After seeing this wonderful story, I thought I'd do a little something here to collect thoughts about Eliseu. His visa interview is next week, and he's very anxious to get it over with. We have a huge folder full of "evidence of relationship," but I thought it'd be fun to open up the comments for people to write about him and us. If they're good, he can print them and add them to the documents.
So I'll go first.
First off, I tend to think love is gross. I hate PDA and sappy couples and women who can't shut up about their significant other, and I try to avoid doing all three, but inevitably, I have found it difficult to do so. I at least try to keep it to a minimum, but in this case I'll make an exception.
Though we couldn't come from more different places, I really believe that a twist of fate brought us together, because we are frighteningly good for each other, like two lost puzzle pieces. Our personalities and lifestyles are so compatible that I was surprised how easy it was when we first moved in together, especially since he's so flexible and easy going. Whenever we have a problem, we work it out, and he always apologizes eventually, when he knows it's his turn to do so. He's incredibly thoughtful, and always willing to help out. He's open-minded and willing to accept new ideas, especially when they're important to me. If I care deeply about something, he'll make a point to learn about it and share my interest in it. One example of this is the Goldman case: he has been absolutely vital during the entire campaign, spreading the word to Brazilians, helping with translations, running errands, and editing and loading lots of videos on to Youtube.
Similarly, I've learned to appreciate new things from him, like his love of nature and saving the environment, Brazilian music, and graphic design. We have so many things in common, so many things we both enjoy, that it's easy to get along. The only serious diverging interests we have are action movies vs. chick flicks, and SWAT vs. no SWAT. [SWAT is a computer game about war and I do not like it one bit, especially since he'll play for hours at a time. Luckily, it's not coming with him to the States.]
We've grown so close that for the month we've been apart, I've felt like something is always missing, the kind of feeling you have when you get to work and realize you left your cell phone at home, or your purse in a cab. I feel hollow when he's not here.
He's funny and witty, making a point to make me laugh all the time. He's insanely sweet. He's beautiful. He's endlessly patient. He's the kindest, gentlest person I've ever met. And we love each other fiercely.
I'll do whatever it takes so we can be together, even if it means initially getting married in a quick civil ceremony rather than a big blowout wedding I really want (we're planning on doing that in two years, when he gets his residency). And he'll do whatever it takes too, since he's moving to a country he's never been to and is starting off at his in-laws' house. Sometimes I wonder if he's something of a saint. I am so grateful to have him.
If you have any thoughts you'd like to share about Eli or why you agree he should come to the US, please leave them in the comments, and I'll put them in a document for Eli to print and bring to the interview.
I have had the pleasure of seeing you and Eli together and although my visit was short, I am certain that the two of you are in love. The way you speak to one another, the way you help and encourage one another, even the way you look at one another is something that is rare, be it amongst two people of the same culture or not. So I have no doubt that you will be together soon.
I wish the two of you the best. Hope to see you soon!
Posted by: Jackie | June 05, 2009 at 07:32 AM
Should I? :)
Posted by: Eliseu | June 05, 2009 at 09:43 AM
Hi Rachel..
don't worry, the visa interview will be OK (even though I thought the opposite) I had my interview in Rio on January 6th 2009 and things were easir than I expected.. not a lot of questions at all from the Consul..and I was there by myself, my wife couldn't go to the interview with me because she was working, didn't have the time and $$..I'm from Campinas by the way..we got married on Paril 17th and we are currently living in Chicago.
So ELi will be fine, just answer the questions with the True and you guys will be fine,
If you have any questions about the process, feel free to contact me..
Take care and good luck for both of you!! SOon you'll be reunited again!!!
Adriano
Posted by: Adriano | June 05, 2009 at 09:58 AM
I agree. Don't worry about the interview. I went through the same feelings when I was doing my immigration in Canada. I think they probably know how to detect a fake couple and a real couple. I got myself all worked up and it turned out that immigration didn't even request an interview. Immigration sent us a letter demanding our presence on a certain date. We went armed to the gills ready for an interview and, as it turned out, they were granting me my residency that day - no interview. Photographs and family testimonies are always a good thing. You guys have been in a relationship for a few years and you know each other and that will shine through.
Posted by: Stephanie | June 06, 2009 at 12:33 AM
Rachel, I'm sure Eli's interview will go like a breeze and hopefully you guys will be together again as soon as possible.
Good luck!
Posted by: Ana | June 06, 2009 at 10:42 AM
I would not worry about the interview. Immigration officers tend to be a bit out there when it comes to suspicions to bona-fide relationships (they were a
bit suspicious of my ex-wife. Maybe they saw something I didnt, but when they
get that it's real (as with my current wife, who is from Poland) it goes without
any major problems
Have a great life together
Posted by: Ernest Barteldes | June 06, 2009 at 12:28 PM
My wife is from Rio, and her 2002 interview for a fiance visa was a breeze. To avoid the same headaches with social security cards and drivers licenses that we had to deal with, you might want to make sure that your fiance applies for the work authorization the moment he arrives in the U.S. (no need to wait until you're married). Also make sure that he applies for the green card the moment you're married. No lawyers are necessary. Just follow the instructions, and you'll do fine. Good luck from a man who is happily married to a wonderful Carioca woman.
Posted by: Chris | June 15, 2009 at 10:49 AM