the meantime, get everything ready for the next steps, prepare for the next parts of your journey but more importantly, try to appreciate the little time left that you have living apart such as preparing to embark on going from 1 to 2 (or 3 for me when I include my son).

 

Sorry I wrote a novel, I just felt like I had to say something because normally there's so much positive energy in here which is why I follow April's forum. 

 

Have a great day and don't worry....it's coming!! 😉

Edited July 19, 2017 by Trinab80

[vcpdragon 306]

7 hours ago, Chris2870 said:

Dragon that was a great read. And i agree that we've all learned how to communicate through this process. Also don't blame you a bit for being tempted to just go to her. In fact; my Faye and I have already bought a home in San Pablo Laguna, Philippines and we will be retiring there in another 15 yrs or so. Well she started the purchase 6 months before we met actually. She said she was praying one night and she felt that the Lord was compelling her to "prepare her field for rain, to reap a harvest" so in faith she did. Then in June of 2015 we met on Christian Filipina, and the rest is still being written  God Bless you and your Bride to be!

Oh and just curious; after you fell for her, did you stop shooting at her on your game? haha 

Oh no ... We're actually tied up on who's burnt who .., but we have not been playing much lately trying to save money lol.

[lon552 437]

1 hour ago, Estibaliz said:

Very well explained and, of course, this movement in dates only affects those left behid, if so.

 

That was exactly my concern yesterday. Because I've been preparing so much for the worse case scenario, I think I kind of assumed that's what's going to happen So it's frustrating to think people left behind might have it worse than it already is to get some kind of answer or to fight for their cases being touched.

And we all know this is completely random, as I know someone from my country about to hit the 180 days without NOA2 Of course, every case is different, and the fact is we are still on normal processing times, yep, so we have to keep being patient and see what happens.

 

But, you know, even the most rational person can have a breakdown and feel frustrated. Specially when you are the beneficiary and have to play with deadlines that can change all your planning.

Oh, believe me. I get it. All of my eggs are in this basket. My first reaction to the news yesterday was utter disappointment. I'm not able to pick up and go visit her and she's completely dependent on me. She can't come visit me because there is absolutely no way she could convince the embassy that she has something to cause her to come back to Kosovo. She's not working and family ties won't serve that purpose. And my step-daughter will be turning 10 in September and I'm losing out on being there for her childhood the more I wait.

 

I'm as frustrated as the next person. This is a soul sucking and expensive process. I try to be pragmatic about the whole thing but it's easy to get caught up in the emotions. I come here to distract myself from the anxiety of waiting. Sometimes it makes it better and other times, well, that's when it's time to find something else to distract me... which is pretty easy with a world class case of Attention Deficit Disorder! <SQUIRREL!!!>

[Estibaliz 3,037]

2 minutes ago, lon552 said:

Oh, believe me. I get it. All of my eggs are in this basket. My first reaction to the news yesterday was utter disappointment. I'm not able to pick up and go visit her and she's completely dependent on me. She can't come visit me because there is absolutely no way she could convince the embassy that she has something to cause her to come back to Kosovo. She's not working and family ties won't serve that purpose. And my step-daughter will be turning 10 in September and I'm losing out on being there for her childhood the more I wait.

 

I'm as frustrated as the next person. This is a soul sucking and expensive process. I try to be pragmatic about the whole thing but it's easy to get caught up in the emotions. I come here to distract myself from the anxiety of waiting. Sometimes it makes it better and other times, well, that's when it's time to find something else to distract me... which is pretty easy with a world class case of Attention Deficit Disorder! <SQUIRREL!!!>

I know, and I'm sorry if my small outburst caused anyone any kind of bother or anxiety. I kind of feel ashamed of myself, but I don't think I should have to feel that way either, so I'm saying we forget that small bump and focus in the great news I posted before

 

They might be very well working in April right now, all things considered

[lon552 437]

4 minutes ago, Estibaliz said:

I know, and I'm sorry if my small outburst caused anyone any kind of bother or anxiety. I kind of feel ashamed of myself, but I don't think I should have to feel that way either, so I'm saying we forget that small bump and focus in the great news I posted before

 

They might be very well working in April right now, all things considered

There's certainly no need for shame. You are a jewel in the April filers community and I don't think I've seen anything from you that isn't slanted towards the positive side. I think I have a nature of where I think I haven't said enough until I've said too much.  And referencing your approval link, I've noticed that the approvals dated from July 13th were bumping the end of March and fully expected to see April filers start taking center stage this week. It's one of the reasons I've been feeling rather positive in spite of the recent snails pace of CSC.

