Cry. Just When It's Too Much

I can't cry. Not in front of you.

In a place that's thousands of miles away from home, is a place that I also now call home.

Flying all the way across the Pacific to come here was my biggest challenge. Leave the country I love and my comfort zone which is my family was something I never planned for in my life. Traveling is a part of me, but moving permanently in foreign soil is completely different.

It's been two months since I arrived in the USA. Everything seemed to be going well, until a month later things seem to be spiraling down. There have been changes in work, environment, and everything else.

The emotions are taking its toll.

But what to do? What should I do??

Alex Bear is a strong man. He is a man of virtue, integrity and honesty. I have always adored his principles, his being responsible, and his will. Behind this almost invincible image is a soft and kind husband. Like me, there is a fragile piece that lies within our hearts.

I've sealed my fragile piece a long time ago. As emotional as I am, I try not to get broken. It's had to be strong all the time tho. But right now, I can't cry. I have to be reliable. Strong. Courageous.

I have to cry.

xoxo

~ Honey Bear ~

Contact : kimistarr@photographer.net | Travel Blog : Kimi Goes Places | Official : KimiStarr.Net | Starr&Sparkle Shoppe

The St. Lukes Medical Experience

Hello lovelies!

Today I'll be starting my updates on my experiences in finishing my US Visa application.

Applying for a US Visa (or, in fact, any type of visa) involves a lot of procedures. This usually includes taking a medical exam to prove that you are fit to travel and have passed the standards for that country. There usually are limitations such as infectious diseases, or one might still need to undergo treatments prior flying out, or any other reasons. All these factors vary from one country to another.

I have some knowledge  in applying for visas since I used to prepare documents for my crew in my previous job. US Tourist and Business Visas (B1/B2) are very different from Spousal and Fiance Visas, but they require the same medical exam for the interview. The requirements may vary for each time. In my experience, I will focus on the K1 Visa.

So, where do we start? Here's a simple guide and my own experience!

Quick Update - Finally Approved!

Hello lovelies!

I'm just really eager to say that my visa is finally approved!!!

I know I have so much to update and I will in the next few weeks. Since I was working on my documents, scrapbook and the interview itself, I have so much work to be done. I also have to meet many friends in the following weeks so this will be really time consuming.

I will post everything accordingly so you can check on Visa Updates!

Ah the feeling is quite bittersweet but I'm really happy. Upon checking with 2GO, my passport is already in transit.

This chapter is almost ending but then, of course, a new one is about to begin!

xoxo

~ Honey Bear ~

Contact : kimistarr@photographer.net | Travel Blog : Kimi Goes Places | Official : KimiStarr.Net | Starr&Sparkle Shoppe

Interview Preparation + Checklist Download!

OMG! We're two days away!!

Oh hai lovelies!! ^.^

Finally we're two away from my actual interview at the US Embassy in Manila. The past few months have been quite stressful since we had to go through the final steps in preparing for the interview.

I have finished my medical exam from St. Lukes Extension Clinis (SLEC) last week and I will be posting more information about the experience soon. In the mean time, I'm having fun doing some document arrangements and scrapbooking!

[Keep your documents organized too and download our K1 Checklist Draft here ^.^]

You can bring photos in albums or just simply glued on paper or however you wish. I just like the idea of making a scrapbook (which I have to finish tonight so I can decoden it later!). Since I got my stock of rhinestones last week, might as well add some too!

We're Almost There

Oh Hai Lovelies!

I'm supposed to be napping by now, but then I just have a few thoughts running in my head. I'm almost done with my medical exam (which I will post about this week) and I will be having my interview in about two weeks.

It seems like time is so slow, but at the same time so fast! We've just celebrated our first year but in a few days we're already a year and a month old. Things just keep getting better.

We're going through a lot of things - awesome moments, struggles, frustrating distance and many more. The best thing about it is that we're both working on it to make things right. I have so much more to write about, but right now they're just stuck in mind. I guess I'll keep them there in the mean time.

Almost getting there...

Just a bit more wait and I'll be with my Polar Bear - baking cakes, cooking good food, making art and keeping him happy. At the same time I will be missing my family so much but I know things will turn out perfect. I'm sure there will be more rocks and bumps along the way, but I'm hopeful.

Mmm... okay, I guess I'll have to sleep now. More updates to come! I still owe two more topics ^.^

xoxo

~ Honey Bear ~

Contact : kimistarr@photographer.net | Travel Blog : Kimi Goes Places | Official : KimiStarr.Net | Starr&Sparkle Shoppe

Steps After Your K1 Petition Approval

Hey lovelies!

A few months ago I was really happy to announce that the Polar Honey Bear petition for a K1 visa has finally been approved. Since I was really busy, I wasn't really able to update anyone and give any advice.

Here's a quick recap of the steps we have taken since we received the notice!

NOTE : The following photos are the actual mail that we got. We have removed any personal and confidential information on these records for security purposes.

NVC Letter

Once your petition gets approved, your fiance will receive a mail stating this. Note, that this is a snail mail and not through email. They will advice you that your case has been approved and forwarded to Manila. The Filipina/Filipino fiance will then receive a (snail) mail stating what steps to be taken next.

We have received our NVC Letter on May 13th. To be honest, we're taking things quite slow and easy since I'm not in a hurry to leave.

K1 Interview Requirements Quick List + Download!

Hello lovelies!

Here's a quick list of the requirements that I have prepared for my K1 visa interview at the US Embassy. I know that not everything here is included in the official list but I have included other documents that may be requested based on other Filipino's experiences.

Note : I will update this list after my interview to advice what were actually asked.

ADD : Download this checklist here! You can add and edit details on MS Word ^.^

Kimi Honey Bear's Documents

Passport

Passport Biopage - 2pcs

DS-160 Confirmation Page

Note : Do not print the whole DS-160 Application Form

Appointment confirmation

Birth Certificate

Cenomar

NBI Clearance

3 pcs Visa Photo

SLEC Medical Certificate

NOA1 Copy

NOA2 Copy

RFE Copy

NVC Letter Copy

Approved I-129F

 Alex Polar Bear's Documents

 W2 Form

Form 1040

Note : I had his originally signed forms sent to me

Form I-124 Affidavit of Support

Certificate Of Employment

WU Remittances

Birth Certificate Copy

Passport Copy

Entry Stamp

 Polar Honey Bear's Documents

Engagement Status

FB & Skype Chat Logs

 Vacation Photos

Cabin Photos

PHB.com copy

Bear Tickets, Receipts, etc.

If there are any corrections or suggestions, please feel free to drop a comment or message us!

xoxo

~ Honey Bear ~

Contact : kimistarr@photographer.net | Travel Blog : Kimi Goes Places | Official : KimiStarr.Net | Starr&Sparkle Shoppe