gunsmokebob

I asked a question about my income tax returns. I already knew the answer, but I expressed concern that I might not have the correct form. The VO was very polite and told me not to worry. I watched as entered something into his computer. As I could not see what it was, I am not 100% positve, but I think it was a notation that I was there. From my wife's description, I am sure this was the same VO who conducted her interview. I am convinced that your being there at the time of the interview and going to the ACH makes a big difference. GO TO THE ACH!!!!!!!! Make up a question about a form. Keep it simple, be very brief, be polite, thank the VO for his or her time. I sat in the coffee shop with 4 other husbands during Mary's interview. None of these husbands had attended the ACH. ALL 4 got a blue slip! GO !!!!!!!

We just checked with the post office on-line. It is showing that the visas arrived at the post office yesterday at 5:00 PM. We will be going there in a while. I had breakfast at the local McDonalds. The pancakes tasted OK. I am ready to get back to Colorado, softer beds!

Thanks to all for your words of congratulations. We will be flying out of GUZ on Monday. I wanted to have some extra time after the interview in case something happened, like the visa printer breaking down again. We are flying Asiana Airlines to Seoul, then to LA, then to Denver. When I went to the ACH, I asked a question about the I-134 and my tax returns. I was pretty sure of the answer, but I wanted it noted that I was there. The VO seemed to enter something in the computer, so I am sure it was noted. The VO did not ask for any of the things I had prepared. I had Mary send an I-134, my tax returns, letter of employment, bank letter, pay stubs, evolution of relationship letter with the P3 when she returned it. I was prepared with another notarized set for the interview, along with a copy of the contract on our new house, in both our names, utility bills, a copy of the cashier's check for the down payment. Nothing was asked for, so I believe they had seen the copies we sent with the P3. If any you are preparing any of the documents I mentioned above, I strongly suggest that you get everything notarized and get THREE copies of everything. We are looking forward to getting back to Colorado. After all the heat and humidity here in GUZ, I would welcome some snow! Mary was on the computer last night, sending a message to the 001 ladies. That is about it for now. It seems I have been pressed into some shopping duty. I am not sure what my role in the adventure will be, maybe as pack mule, but I was reminded not to forget my wallet!

Mary and I are very pleased to say it is, PINK !!!!!!!!!!!! We arrived at the Consulate just a little after 7:00am. There were a lot of people there already. At 7:16, the security guards came out with the bullhorn and began shouting at everyone. It seemed he was upset that the lines were not straight! At about 7:45, they began admitting people. I waited with Mary and Sophia, (OUR daughter), until they got to the head of the line. I waited outside with several other husbands until about 8:30 or so. (The beverages at the 7-Eleven were a hell of a lot cheaper than inside and I got tired of the lawyers hovering like vultures!) I the headed up to the 4th floor coffee shop, paying 110RMB for two cups of coffee. I talked with the other men waiting there are was shocked to hear that none of them had use CFL or VJ as a reference for this process. Most said that they had hired U.S. lawyers. I talked about all I had learned here about the process, how to assemble the papers and the "kitchen sink"concept. All of these guys said, "My lawyer never told me that". I seen several very sad looking ladies come down stairs. One of the guys I was sitting with wife came down with a blue slip in her hand. I felt a very deep saddness for them. A few minutes later I seen Mary and Sophia come around the corner. I could tell by both of thier faces that it was good news. She came to the table I was sitting at and sat down. I asked, "WELL ???". She set her purse on the table and slowly started to remove papers from it. I didn't take a single breath for those few moments. Finally, she removed the famous pink slip. I think they heard my shout of joy on the 5th floor. As soon as I did this, I felt like hell. Here I was so happy and relieved, and just a few tables away was a man and his family who had just been given a blue slip. So, I urged Mary and Sophia to get out of there. So, here is how the interview went: When her number was called, she went to her assigned window. She said the VO was a young, very tall, dark-haired man. He smiled a lot and was very polite. Mary said that she could speak some English, but she wanted to do the interview in Chinese, (she has been worried about this from the start). The VO said OK. Questions: 1) What is your husband's name? 2) What is your job? (meaning Mary) 3) What is your husband's job? 4) How many children does your husband have? 5) What are thier ages? 6) Where did you meet? 7) Do you mind your husband's other marriages? 8) Where does your husband live? 9) How many times has he come to China? 10) Is he here today? (This is when Mary handed him my passport) 11) Can I see your pictures? (Mary had an album of pictures ready, she said that he smiled as he looked through the album.) That was it! No more questions. He did not ask for any of the 25 pounds of paper we had prepared. No I-134, no tax returns, bank letter, nothing. Now, I sent all of this to Mary months ago and I had her send it in with the P3. I am now more convinced than ever that it is good to do this. I know they say they will throw anything not asked for away, but I do not believe this. Well, the hotel is charging me for the computer time, so I am going to get off here for now. I AM CONVINCED that without the help from all of you here at CFL and with the support all of you have shown me and everyone else, the outcome would not have been the same for us. As we rode back to the hotel in the cab, I started feeling a little guilty about being so happy. I started to think about all of those who have waited a hell of a lot longer than Mary and I, about those who have been denied or are trying to overcome a blue slip. I said a prayer of thanks to God at this point and asked him to help all of the other people are waiting for this happy day. Once again, THANK YOU, to all of you here at CFL.

