First job in USA

Finally, I got the job after 2 months of waiting... When i arrived here in America, all i was thinking is my husband and to get a job. It took a month for me to get my SSN since the USCIS didn't process my SSN application and I was waiting for nothing until I follow up in SSN office and they told me that my name is not yet in the system grr!

Anyways, my husband works at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino. He told me that i can apply there since he is a tribal member. I took the opportunity to apply there even though the town is real boring and the opportunity is very small. I gave all my credentials to the HR (i have nothing to hide and im clean!) so that they can review my papers and check my background.

After 2 months of waiting, the HR told me that i will be having an orientation on October 14, 2009 at 1:00pm and I need to sign the form for my Class 3 License. This kind of license is for those who will be working at the casino floors, marketing and Q Club. Class 3 is important as a tool that I have the access to the customer's account and its not just a license, it says something! The fact that the fee is so expensive! Believe it or not the total amount that will be going to deduct from my paycheck is $450+! What the heck is that! That amount can already buy a laptop or a digicam or a flat tv! Well, I have no choice!

So now, im working at the Marketing Dept and its kinda ok since i've been working in the call center in the Philippines so im used to that kind of environment.. It's not that really stressful unlike in the Phils.. Sigh! Cussing, complaining etc are those words that you can hear but in casino mostly its all about reservations and queries.

So here's my second day picture at work!

Adopting a dog

It was my first time to adopt a dog here in America. I am a pet lover and I just left my 3 dogs in the Philippines. And just to wash away my loneliness, my husband Israel told me about PAWS, i have no idea about it but when we get there - i was surprised. It was really really different, all stray dogs and cats will be kept in an animal shelter unlike in the Philippines, dogs and cats are just everywhere - its dangerous too coz they have rabies . Anyways, back to PAWS - If no one claim within 2 weeks, dogs and cats can be adopted. You just have to pay for $80 which includes 4 shots of vaccinations, neuter(if its male) and a copy of ownership.

My husband choose a fluffy dog (maltese/shitzu) which at first I didn't like coz I know its a high maintenance type of dog but just after a few hours, Im starting to like him and I named him as Coycoy. He loves to jump and run in the yard and he loves to take risk - he barks alot especially to big dogs and people who wear dark clothes.

He used to sleep in our room and wherever we go, we always bring him with us. He's just a new family member.. I just love him.


at PAWS in Aberdeen Washington State, USA


he got neuter...


at Jetti Ocean Shores

My new life in America

It's been 2 months and 12 days since I arrived here in Washington State, USA. It was a long trip but its worth it since I'm going to live with my husband for real! 3 years of waiting is enough for us! - and now it is time to live together as one. Thank GOD for the guidance and protection, from the very first day of our love story, immigration experience (paper works) and upto this time, GOD is always there for us.

My flight was July 10, 2009 at 8:10am and we left the house at 3:00am since I should be at the airport 2 hours before my flight. I have a mix feeling - sad, happy and excited but this is it! No turning back, life goes on. This is a new chapter of my life. Even my family is 8,000 miles away - in my our hearts we are always connected. Thanks for the new technology which was really a great help for all of us. No need to buy an expensive call cards just to call my family in the Philippines - Skype and YM is just a one click!


LEAVING MY HOME COUNTRY, PHILIPPINES


WASHINGTON STATE, HERE I AM!


THE FIRST EVER HUG I EVER HAD IN AMERICA!

No CFO seminar no chance to get out of the country

I attended the seminar at CFO in Cubao (front of PSBA) back in August 2008 even though at that time our papers is not yet filed in USCIS...

Now that i got my visa, I went back to CFO for them to put a sticker on my passport.. Without this sticker, you are not allowed to leave the country - whether you have your ticket or you are already in the airport they will not allow you.. Sorry!

The seminar took almost an hour including a short interview (this was last year of August) but since I met a fellow Filipina awhile ago, she told me that its different now. Those who has an immigrant visa, you will be in a separated room from those who has working visa.

Last year, we're all in the same room...

As i remember, the CFO lady showed us a short video(Magandang Gabi Bayan) about a Filipina who met her fiance through the internet. The guy is from Europe and he petitioned this Filipina even though they dont know each other that much and when the Filipina arrived in the country, she was treated so bad from this guy and she became a sex slave. The guy brought her to an icy mountain and he told her to take off the clothes because she will be posing in a porn magazine. She was all naked and she felt soo cold but she has no choice.. Lesson learned? The CFO asked us what was the problem? Well its so easy.. Never commit yourself to someone if you really dont know that person most especially if you just met that person within just few weeks or 3 to 6 months.. its not enough.. She also told us about the culture of other countries in our own culture... its a big difference i know lol

Anyways, they gave us their contact numbers so that if ever something happen or if ever we got a problem while in abroad, we can dial their number and ask for help.

These are some of the pictures of CFO in Cubao (this is in front of PSBA besides the Katipunan MRT Station)

Visa packet delivered today

Finally my visa & passport was delivered from AIR21 just today. I didn't receive any text from them that's why I was thinking when are they going to deliver it.

