I did it!!!

[klarina]

I have great news. Today was my citizenship interview with an officer at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. I arrived at the federal building in Santa Ana, CA about 45 minutes before the time of my interview. (I didn't want anything to prevent me from arriving on time, so I left home with plenty of extra time. LOL).
I had to wait a lot, but then I heard my name. The interview began with the officer asking me to swear I was going to say the truth.
She then asked me about my background, family, records, etcetera.
Then she asked me to write a few phrases in English (for the written English test). Then she began asking me History questions. I failed just one question but answered the nine others correctly.
Up to this moment, I was serene, and in total control of the situation. Then she said "Congratulations, you passed the test and you have been approved". At that moment I lost my cool and got all teary-eyed. She then started giving me instructions for the oath ceremony (which I believe will be on the next couple of months), but I could barely understand what was she talking about. I was overwhelmed by emotion.
I left the federal building still weeping but otherwise elated.
I am so happy. This has been a long journey, and I'm almost there.

[windstar]

Congratulations Klarina on your new citizenship becoming an American citizen. May you long enjoy your new status.

[jand803]

Congratulations and welcome to the US.

[ginny1960]

Congratulations on becoming a US Citizen. I can hear all of the joy and emotion of this occassion.

[la_cole]

Congratulations, Klarina! I am very proud of you and your accomplishment today! Please let us know when your oath ceremony will take place.

[mesewnice]

Congratulations and well done.

[jstitch]

Congratulations, Klarina. You probably know more about U.S. History than most Americans. Welcome as a citizen. So proud of you!

[saskia]

congratulations on your succes.
Well done. Enjoy.

[Zaturn2]

Congratulations!
well done

[seaislandmist]

Wonderful news. Congratulations!

[teddy_rn]

WAY TO GO!!!! I am so proud of you! I remember my mother and my aunt crying happy tears!! Thank God they were from England so the language was no problem

[Dreama]

Congratulations Klarina! I'm not sure that I could answer history questions. That was my weak subject! Welcome to the USA! And we are pleased to have you as an American. Dreama

[matistsat]

Congratulations Klarina and I wish you a very happy life in your new country !
Bravo !

[tndenim]

That is wondeful Klarina. You are the second eprson I've known who has become a US citizen. Being one all my life - I did not really understnad the importance and emotion of becoming one till the Chinese guy became one in our office about two years ago. We gave him a citixenship party. He still has the flag we gave him in his office. And he doesn't take anything for granted like we do at times.

So again - congratulations!!!!!!!! And to everyone else - we are doing a 50 state quilt block swap in honor of Klarina becoming a citizen - so if you'd like to join us - please do so. We have a quite few states left!

[sharong]

Klarina I am so happy for you! One more step and you will be a citizen of the most wonderful, crazy, beautiful , frustrating and free country in the world. It will be an honor to have your join us. My husband has traveled all over the world in his business and he says there is no place like the USA. There is no place he would want to live ever. Please let us know when you take the oath, so we can give you a proper 3 cheers HUGZ!

[dorie]

Congratulation Klarina, I am crying as I read your post. I wish every citizen in the United States was as sincere as you are. A great big hug from the state of Georgia. My grandmother went through Ellis Island in New York and became an American citizen many many years ago.

[boltonia51]

You are a true testimony to the dedication it takes to become a citizen of the United states. Hard work and a willing heart are the things that make this country great. And you just proved the fact of this. Congratulations.We Americans are proud to have you join us.

[wissewer]

How wonderful for you -- and us -- that you will be an American. Congratulations!

[Grandma Ria]

Klarina! Congratulations you will feel very proud when you go to the oath cermony ,I became an "Australian citizen" when I got married 43 years ago I wanted to be the same as my Husband so I got naturalized but I did not have to as much then as they do now.
You will feel great once you have done all of that.
Good luck Ria

[debi]

Klarina

I have helped a couple of young people become citizens, and am always amazed at the hoops they have had to jump through. the amount of paperwork alone could create an entire forest! not to mention the wear and tear on your nerves.

you continually ask yourself "did i fill out the questionaire correctly? did i include everything? What More Do They Want???"

Most people do not realize how long it takes to become a citizen. Nor do they realize how expensive it can become.

so i just want to say:

Congratulations! I am so happy for you! You did it! Yippeeee!!!!

debi