skemper19 has left 52 comments

skemper19 comments on

Can't you send form Comcel website? That's what I used to do when my hubby was over there...... he never mentioned anything about being charged for the messages......who knows?

skemper19 comments on My Combiana novia said GOD IS NUMBER 1 and I am number 2

Come on guys........ Anyone who is religious knows the rules.... you MUST put God before ALL things as God is the one who provides you with numbers 2 through........................................... Shawn... are you really that offended by it??? She's only living the religious life that she was brought up in and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. You should be proud and honored that you have such a woman.... count your blessings........

skemper19 comments on CUMBIAMBEROS EN MIAMI

What for Maribel? ???

skemper19 comments on How much do Colombians normally tip at restaurants?

I tipped (too much my husband said) last time I was in Medellin, the lady who brought breakfast to our hotel room got a 10.000 tip, I calculated it based on what we would give here in the U.S ($5.0 +/-)...... well my hubby FREAKED out said I was being ridiculous. The food cost 15.000, I tipped 10.000. Same thing when I had a manicure and pedicure (it converted to $6.00 U.S.) I mean what a freaking deal! So who cares if I gave double as a tip????? My hubby just said no one really tips. I felt terrible everytime we left a restaurant and he paid and left nothing as tip..... I guess it's just so customary here because we all know servers don't get paid minimum wage here, but much, much less per hour. The same rules just don't apply there.. but DonGringo is right.... goodness always comes back to you in one form or another. So be nice, if you can afford it......

skemper19 comments on AOS - Medical Examiniation

We had to do the whole thing over No Dr. here, or at least none of the one's we called would transfer the vaccination records from the DS-2350 to the I-693A so we had to pay to have the whole thing done again.... It was only $175, but we were caught off guard by it.

skemper19 comments on USCIS request for info

El Che what was your timeline???? When did you send inthe original package, when did you get your NOA1? Was it after that that they sent the RFE???? Inquiring minds want to know!!!!

skemper19 comments on I-134 or I-864

OH DUH, thanks utc I sometimes respond before I read thoroughly!!!!!! Thanks for the insight!!!! We are all well on our way to completeing this lengthy, stressful process!!!!!!! I'll be happy when I'll be inviting all of you to my wedding!!! LOL

skemper19 comments on I-134 or I-864

I have filed the K-1 for my fiance..... so, I will check out that website Fred and let ya'll know!!!!! I printed them both out from visajourney.com and have filled them both out, but like I said before, I just like to do things ahead of time, so no time is wasted!!!!!!! Thanks utc and Fred.....

skemper19 comments on Feliz Dia de la Mujer!

I didn't know either!! No one celebrates that here in the U.S..... I didn't know until my boyfriend's little sister wished me a happy one!! LOL... then I heard it on the radio.. a Spanish station, of course!!!!

skemper19 comments on Santa Fe De Antioquia

Anytime ... paisa loca!!!! :)

skemper19 comments on MARRRIAGE

Gator you are DA BOMB!!!!! I just had to say that!!!! :)

skemper19 comments on USCIS request for info

Good luck! Let us know what they wanted/ how it goes!!!!!

skemper19 comments on Authorization to work at POE in Miami?

Thanks miamimike!! Yes, the work authorization at the POE hope has been diminished.....
Re: The weather, YES!! I know, I'm afraid that the weather will be one of the hardest for him to get used to. Especially since, he does not LIVE in Medellin (works and goes to school daily), he lives in San Pedro de los Milagros, which is about 45 minutes from Medellin up the mountain and it's COLD, to me, it's COLD ALL THE TIME!!!!! So, that will definitely be a shocker for him..... Me? I've gotten used to the sweltering humidity, been here for 27 years!!!!! As far as the politics, unfortunately, I agree... in that case, I'd rather live in Austin..... Thanks for the info. on the paid newspapers, that's very helpful to know... El Nuevo and the Diario were already on my list of possible employers..... didn't know about the Clarin.... Hopefully, he can at least volunteer for one of the newspapers or magazines here and make new friends/ contacts while he waits for his EAD..... And last but definitely not least, English.... poor thing, he wishes he could speak it fluently already... and unfortunatly sometimes when he asks me a question (Why?) while we are studying together and sometimes, I don't have an answer, it's more like (UM, it just is). I'll keep those in mind when he gets here, I guess it will depend on just how much he can speak when he actually arrives. He's doing great though, almost finished with 1st level and will now be able to say "hello" and "how are you" to my mom!!!! LOL Just kidding, I just had to make a joke though!!!!!

