Ed and Elnie met on a website just before Christmas 2010 "sort of" by accident. We got to know each other quickly and had an instant attachment. Elnie and her Aunt Elizabeth (with whom Elnie lived) invited me to come visit them for the month of April 2011 and I arrived there a little apprehensively on April Fools Day. I was met by Elnie and most of her relatives at the entrance to the Cebu Airport in Philippines. I stayed in the family home, which is quite elegant even by American standards, in Naga City, just south of Cebu City. Everything went very smooth and even though I'm CONSIDERABLY older than Elnie, I was accepted by her family, friends, millions of cousins, etc. We had a wonderful 21 days together, driven everywhere by the aunt. The last few days we decided to spend time fully alone so we booked a room at the Radisson Blu in Cebu after a formal but warm engagement party with her family. We knew what we were doing was a gift from God and He made it clear to us we were created for each other, although it had been a strange path for both of us.
When I returned home, I asked Elnie to rent and apartment for us, furnished it and begain supporting her entirely. There were many hiccups along the way to do with arranging her visa and especially my own family, many of which were not as open-hearted to Elnie as her family had been to me.
I guess the fact that I had problems with the Visa was part of the design, in order for my family to see that the difference in ages and racial differences didn't matter. There are still a few who do not speak to me, and I lost a son over the controversy (he was against us for inheritance reasons actually). But most of my family accepts things now, and some are very supportive about it (I live alone).
Now the petition has been filed, NOA1 and NOA2 and NVC and Consulate (Manila) confirmations received, and we are in process of making our interview appointment, NSO and NBI, etc.
As far as I can see all qualifications are now met and it is pretty much up to Elnie to convince the Consul that we do have something special and that I will live long enough for her to put down roots here in SW Texas. She has a schoolmate living in San Antonio, and my sister, who lives just a quarter mile away, is Elnie's biggest supporter here. I hope to have Elnie in America by Memorial Day.
UPDATE 9/15/2013:
Elnie arrived in Dallas on June 6, later than planned due to booking problems. We flew to San Antonio together and then drove to Utopia, our little town. She was instantly accepted by the family (even one I didn't expect) and is settling in well... enjoys grocery shopping, learning to drive, internet and TV, but mostly we just enjoy each other. We spend 24 hours a day together and constantly enjoy it. This is a real blessing for me.
We have submitted the package for Adjustment of Status and have received the NOA's for receipt. I hope it continues to go smoothly.
