Jenny and Abdslam

We're Married!

2010-05-29T09:09:00.001-07:00

April 18, 2010. Como Park Conservatory, St. Paul, MN.

An acute gangrenous appendicitis

2010-02-24T05:48:00.000-08:00

Just want to let you know I came home Monday night after a 16 day hospital stay due to a ruptured appendix, which turned gangrenous and required a second surgery to wash the abscess out. They sent me home with three drains in my belly that are still working on removing all the infection. I learned how to flush the drains and I do that myself three times a day, which is quite disgusting. I'm still in a lot of pain, but I think the worst is behind me. It's good to be home, but a little scary, too. I have an appointment Monday with radiology to check on the drains and a second appointment with my surgeon to check on the incisions. I have two small laparoscopic incisions where the surgeon failed to remove the appendix and one big incision where the appendix was removed, then there is one bigger incision from my belly button down where I was opened up to wash out the abscess. I also have four holes where the drains were placed. One drain was removed Monday because it was not removing any infection and the other three remain.

During this very scary ordeal, Abdslam was scheduled to arrive to Minnesota and was whisked quickly to Rochester where he spent a great deal of time getting familiar with the Mayo Clinic. This is not quite what we had in mind for our reunion, but I am so very thankful he has been here by my side through most of it. Currently, we're staying with at my parents' house for a few reasons. 1. I'm scared. 2. I haven't moved everything into my apartment because the burst appendix happened the weekend I was supposed to get all that done. 3. I cannot drive, nor can Abdslam legally and we would be totally isolated at the apartment. 4. There is nothing like a mom's TLC when you're sick. Once I get a handle on the pain and feel up to it, we'll move out to the apartment. Most likely by this weekend.

Thank god for family and especially for my parents. If it wasn't for my family, I don't think I would have gotten through this. I love you all so much and cannot thank you enough for all the love, prayers, and support you've given me the past few weeks.

February 11th!

2010-02-04T13:17:00.000-08:00

Abdslam bought his ticket! He'll be arriving February 11th in Minneapolis at 8:07 pm!

Morocco/Peru Update

2010-01-26T20:47:00.001-08:00

There were two phone calls today. One was from Abdslam. His visa is ready and he will pick it up tomorrow afternoon. Looks like he'll be here in time to be my valentine. So, while I'm very very excited about Abdslam to make his way to America, I'm also very very worried about my sister and her travels to America.

Which brings me to the second phone call. My sister, Sara, has been studying abroad in Peru for the past three weeks. If you haven't heard about Peru in the news, there has been a lot of rain and flooding in the past week. Sara, along with her school group, visited the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu. And if you haven't heard about Machu Picchu in the news, there are currently 2,000 tourists stranded there due to the flooding. There is one train that is the only way out of the nearby village and it has been flooded over. So, the Peruvians and tourists are stranded with no way out, waters rising, and the possibility of a dam breaking. Sara called last night to let us know that the US Marines will be airlifting people via helicopter. Her group is in line to be evacuated, but it's a very long line. They're starting with the elderly and sick, then women with children, and then people like Sara. Let's all pray that the rains subside and Sara gets on a helicopter soon and comes home!

I love you, Sara!

One Step Closer...

2010-01-21T11:29:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was Abdslam's interview at the US Consulate in Casablanca. And he passed with flying colors! The whole experience sounded really positive for him, so I couldn't be happier.

The interview was scheduled for 8:00 am, so I called him at 12:30 our time to wish him good luck (even though we knew he wouldn't need it!). Then, I settled in for a restless night of sleep. I had anxious dreams of him not passing, my phone not working, and a trip to Morocco to help him. Finally, he called at 6:50 am to let me know he had passed and everything went well.

Later on, he told me more details over skype. He said he arrived early to find a lot of other people waiting outside the Consulate, so he joined them. Then, he was taken inside through a metal detector, another metal detector, and finger-printed. He waited in a room for a few hours along with everybody else. When a person is called to interview, they are taken to a ticket booth of sorts, and interviewed by an American embassy worker from behind the glass. Everyone in the room can easily eavesdrop on the other interviews taking place.