skemper19 comments on Authorization to work at POE in Miami?

Thanks sylviat!! Were you having problems finding plantains???? Let me know girl, I'll ship you some!! You know here in Miami they are in abundance!!!! LOL

skemper19 comments on Medellin

Four Points Sheraton.... I stayed there in December, it's was nice.... In April I will be staying at the Gran Hotel....... never been there though, but I'll give you my opinion when I get back!!!!!!!

skemper19 comments on Easter Week in Colombia?

I'll let you know... I'll be in Medellin from April 7th through the 17th..... my man has some stuff planned and knows a bunch of places to go... I'll get back to you on that!!!!!

skemper19 comments on MDE parties around Easter week?

I'll be there that week also!!!!! I'll be in Medellin from April 7th through the 17th... I'll ask my man what his plans are for us that first weekend we are there.......I will definitely let you know whats good out there for that week...... please do the same for me!! ;)

skemper19 comments on Santa Fe De Antioquia

I visited Santa Fe in December! It is the original colony of Antioquia... GREAT place to visit, the people, the architecture, everything was AMAZING!!!!!!! I spent my first two days in Colombia there before heading to another pueblo on the other side of the mountains. The weather was outstanding, there's lots to do. There an amazing bridge there (Puente de Occidente)... and another small pueblo just on the other side of the puente called Sucre (population 300, they say).. It was completely breathtaking! Every minute! I recommend taking a horseback riding tour, they take you through the river, around the mountains, great trails all around Santa Fe, for like two hours and it only cost $10......... AMAZING, I say again!!!!! We staye at the Hotel Mariscal Robledo...... the onlything I have to say really SUCKED was the fact that they had ABSOLUTELY NO HOT WATER to take a shower!!!!! Other than that, priceless!!!!!!! Let me know if you have any other questions.... it's a great place to visit!!!!!!

skemper19 comments on In Colombia, do the Colombian men always have to pay tab?

Take it from a female..... They are definitly taking advantage of you.... I have no problem paying for my guy/ friends, it's only fair that things are shared!!! When I was in Medellin in December I picked up the tab a few times, after all, it's only fair and he did his share of picking up the tab as well. But there are definitely some gold-diggers out there, unfortunately giving all the other decent ladies a bad rep., but once you set it straight and let them know you won't be taken advantage of, you'll see who really is into you for you and who is only there for your $$$$$$

skemper19 comments on Meeting Opportunity for PBH members in Southern Florida

Me too! Sounds like a great idea!!!!! I would love to stop by too! I've lived in Miami for 27 years and frequent the beaches quite often! Lionheart, would you be open to meetings or middle sized function on that terrace as well or is it strictly dining?????? Sounds like a great place to have a small, intimiate gathering (reception, etc.)... HHHMMM?????????

skemper19 comments on Colombian college vs. American college

GOSH!! Thanks so much!!!!! That's a lot of info. to consume at once... I'm gonna print this one out and re-read tonight! LOL!!!! Thanks very much though! I will take all into consideration and figure out what works...... Another person told me to check with an admissions person at a local college/ university and see what they say... At least they would get me started in the right direction as what documents/credentials he will need to show in order to prove his education and, of course, the entrance tests that he will have to take to prove his skills and knowledge of basic functions.... This is a great help!!! Thanks to you all!

skemper19 comments on Authorization to work at POE in Miami?