I was in my room when my dad called me about the visa. I paid P205 (cash on delivery) since my money was not enough when I was at the US Embassy last June 16, 2009 during my interview.

I'm so happy coz I can buy a ticket to Seattle, USA! Wohoo! My target date is July 10, 2009. Hopefully, I can get a good one.

Here are the pictures of my visa packet..

Lists of documents I had in my interview

These are the documents that I brought in my interview.... I know its too much but its better to bring more just in case the consul ask any other evidences...

FOLDER 1

1. I130 Form
2. G325A (Petitioner and Beneficiary)
3. Affidavit of witness

FOLDER 2

1. DS3032 Form
2. DS230 Form Cover Sheet
3. photocopy of Police Clearance
4. photocopy of NBI Clearance
5. photocopy of Birth Certificate
6. photocopy of Passport

FOLDER 3

1. 1864 Form (Petitioner)
2. Tax Transcripts (2006, 2007, 2008) from IRS
3. W-2 (2007, 2008)
4. Employment Letter
5. Paystabs (November 2008 - April 2009)

FOLDER 4

1. 1864A Form (co sponsor dad in law)
2. Tax Transcripts (2006, 2007, 2008) from IRS
3. W-2 (2006, 2007, 2008)
4. Paystabs
5. Employment Letter (November 2008 - February 2009)

FOLDER 5

1. Appointment Letter
2. NOA1
3. NOA2

FOLDER 6 (Petitioner)

1. Birth Certificate
2. copy of Passport

FOLDER 7 (Beneficiary)

1. Birth Certificate
2. Marriage Contract ((photocopy and original)
3. Passport (photocopy and original)
4. NBI Clearance (photocopy and original)
5. Police Clearance (photocopy and original)
6. CENMAR (photocopy and original)
7. CENOMAR (photocopy and original)
8. High School Diploma
9. High School Card
10. College Diploma
11. Transcript of Records

FOLDER 8 (Beneficiaries' Employment docs)

1. Employment Letters
2. Income tax (2006 and 2008)

FOLDER 9 (Receipts for the Wedding)

1. Petitioners plane ticket (printed from email)
2. Wedding Invitation
3. Counseling certificate from the Pastor
4. Receipt of Fedex (delivery of wedding ring from Ninong in Singapore)
5. Programme for the Wedding
6. Receipts of Catering, Video & Photography, etc.

FOLDER 10 (Receipts of Petitioner's trip to Philippines)

1. Honeymoon receipts
2. Restaurant
3. Clothing and etc.

FOLDER 11 (Pictures)

1. Wedding
2. Trip to Batangas
3. Trip to Petitioners' family in Tondo
4. Honeymoon

FOLDER 12 Cards and Letters

1. Letters from Petitioner
2. Cards

FOLDER 13 BILLS (proof of Beneficiary with married name)

1. Phone Bill (Globe)
2. Laptop Receipt
3. Credit Card Bills (with my married name)

FOLDER 14 (Emails)

1. Yahoo
2. Yahoo Messenger chat
3. Ecards in Yahoo Mail

FOLDER 15 (Profile)

1. Youtube (printed)
2. Myspace (printed)
3. Friendster (printed)

FOLDER 16 (Myspace - this is where we met)

1. Myspace mail of Petitioner (the day he added the Beneficiary)
2. Myspace Comments

Consul approved my CR1 VISA

Today (June 16, 2009) is my interview at US Embassy in Manila. Last night was terrible, I can't sleep because I was so anxious and something is really bugging me. I dunno what it is so I started to pray and read the whole chapter of Psalm 91. It was already 1:40am and I told my husband to wake me up at 6am even though I have my alarm clock. It's more effective if he is the one waking me up by calling me in YM! lol

Interview schedule time is 8:30am. I left the house at 6:40am. While i was inside the MRT, the rain started to pour out - I have no umbrella at all and my bag is so heavy because of my 2 kilos of evidences and forms.

I arrived in USEM at 8:10am, the guard told me to go to Gate 3 for Immigrant Visa Interviews and Appointment. As i entered, the guard said cellphones are not allowed inside, so I asked him where can I leave my phone and he replied - I don't know Mam - we do not allow phones inside.

I was frustrated because last year, they kept our cellphone and digi cam. I just found out that If you are a US Citizen - they will keep it but if you're not, better look for someone who will watch your phone for few hours outside the bldg. The good thing is, there's some ladies outside the building wherein you can entrust your phone to them(just turn it off and put some password for assurance that they can't open it) however you have to pay them P150 from 8:00am to 12:00noon and additional P50 in the afternoon. I have no choice but to give my phone to this lady named, Dragon! I asked her, can i trust you mam? She said, of course and at that time, there was a lady who just claimed her phone from Dragon.
I felt relieved but still in doubt. It's not just a phone but an NSeries 82 lol.

