Still related to the United States... This was also the day my US Visa and my son's got approved. Upon knowing the schedule of our interview 9-11. I thought, is this a sign? We all know what happened in America that day. My husband was in the US when it happened. His trip back home got delayed for 2 months fearing to ride the plane. 911 is a date to be remembered...
I just can't imagine the hard work I poured for 3 months gathering data and hard copies. Proof of my solid residency here in Manila. Sept 11, 2008, I started my day early. We woke up, dressed up, our interview was at 1pm in the afternoon. As early as 7:30am we were already on the road going to the US Embassy. We decided to go super early because of the traffic, and upon arrival, I still want to look fresh and confident. My husband dropped us at a nearby Starbucks and off he went to work.
I just can't imagine the hard work I poured for 3 months gathering data and hard copies. Proof of my solid residency here in Manila. Sept 11, 2008, I started my day early. We woke up, dressed up, our interview was at 1pm in the afternoon. As early as 7:30am we were already on the road going to the US Embassy. We decided to go super early because of the traffic, and upon arrival, I still want to look fresh and confident. My husband dropped us at a nearby Starbucks and off he went to work.
My mom accompanied me. 11:30am I went inside with Franky, security pointed me to the direction where I saw a line. Went there. While waiting, I was reading a book with Franky. Until I noticed a person being pointed to the other side of the Embassy.
We were in the wrong Visa line. Note: We were in line at the seafarer's area for 45 mins! Crazy!And yes, I can call my self stupid---I didn't ask anybody at hindi ko man lang napansin na ako lang ang babae na nakapila.
I ran all the way to the other end of the Embassy for the trourist Visa process. My time in the wrong line ate up most of the pre- application check-up process. If you're going to assess, ma-le-late talaga ako. So I asked everybody in front of me if they could let me go first since I'm already running late and they're not. I was blessed that the group I was with were very understanding.
Last 2 minutes! Last 2 minutes! Exactly 12:58pm I was able to get my lucky numbers.
I was a total wreck, like physically. Sweaty and all, no time to use the bathroom to check how I looked. I told myself... Whatever result I may get, the experience for that day is still worth it.So the interview happened, with me looking wasted. I have always been advised that the physical has bearing. I mean, even in an ordinary interview, they always look at the person and maybe gauge it from there, if it will fit the whole personality and attitude. That's why we always look our best.
Anyway, my hard-work paid off. It was a good 5 minute interview. Not a single document was asked.
3 days after, our passport with our visas knocked on our door. What is the Visa for? We made it a point that anytime we want to travel, everyone in the family is equipped with proper documents. Anytime, we are bound to take a short vacation in the US. Supposedly, October of last year. But a better job was offered to my husband here in the Philippines, that we had to cancel so he can start immediately. This has been a plan left hanging. We don't want to let it go. Its been a long time since my husband left for the US and visited his home.
14 comments:
Nice post Enchie,nakaka sad lang na di kayo natuloy mag vacay sa US. Btw pareho din ang kalbaryo ko noon nung nag a-apply ako ng visa sa Japan embassy grabe rin ang hirap pumila.About sa hubby mo if ever na nasa US ako nung nang yari ang 9/11 baka matakot rin akong sumakay ng plane...
Happy weekend sis!!
Congratulations Mommy Ench! Kahit hindi natuloy, your experience getting a US visa counts. Pero sana matuloy din ung vacation. It will be worth for sure!
ilang years valied ang US visa nyo? :)
Hi Mommy Jac! Super duper hirap ng process. And I prepared for 2 visas. And yeah, when my husband bf pa kami nun told me nalate uwi niya because of the incident, i gave him all the time. I would probably do the same.
Hi Onlinemommy! I sure wish to leave na for the vacation. We need it! and for my son to meet my husband's whole clan.
Hi Chris! We got a 10- year valid Visa for both me and my son. My husband already got his way before pa.
sarap naman momi enchie, kami we plan to apply mga next year siguro and then God willing maka-travel dun sa 2011. sana matuloy kayo this year and then ill wait for your kwento.... naku sure-stop ang disneyland malamang sa inyo.
God bless.
Hi Darly! sana mag dilang anghel ka... yeah it was the first thing my in-laws told us Disney World!
haha! natawa ako nung kwinento mo na kaw lang nakapilang babae sa seafarer's area. at least kahit ganun nangyari, naapprove pa rin ang visa. conggrats!
congrats pa din sa iyong interview...good experience pa din iyon. in time matutuloy din kayo. God bless
Congratulations to your interview!!Sana matuloy din ang vacation nyo,Mommy Enchie!!^_^
I was still working as an entertainer in Japan when the 9-11 happened.It was a day after my Mother's birthday kaya di ko rin makalimutan.So sad noh?
You're not alone lol halos lahat yata kakilala ko nag-apply for US visa had the same experiences.. kahit saan naman yata embassies sa pinas, mapapagod ka ng husto. You're lucky and you deserve it anyway.. You gotta meet his whole clan and syempre kasama na ang leisure dun, 2nd honeymoon ba.. Anyway, no rush.. multiply visa naman yung sa inyo =)
aw. atleast u have ur visa na and u can go anytime u please :)
anyways ench i will launch a new meme on thursday please join if u have time ha :)
congrats! I think one of the reasons na=approve ka nun is ung appearance mo pa din, ksi gnun nangyari sa mga friends ko e, sobrang harassed na look nila pero they still look composed. Ska bka perfect English mo, mana si Franky. :) I read your post about Franky's performance in school, galing! congrats!
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