Thanks so much rjstuff!!! Your are such a help! I will start there! He has a bachelors degree and is currently working on another one. I will definitley speak to an admissions person here at a local college or university and see what they say!!!! Much love! :)

skemper19 comments on Inexpensive, Fast, and Reliable Mail Courier from Bogota to the Unioted States

Thanks alexyy9.... I didn't know about Avianca having a documnet service!! That's great to know!!!! It's looks like it's about the same price that the courier service that I use right now charges! Always good to knowother alternatives!!!!

skemper19 comments on Inexpensive, Fast, and Reliable Mail Courier from Bogota to the Unioted States

DHL DITTO I used DHL both to send from U.S and from Colombia, reliable, fast, not sooooooooo expensive. Also, if you're in Miami, I know of a courier that can get things there usually between 3-4 days and it's very cheap!!!! I made the mistake the first time I sent a small package to Medellin by using the United States Postal Service. It was double what I pay now with the courier service and it didn't get there for a month!!! I though it was lost! But then it showed up out of no where a month later after they said it would take 10-14 days.

skemper19 comments on Authorization to work at POE in Miami?

Thanks sylvia!! Once again! Thanks so much for your kind words..... I have a question for you on school.... did you study in Colombia as well? And if so, how did your classes there transfer over here so that you could continue here? That's my next project is to reserach that so that he will be able to start school here but I'm hoping he won't have to start from the beginning again.... he already has one degree and is currently working on another.... What are your experiences with that?? Thanks again for all of your help!!!!! :)

hugs to you!!!!!!

skemper19 comments on Authorization to work at POE in Miami?

Yes, this is true.... And he is almost finished with his first level of English at ColomboAmericano in Medellin.... Hopefully, like sylvia said, he can volunteer with one of the many spanish newspapers here and get off to the right start...... he might not even have to use English for work... but he will definitely need English to speak to my parents, brothe and granny here (one of the few Americans still left in Hialeah) and my family in St. Louis!!!!!!! LOL

skemper19 comments on Biding Our Time and Staying Sane! :)

I agree Jill!! My name is Shawna, and, I too, am in love with a Colombian! HA HA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Visa Journey kept me sane!!! You need to read through the guides, it gives you a step by step process, for everything, sample forms, etc. IT IS THE BEST!!!!!!! I actually printed out the guides and used that as a checklist, then printed out the cover letter and used that as my final checklist. Just follow the directions and it really is a piece of cake! Save your money on the lawyer and spend it on your wedding, etc. And any questions you have, you have everyone here at PBH or VJ..... but definitley read the guides first, they are a fountain of GREAT information!!!!! And remember we're all here for you!!!! We one big happy Colombian loving family!!!!! WELCOME!!!!! :)

skemper19 comments on Fiancé(e) Visa timing and lawyer questions

I agree Jill!! My name is Shawna, and, I too, am in love with a Colombian! HA HA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Visa Journey kept me sane!!! You need to read through the guides, it gives you a step by step process, for everything, sample forms, etc. IT IS THE BEST!!!!!!! I actually printed out the guides and used that as a checklist, then printed out the cover letter and used that as my final checklist. Just follow the directions and it really is a piece of cake! Save your money on the lawyer and spend it on your wedding, etc. And any questions you have, you have everyone here at PBH or VJ..... but definitley read the guides first, they are a fountain of GREAT information!!!!! And remember we're all here for you!!!! We one big happy Colombian loving family!!!!! WELCOME!!!!! :)

skemper19 comments on Authorization to work at POE in Miami?