Anyways, I went inside the USEM and I followed the Green Lane (Immigrant Visa Section). I fall in line at the ticket booth and showed my Appointment letter. The lady gave me my number (6099) and a form stating about my immigrant visa.

I sat down and waited for my number to appear on the queuing board but the thing is they called my name for the fingerprint scanning at Window 33. (you have to be alert while you're sitting coz you will never know that your name was already called).

I went to Window 33, they scanned first my 4 left fingers then the lady inside the window asked my name and my date of birth. After the left hand, they scanned my 4 right fingers then after that they scanned my left thumb & right thumb altogether.

After that, you have to go back to your sit and wait again for your number to appear on the queuing board.

This time is for the pre screener to collect your documents. I was told to go to Window 25 and the lady is soft spoken. She startd to asked my name, my husband's name, my age, where did we met and she asked for the pictures. I gave her some of our wedding, YM & Skype screenshots & honeymoon pictures. After that, she told me that I didn't submit the attachment to my DS230 Form - I told her I submitted it and in fact I have my xerox copy with me.
She said, I dont have here you see? (gosh in my mind i was like, NVC is really a crap or whoever checked my documents how come i have no RFE about this?!)

She put some white paper to erase the word SEE ATTACHMENT and she told me to write down my home address & she told me to sign the last page of the said form. After that, she told me to wait again till my number appear on the queuing board.


This is the waiting time. I've waited from 11:15am to 12:00noon until the operator said to go back at 1pm since its already lunch time. Grrr!

I went out and look for Ms. Dragon who kept my cellphone - good grief she's still there. I told her that I need to go back at 1pm and she said, if you will give your phone again, you have to add P50. Gosh, my money is not enough because I also have to pay the Air21 for visa delivery of P205 (it depends on the location).

I called my husband and he was waiting for the good news but I told him I have to go back again at 1pm.. I didn't eat lunch since i'm really nervous (I just want to hear the word "visa approved" then that's the time that I can eat! lol)

I went back again at 12:45noon and started to wait for my number to be called.. My number (6099 and Window 32) appeared at the queuing board and that was past 2pm. I waited for a few minutes since the door are still closed. After few minutes, this couple opened the door since they're done and as i go inside the small room, I saw this young white guy! He looked at me and he said, Magandang Hapon (Good Afternoon), I replied him in tagalog also. He said, sandali lang po (he was typing in his computer and he was reading a blue paper on his table) I was so nervous coz it was also cold inside the embassy and I started to look at him in the eye while he is looking at the pc and he looked at me back as if he was shocked. He asked me, can you speak English, I said yes. He told me to raise my right hand and swear that I will only tell the truth. Took like 40 seconds... He said, now put your hand down..

This time, he started checking my documents with his hands on his forehead as if he saw something.. I was worried and then he started to ask the following questions:


(this is a random question)

1. What is your name?
2. How old are you?
3. Where did u meet your husband?
4. Does he have kids?
5. Is your husband married before?
6. Does he have any kids? If yes, how many? Where are they?
7. What's the job of your husband? I said he is working in casino as a night auditor, he replied in casino???? I was like gosh, what's on his mind? So what if he works in casino?!

8. Is he a college graduate?

9. Where does he live?
10. When did you meet him? I thought he asked me WHERE that's why i replied, in Myspace.. and he was kinda pissed and he said why you keep answering me the same answer even I'm asking you WHEN not WHERE. I said i'm sorry. Then i gave him the correct answer.. what a snob consul!

11. What is your job?

12. He started looking in our pictures, then he asked me why you dont have any pictures that you are together? I told him, its there! If you want I still have here and by the way, I brought this 2 kilos of evidences. He replied, I don't care about your 2 kilos of documents.. I asked him, what do you want? Honeymoon or wedding? He said anything.. So i gave him the honeymoon pictures.
(I really want to tell him, can you just please check first before you ask it's all there in your table! lol)

13. How come you were thinking to marry him even without seeing him in person? I said, i love him...and we've been talking straight for 2 years before he went here to marry me... I have chat log and emails here if you want. He was silent again.

14. How long did he stayed here?
15. When did he arrived here?

Then after the assessment.. he paused and review the W2 of my husband and he started to file the papers in order and stamp it and encircle something in the paper and he told me, ok your visa is approved! I replied, Oh GOD thank you! He asked me, WHY?? (gosh this consul is really weird! I don't know if he wants to approve me or what?) I told him with a teary eye, we've been waiting for this moment! The consul said, just wait for your number to be called outside for the next further instruction about the visa delivery. I smiled and said, thank you sir.

His name is Thomas...

So, I went outside and waited again for my number to be called. The operator called my name and said to go to window 37 for the visa delivery pink slip.



After that, I went straight to AIR21 booth and I asked the lady if I can pay them once the visa is delivered in our house and she said yes you can.. (Cash on delivery). So she gave me a form where I have to fill up my name, address and cellphone number. Then finished!!!

