Hi Everyone!

[boatguy]

Just a short introduction:

I am already in the K-1 visa stage and my fiancee is awaiting her interview in Moscow.

For the past couple of months, I have been scanning these forums as a guest for advice and info on immigration and the experiences of the married guys to prepare for the next step. Over the course of my search which spans about 4 years and 5 trips to the FSU,  I made some mistakes and wasted time and some money on a few scam agencies and professional daters. Luckily, I didn't was out too much money on the usual suspects like AWEB (about $130), 4Russianwomen (about $50) but a professional dater from Cindy Agency cost me several hundred dollars in wasted correspondence, travel expenses, gifts and dinners.

I didn't let this one bad experience sour me and moved on. Overall, most of my meetings & dates with FSU ladies were positive. Actually, I ran across this site 2 or 3 of years ago but didn't pay much attention and soon forgot about it until recently. There's a lot of very useful info here and had I paid more attention, I could have avoided some mistakes especially with the Cindy Agency pro-dater.

Well, that's all for now.... thanks everyone .... the adventure continues.

Bill

[Christian]

Greetings Boatguy,

Happy sailing and welcome to RWD!

Cheers,

Christian

[infinite_wings]

   It's a good thing you never gave up and gave in. I find it admirable to get back up regardless of how many times you've fallen. Good luck on your journey.

[Raikov]

 Mistakes are inevitable Bill. We all make them. The important thing is that we learn from them and that of others. I believe that if you remain optimistic, patient, and dedicated then you'll find your FSU bride eventually. No one ever said it was easy. Godspeed.

[boatguy]

Thanks for the replies and words of encouragement.

Actually, I was pretty far along the K-1 when I first posted. My fiancee just received her visa about a week ago and I bought her ticket for Los Angeles yesterday. She will arrive on 8 March. The process took 8 months from K-1 application to interview and visa. Looks like I have to join the married section soon. )

[AnastassiaAsh]

Always nice to see a relationship working out and somebody getting K1 visa. Congratulations!   
When she comes don't forget to celebrate two occasions: her coming and Women's Day

[KenC]

Thanks for the replies and words of encouragement.

Actually, I was pretty far along the K-1 when I first posted. My fiancee just received her visa about a week ago and I bought her ticket for Los Angeles yesterday. She will arrive on 8 March. The process took 8 months from K-1 application to interview and visa. Looks like I have to join the married section soon. )

Congrats!
Don't hesitate to ask a lot of questions as the "hard part" is just ahead of you.  Many of us have gone through it and are eager to help you in any way possible.  Care to give any more details?  Where you live, ages, kids or not..........
KenC

[boatguy]

Thanks for the CONGRATS!
And the reminder that it will be Women's Day, Anastasia.
I have been busy with last minute things and planning a trip to L.A. to meet her.
Ken, since you asked, here are a few personal details:

Big age gap: Me 56, she 35.

Both never married and no kids but I was in a long term with an AW for almost 10 years until it ended in 2000.

She's from the Rostov area and I am from Hawaii.