[Chris2870 721]

Estibaliz

 

There is no apology needed..You simply vented a frustration we all felt. I have a feeling by the time this process is over, we will have a special place in our hearts for those who walked with us thru this journey, and shared all the ups and downs equally. I for one don't remember a lot of the people I attended High School with, but I'll remember every one who went thru this happy but oft times gut wrenching experience along side of me I assure you. I believe communication is the building block of all successful relationships, I also believe that shared experiences build lasting friendships. 

 

God Bless you all....Have a great day

[JayMar2019 2,741]

25 minutes ago, Estibaliz said:

I know, and I'm sorry if my small outburst caused anyone any kind of bother or anxiety. I kind of feel ashamed of myself, but I don't think I should have to feel that way either, so I'm saying we forget that small bump and focus in the great news I posted before

 

They might be very well working in April right now, all things considered

You don't have to apologize for anything. Considering you're one of the most positive voices in here, you deserve a moment or two to break. It's normal but the same way you've been thr voice of reason for others, it's our turn to be that voice of reason for you!!!

 

Considering I've had about 3-4 bad moments on here, I think you would need to catch up...haha!!!

Edited July 19, 2017 by Trinab80

[Jeff and Alina 178]

2 hours ago, Estibaliz said:

To lighten up the mood, here's some good news...

 

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/profile.php?id=257751

 

Yes, this people have a NOA1 dated as in 04/03, as some of you here... and they were approved Monday last week!

 

So start the day in good spirits today and... keep an eye on your mailbox!

 

Hugs, Aprilites

 

PS: Oooops, they just brought me 6 big boxes of comic books. Bye, bye, people, work ahead

Excellent news! I am 4/4, nothing in the mailbox, the only thing that arrived was the wedding dress . . . 

[spike198 506]

1 hour ago, Jeff and Alina said:

Excellent news! I am 4/4, nothing in the mailbox, the only thing that arrived was the wedding dress . . . 

Wedding dress?!?!?  You say that so nonchalantly, but that's a big deal!  What's your plan for the wedding?  How quickly after the process is over do you plan to get married?

[Maria124 98]

4 hours ago, Estibaliz said:

To lighten up the mood, here's some good news...

 

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/profile.php?id=257751

 

Yes, this people have a NOA1 dated as in 04/03, as some of you here... and they were approved Monday last week!

 

So start the day in good spirits today and... keep an eye on your mailbox!

 

Hugs, Aprilites

 

PS: Oooops, they just brought me 6 big boxes of comic books. Bye, bye, people, work ahead

wooww.. that makes my heartbeats Crazy.. 😍 webhave the same NOA1 date. only that we sente ours later, dated 03/28.. hoping for some goodnews This coming days.. ☺️☺️🤞

[JayMar2019 2,741]

1 hour ago, Jeff and Alina said:

Excellent news! I am 4/4, nothing in the mailbox, the only thing that arrived was the wedding dress . . . 

I did my wedding dress shopping this past Saturday and said yes to the dress. My mom even surprised me by paying for it. We're planning on getting married 12/30, but like you, I'm not going any further until I get the NOA2. 

[Jeff and Alina 178]

11 minutes ago, spike198 said:

Wedding dress?!?!?  You say that so nonchalantly, but that's a big deal!  What's your plan for the wedding?  How quickly after the process is over do you plan to get married?

LOL, yes, the wedding dress, the tiara, the barefoot sandals. Alina has always wanted to get married on the beach, sooooo, we will get married on the beach on Oak Island in North Carolina the day after she arrives.

[JayMar2019 2,741]

Just now, Jeff and Alina said:

LOL, yes, the wedding dress, the tiara, the barefoot sandals. Alina has always wanted to get married on the beach, sooooo, we will get married on the beach on Oak Island in North Carolina the day after she arrives.

Awwwww....nice. We're having a pre-New Years wedding but our color scheme has a hint on Caribbean vibe to it. We were gonna get married New Years Eve and break in New Years day with our guest but with the weather being unpredictable and the roads will have a lot of drunk drivers, we'll just do it the day before. Plus, the venues want to charge more just because it's on New Year's and there's too many other important financial things to worry about after the wedding.

 

Truthfully, this wedding planning stuff kinda helps with the wait and the loneliness until it's nighttime and I go to bed alone. But I keep telling myself it won't be like this always. 

[spike198 506]

3 minutes ago, Jeff and Alina said:

LOL, yes, the wedding dress, the tiara, the barefoot sandals. Alina has always wanted to get married on the beach, sooooo, we will get married on the beach on Oak Island in North Carolina the day after she arrives.

Awe, that's so sweet!  I was looking at barefoot sandals as well.  We are just doing a courthouse wedding and next year once he can travel back to Jamaica we are having a party on the beach and I was thinking barefoot sandals are in order   Even though the process will be over by then, would love to see pictures of your special day on this thread!