So, when they called Abdslam's name he was taken to a man behind one of these windows. The first thing the man said to him was, "When you see your fiancee, make sure you tell her that my high school team used to beat her team." Abdslam said he was too nervous to ask the man which city he was from, but they both had a good chuckle together. Next, the man asked if Abdslam had any photos. I had prepared and sent over a large photo album full of photos from the day we met until the day I returned to the states. The man quickly flipped through the pages and asked Abdslam, "Where did you meet her?" Abdslam told him the story of how we met at the youth camp, that I coordinated as a Peace Corps volunteer, and how he was working as a couneslor with the Ministry of Youth and Sport. The man commented to Abdslam, "Yeah, she looks like a Peace Corps volunteer." AND THAT WAS THE END OF THE INTERVIEW!! All that preparation, and he was only asked ONE question!

After that, the man kept Abdslam's passport and handed him a piece of paper. Feeling a little confused, Abdslam asked, "Excuse me, did I get the visa?" And the man replied, "Don't worry about anything, they should call you in 7-10 days." And that was it!

It's funny to think how over-prepared Abdslam was for this interview. We generated a list of possible questions they might ask him including obscure information like the year I graduated high school, pets' names, where my sisters went to college, etc. And for evidence of our relationship, I printed out our entire skype chat and call history, all emails, all the letters he sent to me through the mail, photos, and even a letter of support from my parents...and he asked to see only the photos.

I think they must have decided he was approved before he came in for his interview. And they were basically meeting him to collect the documents necessary to make the visa (birth certificate, police report, medical interview, etc), collect the visa fee and passport, and just verify that he is who he says he is.

Now, we're just waiting for that phone call from the Consulate to inform him his visa has been processed and is ready to be picked up! Unfortunately, we have no idea when that will happen! But, hopefully it will only take a few days!

As soon as he gets the phone call, he will buy his ticket to come to Minnesota and we will set a date for our wedding! Until then, we'll be (again) patiently waiting.

Interview a month away!

2009-12-19T13:24:00.000-08:00

Minnesota update: It's been a busy month. I'm working full-time now, so that cut into my lounging around time quite a bit. The job's going well, but I have a lot left to learn. Next on my list of to-dos is buying a car.

Morocco update: Abdslam traveled to Casablanca to get all his important documents (birth certificate, police report, etc) officially translated into English. This cost him the equivalent to $150, so it was quite a bit. He also made an appointment with the Consulate-approved doctor, to get his required phsycial and immunizations. Everything's up to snuff, so no worries there. The last week he's been preparing for his interview questions. They'll ask a lot of personal questions about me, so he's trying to make sure he's left no stone unturned. Memorizing extended family member names, places, dates, etc.

Merry Christmas, Senna Saida, and Happy New Year!

2010...The Year of Jen

2009-11-21T11:01:00.000-08:00

That's what Megan's been saying to me all along and now I'm starting to believe it's true! I'm starting to think that things happen in pairs for me. I found out Abdslam's visa petition was in Morocco the same day I got a job. And on Monday, I started my first day of work and I was informed of Abdslam's interview date......

January 20, 2010!

Of course, I wish it was a little bit sooner than that, but I'll accept that date.

More Good News

2009-11-11T20:23:00.000-08:00

1. The visa petition has been sent to the Moroccan Consulate in Casablanca! I should know when Abdslam's interview date is within the next week. The interview could be as soon as next month, but I'm betting on early January.

2. I got a job today! I'll be working full-time here in Owatonna at a family therapy center and I start Monday.

I'll post again soon!

