It's been difficult, but I think I have. We got married last July and I'm currently trying to extend my visa so I can stay in England with him. Mind you, being an immigrant comes with its own problems and stresses as well, but I wouldn't give him up for the world :)
I can relate... I live in farmland land of the US of A's farmlands and oh man, so many people laughed at me when I was in a similar situation... then I graduated and haven't talked to any of them in years because I had nothing in common with them anyway.