On the contrary... the weather is probakly one of the hardst things he'll have to get used to...... I mean he works and goes to school in Medellin where it's hot but he lives 45 minutes away up a mountain where, to me, it's FREEZING ALL DAY Especially at NIGHT!!!!!!!!! LOL And here in Miami it's so humid it's disgusting sometimes!!!!! But anyway, the best thing is that I will be here with him and that's really all that matters, no matter if it's freezing, humid, etc., etc...... Thanks so much for your well wishes! I tell him all the time how GREAT everyone here is, especially you siliviat!!! I'm sure he'll have some questions for you down the line!!!!!! It's nice to know that there's support and people out there nice enough to share their experiences and feelings! Thanks again!!!!! :)

skemper19 comments on Authorization to work at POE in Miami?

Well, not all Latin...... But what I was really referring to was the community..... Many non-Spanish speaking people work for the government...... it's one of the few that don't require the fluency of Spanish. Either way, it's not like living in St. Louis, that's for sure!!!! LOL

skemper19 comments on Authorization to work at POE in Miami?

Thanks so much silviat!!! He just started his English classes at Colom America (something like that), two hours everyday!!!! He was working for a few years up until last semester for a University in Medellin and is also the Editor of his pueblo's newspaper, now he is working only for the newspaper and going to school... and plays in a musical group....

YES!!!! The great thing about Miami, is that it's soooooooo Latin!!!! I know it will be a lot easier for him to adjust once he sees just how Latin it really is..... he still thinks Miami is like Wichita, Kansas or something like that, which it's not AT ALL!!! Miami, is another country in itself!!!! I'm American, born in St. Louis but raised in Miami so, I consider myself an honorary Latina and know just how different Miami is from the rest of the country!!!! LOL

Yes, I'll just start preparing as much as I can in the meantime and see what organizations might be best fit for him to volunteer for...... I think it will be agreat opportunity, like you said, for him to get out, get to know the city, new people and feel like he is doing something in the meantime!!!

Thanks for the hugs!!!!! We send hugs right back to you!!!!! :)

skemper19 comments on Authorization to work at POE in Miami?

No time soon, I just like to plan ahead.. LOL..... He's very adament about getting to work as soon as possible, so I figured I'd start doing my research/ homework now, it dosn't hurt! If he can't get to work right away, I have gotten the idea from the other topic we were going back and forth on about volunteering... I told him, the least he can do is get out and discover his new territory and volunteer for different organizations in the meantime while he's waiting for his paperwork to be processed.... that way he will also meet new people, get to know his surroundings and really get a feel for what is out here.... the great thing is that here in Miami, there are so many different organizations that there are many things that he could do while he waits. :)

skemper19 comments on

Thanks Gringo! You never know when one might need those services!!!!!!

skemper19 comments on PHONE BILL EVIDENCE

Well, I have already sent, wo whatever will be, will be!!! I also included a few e-mails that spanned the last seven months, several photos of us and ticket receipts for future travel in the next few months to Medellin..... whatever happens, I am ready to do whatever it takes to get him over here!!!! Thanks to yo uall for your help! Keep you posted! :)

skemper19 comments on PHONE BILL EVIDENCE

I'm just going to start keeping them from now on... I go through at LEAST three or four a week... now that I actually sit and think back.. I spend a good $60 or so a week on these darn things!!!!! LOL

skemper19 comments on PHONE BILL EVIDENCE

But isn't that only if you have the pin numbers still? I don't have many, I didn't think of that and I trashed them as I used them up, so, at least now I will keep them!!!! Thanks! :)

skemper19 comments on PHONE BILL EVIDENCE

Well, unfortunately I will have to do some investigating as I was not so thorough on keeping the actual cards, etc. and I have only boughten them online on a few occasions. I will from now on though that's for sure! I just hope they would accept that and not give me a hard time but whatever it is, we will get through it! It's just a matter of how long it will take to get through!!!! Thanks to all of you for your help and sharing your experiences! I'll keep you posted on what the outcome is.... :)

skemper19 comments on Translations.....

Thanks Crazy!!!! I will have him do that over there...... the more we get done little by little, the less we have to deal with later on! Thanks again! :)

skemper19 comments on Authorization to work at POE in Miami?