What a day - tiring yet fulfilling! This is the moment I've been waiting for. Thank GOD for the visa approval.

My husband is so happy and he will start to paint our room and buy some stuffs for decoration, I will start to go shopping.. again!


Praise GOD and Hallelujah!!!


regards, Kathy

Medical Exam Exerience at SLEC

Hello everyone! I just want to share my Medical Examination Experience at St. Lukes Extension Medical Center Clinic..

MEDICAL DAY 1 - PAYMENT, BLOOD & URINE TEST, XRAY, EYE, WEIGHT, VITAL, HEIGHT & PHYSICAL EXAM

I woke up at 6:30am and I feel kinda sleepy coz I sleep past 12 midnight. I brought my sterilized milk so that I can drink it while im on the way to St. Lukes Extension Medical Center Clinic at Bagobo St. Ermita Manila. I know it will be a great help as i take my xray exam later.

I brought the ff:
Appointment Letter (email form NVC)
Passport
2x2 Picture (white bacgrkound)
P10,241.00 Medical Fee
Water and sterilized milk (Bear Brand)

I really don't know the exact place since it was my first time also to go to the said clinic. I just prayed that GOD will guide and keep me safe especially its raining. Big Hassle! Also, I haven't ask my dad about the directions since he is very familiar in Manila but since I'm also familiar in Taft area - its not really a problem for me. Anyways, my mom cooked some breakfast for us (for the first time again lol ) since it was also my brother's first day on his class.

I left the house at past 8am and I took an MRT from Santolan to Recto (P15) and then after Recto, I take a walk along this over pass(it was a long over pass and you can view the squatters area). And then I took another LRT from Doroteo San Jose to United Nations (P12).

I was already in UN but I dont know where the Clinic is until I ask this police and he doesn't know also thats why he asked another guy and he told me that SLEC is at the back of Philam Life Building and I just need to turn left. So, instead of riding a tribike (which will cost me P30) I just take a walk until I reached the PHILAM Bldg. In front of PHILAM is PAGCOR Casino Filipino. After that, I turned left and I thought that the clinic is already there so I asked the candy vendor where the SLEC is and he told me to walk until I reached the Barrio Fiesta and once I get there I can view the SLEC bldg.

When i was already in Barrio Fiesta, I can see a number of people outside the bldg. waiting for their relatives to finish their medical. I saw this mini restaurant or carinderia in front of the clinic and you can also see that there's a xerox machine of the said carinderia. I photocopy my passport and NBI and since I forgot my pen, I have no choice but to buy a new one (there's 3 to 5 vendors who are selling ballpen for P10 infront of the entrance door of the clinic)..

The guard asked me if its my first day, I said yes and then he gave me some forms which is the evaluation form, application form and the instruction. He asked my passport and appointment letter and he told me to fill up the form inside and once finished, give it to the receptionist. He stamped my right hand.

STEP 1
After I fill up the form, I gave it to the Reception Area (Ground floor) and she told me to go to the room (this is
in the reception area also) because I need to take a digital picture and encoding of date through my
index finger. I just need put my index finger on the red button then tap it slowly (four times) and you can see it
in the computer anyways. After that, the lady told me to go to 5th Flr. for payment.


STEP 2
I went to the Cashier's Area (once the elevator is already in the 5th Flr. you just have to turn left and that's where the cashier is). I paid the medical fee which costsP10,241.00. then the cashier told me to go to 4th Flr. for blood and urine test. In every floor, there's a reception area where you need to give your papers and you just have to wait for your name to be called.

STEP 3
On the 5th floor, I gave my papers to the receptionist and after 2-3 minutes, the lady called my name and told me to go to the Extraction Area(same floor). So, I went there and a guy assisted me and I took a blood test for HIV then after that he told me to go to the Urine test area(same floor). A lady assisted me and she told me to put my things on the chair then she gave me a
small cup for my urine. It was a good timing bcoz I want to pee also! lol Then after that, I gave the cup to the lady and she told me to wait again. After 2 minutes, she gave me my umbrella and asked if its mine and I said yes and thanks! hehe..

Ok, then after that she told me to go to 3rd Flr to take an Xray Exam... So i went down on the said floor and I got the chance to meet some Filipina who is also taking their medical exam.. The process is kinda fast thats why we weren't able to talk for that long so I went inside the changing room, changed my tshirt and wear the xray gown. Then i proceed to the Xray Room and the lady told me to put my things on the chair and she gave me a heavy square bag while im having the xray exam - its really odd and i think this is to test more of your lungs thats why they want us to carry this heavy bag. While taking the xray, the lady told me to inhale then exhale. On this part, I didn't inhale that much hehehe..(My friend told me not to inhale that much) but it just bothered me coz i was carrying this heavy square bag and I asked the lady, What's this?! and she said, there's a magic in there..lol I was like hmm.. ok. So after that she told me to go to 5th floor for an Eye test and Physical Examination.

