Girlfriends and Boyfriends of other nationalities

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Im opening this discussion because after living with my boyfriend of almost eight years (July 4th) who is Turkish I realized there are challenges that arose in our relationship. For one, I grew up in a small rural town and other nationalities were unheard of unless it was Mexican. So when they found out my boyfriend my boyfriend was 'Turkish' the first question was 'what is that?' Meeting my boyfriends family was nothing like I expected and although they are practicing Muslims they are very hospitable and since my bf is only boy in the family, probably helped. Still, its hard scary feeling like your trying too hard to fit in but that is what it took and Im glad I didnt stay in my frightened mode and they automatically started treating me like family. Whenever I go back home, once or twice a year, I get jokes like "Hows Hassama Bin Laden doing?" and other similar jokes. Its even harder when I discuss our little fights with my mom and my mom spreads the word and next thing you know their telling me they'll take care of him. Just the misconceptions is hard. My dad seems fine with our relationship but Im sure the age thing is an issue as I am 26 and my boyfriend is 37.