That's what I thought... I will definitely try though! Thanks! :)

skemper19 comments on Translations.....

THANKS SO MUCH RJ!!! Cool, that's GREAT to know. I guess I will wait to have all of that translated when he gets over here.... God willing!!! Thanks again!!!

skemper19 comments on He Got It!!!

OH YES I AM FLOATING IN LOVE!!!!!!! HA HA HA or how my fiance likes to say JA JA JA.... Thanks for your kind words silviat!!! It means so much!!!!! So how long have you been here? Where are you living now? Was it really a hard adjustment? Is it still hard???? That's what I'm afraid of with my guy... he's only traveled outside of Colombia once before and that was to Ecuador...... so I know it's going to be a bit challenging for him too!!! He started his english classes last week and is learning very fast!!!

skemper19 comments on He Got It!!!

I'm sooo happy for you!!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!! This website has been phenomenal for me in seeing what everyone is going/ went through! I really do wish you the best, OH MY GOSH he gets here tomorrow!! How exciting is that? I'm EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I guess we will decide on whether or not I should be with him at the interview when it's closer to the time... and also depending on whether they ask us for more evidence... we'll play it by ear!!! But he can get nervous so easily that I'm pretty sure he would want me there for him as support, pobresito... I love him so much!!!!!! I just hope it goes as smoothly as possible!! I'll keep you posted!! Good luck with your wedding!!!! How much fun is all fo this!!!????!!!!?????

skemper19 comments on He Got It!!!

CONGRATS MIRELAND!!!!!! How quick was it really? I just sent in my initial I-129F package this Monday. I'd love to "hear" all about your experience!!!!!!! What did you send originally? What was the entire timeline? Did you go to the interview with him? Tell me all the juicy stuff! I am sincerely soooooooooooooooo happy for you!!!!!!

skemper19 comments on Translations

This is all so good to know!!!! It's great to read everyone's experiences!!!!! I just sent in the initial I-129F packet yesterday, Express, of course, so they just received it this afternoon!!!!! Thanks to you all for sharing everything, it makes the process so much easier! By the way, has everyone else had the same experiences as me.... where EVERYONE has to be so negative about the approval process? I mean, even my translator for some of my documents was telling me just how hard it is for Colombians to come here, even with a fiance visa.. I mean, come on, don't give me any of your negative energy man... I'm all about the positive stuff!!!! Good luck to you all!

skemper19 comments on Waiting time for a I-130 petition

Alien Registration # I wondered the same thing, then looked on visajourney.com, they have examples of almost every form and for the Alien regitratioin Number on the top right of the form and on the botton the example said NONE..... Hope this helps! Good luck! I will be sending in my I-129F on Friday!

skemper19 comments on I-134 Affidavit of Support

THANK YOU RJ!!!! Thanks for the clarification!!!! One more step in the right direction!!!!!!! :)

skemper19 comments on G-325A Form

Forget it, I got it I didn't realize that there were four of the same for each one of us. I understand now. Thanks! :)

skemper19 comments on I-134 Affidavit of Support

Need to meet 125% of poverty guideline????? OK, so, if, including my fiance, we are three (myself, my son and my fiance). The poverty guideline says $16,600 for a family of three, so I must make 125% more than $16,600? Is that correct? Thanks so much for your help! :)

skemper19 comments on G-325A Form

4 Originals for each of us? So, four originals signed by him and four signed by me? Do I send then all in together with the initial packet?

skemper19 comments on G-325A Form

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Thank you Peter Miami, bobbyb & utopiacowboy sooooooooooooooooooooooo much!!! It's so GREAT to know that there are people here that have been through this and are kind enough to share their experiences and knowledge!!!!! Thanks for the tip on visajourney.com.... now my journey will begin!!!! I'm sure I'll have many more questions along the way! Thanks again!!!!! :)