STEP 4
I went up to the 5th floor and I gave my papers to the USA counter area.. Remember, there's two counter/receptionist on the 5th floor . On the left side you can see a counter for the coutries of Australia/New Zealand and Canada and on the right side, there's the counter for USA.

So, I gave my papers to the counter area then she told me to wait for my name to be called. After 5 minutes, a guy called my name and he told me to take off my socks to check my weight.. He said to face the audience (I was lil shy coz there's lot of people waiting and you know looking at me haha) and I was smiling and then I said I'm underweight and he replied, your just slim. hehehe..He said to wait again for my name to be called.

After 2 minutes, a lady called my name to check my blood pressure and I told her, do i still have blood? hahaha she said, lets see lol.. My blood pressure was 110/70 and I asked her if its normal, she replied yes it is. Yehey! I thought i'm anemic.. So again, she told me to wait for my name to be called.. Then, after 2 - 3 minutes one of the medical staff (guy) told me to go to the Eye Test Room. As i entered, a doctor asked me if im wearing contact lens or eyeglasses - obviously i'm wearing eyeglasses and he checked it. He started to ask me about the alphabet letters in front of me which i really can't read especially the small ones..He also asked me if i have period, i said no... Then after that, he told me to give the paper to the receptionist again..

STEP 5
The waiting time is kinda long because I've waited like 20 minutes for the physical examination. I got my number (24) and while waiting I got the chance again to talk to some fellow Filipina about their visas, how & where did they met their husbands and their interview dates... It was a cool talk (we forgot to ask each others name lol) until each one of us has to go inside the room for physical test.. And then it was my turn, I went inside the room and a lady doctor asked me a few questions about my health.

These are the folliowing questions:

What is your name
How old are you
When was your last period
Did you take any illegal drugs
Are you pregnant / have you been pregnant before
Are you sexually active
Are you allergic to any medicine or foods
Do you have TB or is there anyone in your house who has TB
Do you smoke
Do you have cancer or diabetes
Did you any operation before

After I answer all those questions, she told me to sign the paper stating that i am telling the truth.. Then after that, she told me to read the instructions posted at the wall and it says please take off your clothes and your socks. I take off my clothes and socks and I asked her if i need to wear the robe - she said yes.

She told me to lay down at the bed and she put her fingers on my chest checking my heartbeat, then she told me to put
my hands up in my head then after that she told me to bend my legs and open it then she checked my precious one lol. She also check my wrist. And after that, then she told me to stand up and she checked my ear and she asked If I had an operation on my ear before.. I said no. Then she told me to wear my clothes.. While im taking my clothes on, she also asked me if my I have false teeth... After that, she told me to give the paper to the receptionist..

I gave the papers to the receptionist and the lady told me to go down to 2nd Floor at the vaccination room.. The doctor
called my name and she asked me if I had my previous chickenpox (bulutong). I said yes, and she said tell me where you scar is? I told her, I cant since i got my chicken pox when i was elementary.. She also asked about my last period and then she told me that I will take my vaccinations for Anti Cervix Cancer, Anti Tetano, Anti Measles and Anti chicken pox . I thought I'm going to take my shots on that day but it wasn't.. So after that she just told me to give the papers to the Checkout Counter.

I gave my papers to checkout counter including the Evaluation form and the guy returned my passport and reciept. He told me to go back again tomorrow for the vaccinations and for the results..


MEDICAL DAY 2 - VACCINATIONS AND RELEASING OF RESULTS

I woke up at 12:30noon even though the checkout counter told me to go back at 10am...So, I went to SLEC again past 2pm afternoon then i gave my passport and receipt to the guard and he check my data from the computer. He told me, did you take your digitial photo yesterday? I guess you didn't coz your picture is not here in the computer.. I replied, I did! He stamped my hand and then he told me to go to 2nd Flr for vaccination..

STEP 1
I gave my passport and receipt to the guard since there's no medical staff. He then gave my passport and receipt to the medical staff inside the room and I've waited like 20 - 30 minutes. There's a few people who are also waiting for their vaccination. While waiting, I was talking to my husband over the phone using YM hehe just to clear off the boredom lol..

After the long wait, a guy called my name over the mic and i went inside the vaccination room. I sit down and the medical staff asked me some questions like, When is the first day of your last period, are you allergic to any medicine or food? He gave me 2 papers - Evaluation form I told him I already filled up the evaluation form yesterday and he said its a different one. He also gave me the lists of the symptoms to observe after I take my vaccination.

He started to give me 2 shots on the right arm and then the 2 shots on the left. The last shot is the anti cervix cancer which is kinda pain but before that the guy asked me if im left handed or right handed.. I am right handed so he shot the anti cervix cancer on my left arm. Ouch! So, after all those tiny needles entered into my veins... The guy told me to go to the Ground floor and wait for my name to be called for the releasing of results..

It took almost 40 minutes and many of us are also waiting for their results.. So while waiting - I bought some snacks because i started to feel the hunger.. It was already 6 in the evening too!