I arrived in GUZ on Saturday. (IT SURE IS HUMID HERE!!!!) Medical completed, got the results today. Went to ACH on Monday and asked two questions. NOW, we wait until the morning for the interview. I will let everyone know how it goes after the interview. THINKING PINK !!!!!! I have my pink shirt ready! (I REFUSE to wear PINK underwear!!!!)

I have to agree with the other's comments about tsap. It always amazes me that a man that has got so screwed over by this system can be so postive in his encouragement for others.

Mary's interview is September 11th. Are there any other CFLers out there with this date, or a couple days either way? I will leave for GUZ on the 4th and go to ACH on Monday the 8th. We are planning on flying home (WITH A PINK SLIP) on the 15th. I would love to get together with anyone that will be in GUZ at this same time.

Good Luck!!!!!! Be confident and positive. REMEMBER, predators, (and criminals), can smell fear! All kidding aside, I am sure ALL will be PINK.

Our papers left the NVC on 5/21. The DHL website listed a package leaving NVC for GUZ with a reference number of 9389906831. It arrived at DHL facility on 5/26. It sat there until 07/03. When DHL showed that it was delivered to the Consulate, I called DOS. DOS said that the application was "loaded" on 07/03. My wife recieved the P3 on 7/20. Each time I have called DOS, they have been polite and very helpful.

When I called DOS last Monday, they told me the file was "loaded". The lady on the phone said that the P3 would be mailed soon. On Saturday, my wife got the P3. The week before, DOS said that GUZ had received the file. It seems it depends on which person you talk to at DOS.

Hey Guys!!! My darling wife is asleep, so I will not wake her, but I had to share this with SOMEONE. I just got off the phone with DOS. No waiting this time. The lady said that the P-3 package has been sent to Mary! As you all know, the waiting for this process can be terrible, so ANY little bit of information recieved is reason to celebrate. Thanks again to CFL and those of you that are so helpful here.

The lady only said it was "loaded". So, I guess I got excited too soon.

I got through to a real-live person on my third try. I was only on hold for 10 minutes. Application has been loaded! Thanks again!

Thank You! I will try in the morning!

I have beeen searching the site for about an hour, trying to find the telephone number to call to see if our petition has been loaded at the Consulate in GUZ. Maybe I am just not looking in the right place or my patience is getting thin. HELP! Our petition had been pretty fast up until this point, so I am not complaining. I still feel for those that were caught in the paperwork flood last year. I almost feel guilty that ours had been so fast. I just want to be certain that the Consulate have the petition. Thanks and good luck to all of you that are waiting, to those who have an interview coming up and congratulations to those with the final approval!