Visa Update

2009-10-30T06:28:00.000-07:00

I called the National Visa Center this morning to see if I could check on the status of my case, but it appears my case has not arrived in Washington, D.C. yet. Seeing as the case has not been "touched" by the USCIS since the day they made their decision, I'm pretty sure that means the case is en route to D.C. I will check again in a few days. Also, at this point, I've only received approval notification via email and I'll probably be sent more information in paper form soon.

Pop Rocks "Explosion"

2009-10-28T10:30:00.001-07:00

To spread the joy around a little, I'm sharing this video clip of Abdslam trying the Moroccan version of the candy Pop Rocks. (grandma, that's the candy that pops in your mouth) I just discovered this video a few days ago when Megan gave me all the photos from her trip to visit me back in January. We also went bowling for the first time, but I can't seem to find any of those photos.

Do you think he'll try them again??

APPROVED!!!!!

2009-10-28T05:32:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it! Last night at 10 pm I checked my email and found a wonderful surprise in my inbox! My petition for fiance visa has been approved! Joy!!!!!

The petition's next stop will be the national visa service center in Washington, D.C. where it will quickly be sent off to the Moroccan Consulate in Casablanca. Then, the Consulate will schedule Abdslam's date for his interview. Hopefully his interview will be within the next two months! Then, either he'll get his visa the day of his interview, or shorly after, or in some cases, months after.

Maybe he'll be here by Christmas time? It could take longer, but I'm going to think positively!

And.....Action!

2009-10-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

Maybe I should just complain a little more often! It seems that did the trick! Right after posting earlier today, I checked the online status of my visa petition and found that somebody in the UCSIS has started reviewing it! Yippieeee!! Every time my petition is physically touched, I get an update on my online account. And I had this strange feeling that this week something would happen, so I checked compulsively yesterday and today.

So, what that means is that it isn't just sitting in a box or in some filing cabinet and is now on its way to approval! That could happen either tomorrrow, later this week, or in a few weeks. I'm really hoping it happens tomorrow! The sooner, the better.

I'm feeling much happier and a even a little optimisitc now about everything! If things move quickly, Abdslam could have his interview in Casablanca next month. So, cross your fingers, say your prayers, send us positive energy vibes!

Still Waiting...Grr

2009-10-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

Minnesota News: Still waiting for the visa petition's approval. Still no job.

Morocco News: Abdslam is getting his driver's license.

Some photos from Morocco

2009-10-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

Me and Abdslam at a cafe in Rabat.
Abdslam walking in the countryside by his hometown.

The beautiful view by his family's country homestead.

Still Waiting...

2009-10-10T09:00:00.001-07:00

Visa News: Nothing yet, but we should hear something in the next few weeks. I have been following other fiance visa petitioners' progress on visajourney.com. The website has been very helpful in knowing what to expect. All the data available regarding timelines has been compiled and gives people a general idea of how soon they will recieve their approval. Based on the chart here, it looks like fifty percent of petitions filed in July have been approved. So, ours should be moving towards approval very soon, based on its August submittal.

Minnesota News: After three interviews, the job search continues. It's a tough time to be looking for work, but looking on the bright side, at least my resume is being considered.

Morocco News: With Ramadan over, life is back to normal now. Meals are eaten regularly again and school's in session. Abdslam's keeping busy working at his older brother's bookstore and internet cafe. Within the next month, he'll be working on getting his driver's license.

K-1 Fiance Visa

2009-08-27T22:55:00.001-07:00

Well, with proposals and engagements comes lots of planning. Abdslam and I have a lot to figure out, but luckily we got most of that taken care of while I was still in Morocco. We decided the best route for us would be the fiance visa. So, for all of you unfamiliar with the great behemoth that is the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS, formerly the INS), I'm going to lay it out nice and easy. Hopefully, even I'll be able to understand it!

August 5th, I submitted the paperwork for the K-1 Fiance Visa. The application package included the actual application, a biographic history of Abdslam, a biographic history of myself, one passport-sized photo of Abdslam, one passport-sized photo of myself, a letter of intent to marry from both of us, copy of my birth certificate, proof of having met in person, proof of an ongoing relationship and oh, what else....oh, the application fee!