After the long wait....... a guy called my name while I was talking to some fellow Filipina then i go to Counter B and the guy started to ask my name and the first day of my last period. He asked me if I got pregnant before and i said never been preggy.

He gave me the cd (xray result - he never told me not to open it), vaccination document worksheet and my receipt.
He told me, your passport will be forwarded to USEM including the vaccination document worksheet. He also said that my interview date is on June 16, 2009.

On the vaccination document worksheet, he told me that I need to follow up the 2 shots that was given to me which is Varicella and Human Papillomavirus to a private clinic. I asked him, can i do that here in St. Lukes - he replied its too expensive here.. Better go to a private clinic for another shots.. He also told me that I need to take another shot in USA which is the Td or Tdap - he encircle it and put USA on the paper..

Whew! Finally the day is over and I can go home but gosh it was rainy outside.. I really want to go home since my left arm is in pain also..

Anyways, thats all folks..I hope you enjoy my medical experience.. btw, I will post some pictures inside the clinic....I tried to take some pics but since its not really allowed and its kinda akward lol.. This is the only pictures that i've stolen.. lol




AFTER A LONG DAY... OUCH TO MY LEFT ARM! THANK GOD I PASSED MY MEDICAL EXAM!

LORD, BLESS MY INTERVIEW ON JUNE 16, 2009...

SECOND FLOOR VACCINATION ROOMS



INSTRUCTION LISTS


VACCINATION ROOMS AT SECOND FLOOR

CR1 Case Complete April 30, 2009

Before i went to sleep, I tried calling the NVC to check if our documents are still pending since they just received our Affidavit of Support documents last April 24, 2009. As i dialed, I heard the AVR saying that there are still missing financial documents which we need to submit. They've already received it but the AVR is not yet updated. I have a positive outlook that everything we submitted is correct and there's no missing documents and I am sure that we answer every questions in the form.

I whispered to GOD and ask a favor to please make our case complete before the end of April so that I can get a June interview date. It's not that I'm in a hurry but I really want to be with my husband since its been a year that we were not able to see each other in person. I'm being lonely for 14 months now and I truly miss my dear husband.

Anyways, after 9 hours I called again the NVC and try to listen to the AVR if the status has been change. I can't believe what I've heard. The AVR says, your case was completed on April 30, 2009!!! And I was like oh my GOD! Wooohooo! I was yelling yehey! like a kid lol and my mom heard and she asked, What? with a smile on her face! I said, our case is now complete! I can't believe that we have no RFE! Thank you Lord so much!!

Now that we are waiting for my interview date - I will be taking my medical this month of May and since I'm still working - I have to prepare myself and make sure that I'm healthy. I have to drink more milk starting today and eat more fruits (which i really dont like..)

I know that GOD is with us since the beginning of our love story and I know He will be there as always. He will guide and help us especially in times of troubles. He will never leave nor forsake us and that's His promise!

My Prayer:

Lord GOD, bless my medical examination and guide me on my interview with the consule. I do trust you and I will always put my faith on you. Tame the heart of the consul and the pre-screener and may our documents be correct without any missing paper or form in JESUS NAME. Bless also my husband Israel as he pays the expenses including my ticket to USA. I pray that you will provide all our needs and may you open a big door for us to be able to pass this journey. In your name Jesus, I claim good favors, miracles, signs and wonders. Amen.

Rainy summer 2009

It's summertime but its rainy here in Manila! What's going on with the weather? Oh well - we could say that the global warming is really showing up huh?

Anyways, I'm still working at this time and I really have no time to get soak at the beach (grr!). But my work timeline is about to end and I have 21 days left and after that i am officially a bummer! I will be able to enjoy my summer on the last week of May 2009 lolz and who knows the weather might be sunny at that time? (hoping...)

I remember 3 years ago when we visited Laiya, San Juan Batangas. I never thought that Batangas has its own white sand beacI remember when I was in my elementary years, we went to Batangas (I forgot the name of the resort) and all I can remember is that the beach there is so scary.. You'll never know that the sand you're standing can sink in so fast and you might get drown! That's why everytime I hear Batangas beach - it sounds scary to me.

We have one Pastor who died on that place (somewhere in Batangas resort) - he was drown so fast and it was hard for him to save himself because of the high waves. It's hard to save yourself especially if you are being drown.

While looking at my photobucket album - I just found that i still have some pictures of me with my former colleague when we had our summer outing last 2006 at San Juan Batangas. As what I heard, Laiya is where the actress Juday and host Ryan spent their wedding party and I can say that place is really awesome - it's like you've been to Boracay or Puerto Gallera but of course Boracay are still one of the best beaches here in the Philippines.

I bought 3 tickets for me and my parents and we will be going to Cebu from June 16 to 19 to see our relatives and I'm excited to visit Sta Fe Resort. I just saw their website and its awesome because of its white sand beach. It's also one of the tourist spot in Cebu and I can't wait to get there and have some fun at the water! Well, lets see....

