Steve and Aiwen

Thanks for the heads-up, Dan.... Steve

Aiwen became a US Citizen on Feb 19, 2014. I hope we are done with USCIS... Her US Passport came in the mail last week while we were on vacation at Disney World in Florida. Headed to Australia this fall for a familiy get-together with her sisters and Mama and Baba. Many thanks to all here who held our hands on this journey. I'll stop in now and then to visit...... Steve

Aiwen and I have our 5 year wedding anniversary tomorrow, Oct 23. We've managed to create a nice life together, but it takes work. We still have to sort things out due to cultural differences now and then. But, it's been quite a journey, one I am very happy to still be on! Steve

I learned Mandarin, but not as fast as Aiwen learned English. Since receiving her medical license(nurse) 2 years ago, she's really improved. My Mandarin is good enough I can get around alone in China, and talk fairly freely with my Chinese family members, of which there are approximately 6 million(grin). My vocabulary is still not great, but good enough to communicate most things. I am still studying to get better and improve my vocabulary, as I feel that I owe it to my Wife to make the best effort I can to learn her language. After all, she left all she knew, and her family, to come to America and take me for her husband. Could I do the same, if the circumstances were reversed? Ask yourself that question, guys....imagine being dropped into a strange land, you don't speak the language very well, and everyday things are baffling...a totally different way of life. Would you work as hard to assimilate as your Chinese wife is doing in the USA? I am amazed at her dedication to her studies, of English as well as medicine. And she still manages to treat me like a king and look out for me at every turn. My Wife is an amazing person, and I love her all the more every day. We met by chance, but are together as we were fated to be....

You know she can take the written dl test in Chinese in GA, don't you? Aiwen did...and about aced it. Steve

Got receipt with 1-year extension of green card. Name, address, A-number all correct. We don't plan to visit China until we get the new green card. I did make a copy of the receipt for her to carry in her purse. Thanks for the info. Steve

Vermont......got the receipt today in the mail. Steve

Playing the waiting game again for removal of conditions, i.e., the 10-yr card. Check has been cashed, I should get the receipt w/automatic extension of 2-yr green card while awaiting processing..... I got lots of practice waiting for the K-1, so this won't be so bad. Shoot, we shot through the K-1 visa process easily, I shouldn't be complaining, lol....besides, we're together and very happy! Steve

We got one, too, a couple of weeks ago....

Thank you all guys. My fianc¨¦ just booked the ticket this morning!! His mother will go next Monday or so. He get more than a month for the visa. So, I think everything will be fine. He's never been to China and he's so excited about the trip !! We will first meet in Shanghai and then travel to Guangzhou. Any recommandations for Shanghai? Hotels, restaurants, sightseeing. I wonder which hotel allow us to stay together; Some hotels refuse a Chinese girl stay with a foreigner. Not really an issue.....I stayed with my fiance in Guangzhou without any trouble, it never came up....I like the Team Ease hotel, not too far from the Consulate, many good places to eat within an easy walk, even a McDonald's, KFC, and a good coffee place....the streets not too busy....nice area....also a good price, clean....much better than hotels nearer the Consulate....several nice Chinese hotels on this street. I'll try to get the name of the street...let's see...183 Longkou West Road.....ask for a discount if you are staying longer than one day....be firm about getting the discount, you have to be tough. Hope this helps. Steve

The Chinese consulate in Houston travels to other states in their consular district during the year to renew passports and other business. We were in the Houston consulate area, they came to Atlanta for 2 days and we were able to do it there, then they mailed the new passport to us. We were in North Georgia, so only about a 2 hour drive. Call the consulate, make sure you use the right number. They responded to our email quickly also. Steve

Congrats......

Woo hoo!!!! Let us know.... Steve

We're thinking of you and your wife. Try to get some sleep!!! You're gonna need it!!! Steve and Aiwen

Sending all the good vibes regarding your interview!!!! Best of luck to you both, Charles......I hope it all goes smoothly....ya'll deserve it!!!! Steve