As for the proof of having met in person/ongoing relationship, I would hope that my two-year service with the Peace Corps would be sufficient, but just in case it isn't I included lots of photos, letters, and our skype chat and call history.

I paid the postal service to track the package as it made its way from Owatonna to Minneapolis, to Anaheim, and finally to Laguna Niguel, California. It arrived at its destination, the California Service Center, in just two short days. I went camping for a few days, but when I returned I discovered the check I sent had cleared at the Credit Union.

August 14th I received my first Notice of Action from the USCIS. This informed me that they had received my application and would soon be processing it. Now, I'm waiting for the second Notice of Action to be sent, which is basically when the USCIS approves the visa. From what I understand, this can take anywhere from two to five months. So, the waiting game begins.

After I receive the second Notice of Action, the application will be sent to the Consulate in Morocco and Abdslam will be sent a packet including his dates for medical appointments (lucky him, he gets shots!) and then his interview at the Consulate. Either the same day as his interview, or later, Abdslam will be given his visa.

At that point, Abdslam has up to six months to enter the United States (hopefully he'll be on the first plane out of there!). Then, we have 90 days to get married here! Lots of timelines, I know. So, if you have any questions at all about any of this, don't be afraid to ask. I'll do my best to answer them! I'm still trying to figure it all out myself, but wheels are in motion and that's the important thing right now.

Meet Jenny

2009-08-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

Jenny met Abdslam while working as the Peace Corps camp coordinator at a National Youth English Language Immersion Camp in El Jadida, Morocco. She served as a Youth Development volunteer in the Peace Corps from 2006-2008. The majority of her time was spent working at the youth center in a small town by Taroudant, Morocco in the south of Morocco.

Jenny’s hometown is Owatonna, Minnesota. Owatonna is located in southern Minnesota and is known as the “jewel of the prairie,” surrounded by prairies, wildflowers, and farmland. Most of her family hails from Owatonna or the surrounding area, but only her grandparents have the sense to head south during the brutal winters! Jenny’s immediate family consists of her parents and two younger sisters. Jenny’s family also enjoys laughing, especially if any kind of game is involved.

When she’s not talking to Abdslam on skype, Jenny spends most her time looking for a job. But, she finds ways to distract herself from the job hunt, usually by taking a walk or reading a good book. Also, being back home in the states, Jenny finds herself much more appreciative of family, friends, enjoying the outdoors, and a good English conversation. And of course, she’s trying to get her life in order before Abdslam arrives!

Meet Abdslam

2009-08-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

In the spring of 2008, Abdslam met Jenny while working as a camp counselor at a National Youth English Language Immersion Camp in El Jadida, Morocco. At the time, he was studying youth development and management at a college in Rabat, Morocco. Abdslam completed his degree in June, 2009 with a senior thesis project on "Moroccan Youth, Langauge and Identity."

Abdslam's hometown is a small town near Rich, Morocco. Rich is located in the east of Morocco surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers. His family has been living in this area for many generations and are proud to call themselves Berbers. Known as Amazigh, or "free people," the Berbers are the original inahabitants of Morocco and have a long history of their own traditions and language. Abdslam's first language is Berber, but he also speaks fluently Moroccan Arabic, Standard Arabic, French and English. Phew!

Abdslam comes from an average-sized family including his parents, one older brother, one younger brother, and a younger sister. His family is very warm, enjoys laughing, and spending time together, especially during the holidays.

When he's not talking to Jenny on skype, Abdslam likes to work at his older brother's bookstore and internet cafe. He also enjoys playing handball, fishing, visiting with friends at the cafe, watching Egyptian and American movies, and volunteering at the local youth center, but mostly waiting until he will see Jenny again.

We're Getting Married!

2009-08-24T21:47:00.001-07:00

Well, if you haven't heard, we're engaged! We thought we'd keep this blog to share our journey from now until the big day with all our friends and family around the world.