A kiss for Jesus

For the past few days, I wasn't able to give praise to the Lord for all He has done to me. I know for a fact that 2,000 years ago - His blood was shed because He loves me and he saved me from the hell of eternity. Lord, I just want to thank you for redeeming me and I'm asking for your forgiveness for all the transgressions that I made for the past months and years. I know that you've been so faithful to me and to my family and never a day you've provided all our needs.
I just really wish that sometimes I am in heaven so that I could be with you but since you have your purpose and plans - I will do my very best to be as good as much as I can while i'm still here in the wicked world. I just want to hear your voice everyday because I know that my life will be protected once I follow your directions.
Give me your wisdom like what you've given to King Solomon so that I will have a blessed and bountiful life that i can share with other people. I will claim all the good things and miracles in JESUS NAME Mighty name! Amen

Praise you Lord and I'm glad you saved me. I love you.

Corpse Bride

"I'm going to be a corpse bride", my friend Jaja told me while cutting the special papers for her wedding invitation. It was my off yesterday. After i go to RTC Pasig to notarize my passport, i dropped by at the house to cook for a dinner and then i went to Jaja's pad since it's been 3 weeks since the last time i saw her at church.

She was surprised when she saw me walking on the way to her door and she yelled, Kathy!!!
Jaime was there, sitting at the floor since Jaja asked him for some help because the Kidsters will be having a program and Jaja needs to make some salvation bracelets for them on Saturday.

Jaja was busy in making her wedding invitations since her big day will be on April 24, 2009, Friday that will be held at our church. Honestly, I am so happy for her - coz at least she will be able to marry the man that she really really loves, Richmond. I really don't know him that much since the last time i saw him in person was way back in April 2006. It was just a hi and hello conversation at that time and i was not that much close to Jaja.

And as time goes by, me and Jaja bumped and started to talk about our relationship with our men since we are both in a long distance relationship. I shared some of my experiences, our problems and how do we solve it in just one click of a mouse lol. Joke.

Most people surrounded us doesn't believe of this kind of relationship. They say., it won't work and some are asking me, how can you trust someone if you don't even see what he is doing when you go offline. Well, for me - it depends. Not all people can have this kind of relationship. This is a tough one and i should say that it takes a lot of hardwork, money and patience! Yes money - getting a laptop, webcam and an internet provider costs you a money.. Sending her/him some cards, gifts or packages also costs you some money for her/him to show how you love them. It's no difference from a relationship where the guy and the girl usually go out and have some dinner in a fancy resto, buying her some clothes or perfumes or whatever she likes - its just the same and more expensive!!

What is worst is in LDR is you wouldn't be able to see your partner for 5 to 12 months ad sometimes 2 years! That's crazy! You miss her/his kisses and hugs - it's killing me everyday!

But as the years goes by - you're going to adapt the situation. You're more confident that you're partner is being faithful and trying her/his best to be that good person even you dont see him personally. All you need is just some high leap of faith and trust. No matter how long it is for you to see your loved one, in the end - its worth the wait. The years that you've been waiting is not a waste of time but a great reward.

The best feeling is to know that someone is loving you inspite of who you are and where you came from. And the most wonderful experience in life - is to marry the one you just met somewhere down the road, internet, workplace, pantry, party, park or somewhere but that person is the only reason why you want to live for the rest of your life.

To my friend Jaja, i do pray that GOD will truly bless you and Mond as the years goes by. I know you've been through hell but GOD is always faithful and He makes things happen at the right time. You might feel hurt sometimes and dont know the reason behind those pains but GOD has its own purpose and one day He will reveal it. Be a good wife (as always naman) and i know you will be a very wonderful mother to your children.

To Richmond, i really dont know you that much but i hope and pray that you will be a loving and responsile husband to my friend Jaja. She is the best jewel that you got in your life, so please take care of her and please be sensitive enough to know her needs not just financially but most especially spiritually and emotionally. Life will not be the same like what you do when you we're single - this is the next journey that you and Jaja will be living as ONE. Your body is not yours anymore and so with her and before you make any move or decision - you have to confide it first to her since she is now your behalf. It might sound akward but that's how the marriage life goes...

Make it a good and memorable journey Mond and Jaja.

BTW, i'm just 2 to 4 hours away from Virginia..Ja, i'm just a dial or text away =)


Your friend,
Kathy

Our visa journey timeline

And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.
Matthew 21:22

Borrowed life

Today is my 26th year of my life in this world. I am thankful to God that he had led me to this kind of life where i am content and happy as who i am. I may not be successful in my career as a broadcaster but i am grateful that i am happily married and i have a wonderful family with me including our 3 dogs lol.

My life was not perfect at all. I have my own flaws which im not proud but i can say that i am proud as who i am today - a wife, a sister and a daughter.. Being a mother is not yet on our plan, but maybe in 2 years or so, i can say that being a mother is really a hardcore job.

I am thankful that today, we got our approval from the USCIS.. Before i go to sleep last night (3am) i whispered to GOD if He could grant my wish - NOA2. And 3 hours later, my husband wake me up by calling me in Skype and he told me that he got a mail today and it was an approval letter. At first, i was like ows? But when he showed it - i was surprised knowing its for real!

Anyways, i will take a bath now and get ready to watch my mom's performance at PLP. After the program we might go to Libis or somewhere where we can have our family dinner. I really wish my husband is here with me to spend my birthday. But well.... Life is just like that....

Again, i want to greet myself a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. May i enjoy my life here in the Philippines while im still waiting for the process to be totally completed at NVC and US Embassy. I must enjoy my stay here with my family and friends coz once i fly to USA - that would be a different life that i have to live.

Our life in this world is just a borrowed one. The Lord giveth and he taketh so lets make it worth while we're still breathing!

No pain, no gain

Yesterday, March 3, 2009 i woke up so early at 4:05am to get ready since i will be going to DFA to have an appearance and to sign some forms and have my thumb marks there. I only got 3 hours of sleep due to some stressful night with my family. I'm still thankful that i didn't feel dizzy even it was so hot outside. Summer is fast approaching! Anyways, it was so hectic and many people are also there to have their appearance inside the Gate 2 (if you're with Travel Agency). While we were waiting for our turn, i noticed this lady who is sosyal or i dont know if she's really sick (she was wearing a mask ). You know here in Manila - if you saw someone who is wearing a mask, it could be that person are sick or just being so clean lol.

Anyways, this lady named Aileen (Liaison Officer) gave us some briefing about what to do and what to answer if we are going to be asked from Window 10-14. She told us to check the application form carefully and if there's any correction, just approach the guy who is standing in front of the window.When i checked mine, i noticed that my mom's middle name was not correct and i told the guy if he can correct it, he said its just your mom's middle name - it won't appear in your passport "iha". If you want to change that, you have to wait for 1 hour. Well, i didnt change it since only my name will appear in the passport. Then after that, he pasted my picture in the form and he gave it to me and he told me to go to Window 10. I signed the form then the lady told me to proceed to the thumb mark section and then i go there and had my thumb mark and it's all done!
I will just wait within 7 working days and i can pick up my new passport with my married name at the mall! Weee! It was like 9:45am the time i left DFA.

After DFA, i proceed to Carriedo to renew my NBI clearance. It was so hot outside and good thing i was wearing some comfy shirt and had my C2 with me. As i arrived at Carriedo, i proceed to the second floor to pay P20 (i dunno what's that for but before you proceed to NBI you have to pay P20! Geez!) So after paying P20, they gave us this orange stab - i was reading it carefully trying to find out what's the P20 that i paid for but there's no words for that! Government is so hmm..

Then I proceed to 2nd floor to pay the P115 for the renewal of NBI then proceed to 3rd floor and i fall in line since the lady will be checking our old NBI and she will ask you if it's for local or abroad. I told her i'm going to use it for abroad then after that i proceed to Step 3 for Record Checking - they will check if i have someone with me who has the same name - and unfortunately someone have the same name as mine! Wah!

So i proceed to Picture Taking dept and had my photo taken there - it was so fast and you wont even know if they already took a picture so good luck on the result lol. Then after my photo taken, i proceed to this department where you will know if the release of your NBI will be today or after 3 days. The guy told me to go back on March 6, 2009. Grrr...

I feel relieved but while walking, my stomach started to feel hungry since i didn't ate breakfast. And when i was at the LRT Station in Carriedo - i found this food stall (i forgot the name) and they're selling quail eggs, balot, penoy covered with this orange stuff, kikiam with gulaman and iced tea. I ordered quail eggs (8 pcs for P24 plus iced tea for P10). After that, i go to the ticket station to buy a ticket to EDSA since its time for malling lol.

What a day but at least i already have a new passport and NBI Clearance - i wont do this anymore since im already in USA before the year ends - im going to miss doing these things!

Our visa journey

Waiting is one of the hardest thing to do. You never know when you will be able to get out of that sickening scene. It makes you think if the journey will push through or it will just stuck there.

We filed last November 2008 for an Immigrant Visa - since we got married here in my beloved country, Phils. As my husband went back to his land of USA - it took 8 months for us to finally file a petition. We've been in the middle of questions without a concrete answers because of our complicated situation. But now, finally our papers is now being processed by a very demanding department - USCIS!

Currently, we are waiting for our NOA2. The other day we got this RFE letter regarding with the passport and birth certificate of my husband because we only submitted his birth certificate issued by the hospital where he was born and USCIS wants a registered copy to prove that my hubby is a USC.

I've been so worried about RFE's because it will cause the papers to be delayed... Good thing, tomorrow my husband will be getting his certified true copy of his birth certificate from their local health department and we will be submitting a copy of his passport together with his BC.

I hope after we submit this RFE docs to USCIS, we can get an approval from them....

Lord, bless our visa journey in Jesus name!