A little update

[philb]

The Ukrainian woman I have been seeing for the past year or so, just got through spending 3 weeks here visiting me. This was her first trip to the US. She was issued a five year multiple entry visa.
It was a good visit. She was able to meet some of my friends, see where I live, meet some of my family, and just get a bit of a feel for life here.
I have visited her in Kiev a total of 4 times and the two of us have traveled extensively together. I will be headed to Kiev again in November. From Kiev we will be driving to southern Germany for a couple of weeks.
The two of us are getting married this February. Now I am sure my next statement will get a few coments. We will be getting married in Kiev and will be going the DCF route.
The next few months look to be quite busy with wedding preparations etc.. We are currently petitioning the Orthodox Church to allow us to get married in a church (I am not Orthodox). Alla, bought her dress while here. They are much more expensive in Kiev. Since her return home she has already started making arrangements for the reception.
Several of my friends and family members are planning on attending the wedding. For my 73 year old mother it will be her first trip outside of the US. It ought to be interesting. My 21 year old son likes the idea of our wedding taking place in Kiev. He gets a paid airline ticket and plans on bumming around Europe for a month or two after the wedding.
Now we need to figure out where we will live. Most likely we will end up in Wyoming, at least for a while. Although, I am pursuing a job option in Germany (3 year contract position with possibility for renewal). Alla, likes this possibility since she speaks fluent German (in addition to English, Spanish, Ukranian, and Russian) and has some business connections there.
It has been a bit of a long process for me. My first trip to the FSU was in the summer of 2001. I have traveled there a total of 12 times (I think). I have always pretty much done my own thing, no agencies, tours, or buying addresses. Usually when I went to Russia or Ukraine it was to see just one woman and if this didn't work out just have a vacation. I met a lot of great people and learned much during my travels.

[Admin]

The Ukrainian woman I have been seeing for the past year or so, just got through spending 3 weeks here visiting me. This was her first trip to the US. She was issued a five year multiple entry visa.
It was a good visit. She was able to meet some of my friends, see where I live, meet some of my family, and just get a bit of a feel for life here.
I have visited her in Kiev a total of 4 times and the two of us have traveled extensively together. I will be headed to Kiev again in November. From Kiev we will be driving to southern Germany for a couple of weeks.
The two of us are getting married this February. Now I am sure my next statement will get a few coments. We will be getting married in Kiev and will be going the DCF route.
The next few months look to be quite busy with wedding preparations etc.. We are currently petitioning the Orthodox Church to allow us to get married in a church (I am not Orthodox). Alla, bought her dress while here. They are much more expensive in Kiev. Since her return home she has already started making arrangements for the reception.
Several of my friends and family members are planning on attending the wedding. For my 73 year old mother it will be her first trip outside of the US. It ought to be interesting. My 21 year old son likes the idea of our wedding taking place in Kiev. He gets a paid airline ticket and plans on bumming around Europe for a month or two after the wedding.
Now we need to figure out where we will live. Most likely we will end up in Wyoming, at least for a while. Although, I am pursuing a job option in Germany (3 year contract position with possibility for renewal). Alla, likes this possibility since she speaks fluent German (in addition to English, Spanish, Ukranian, and Russian) and has some business connections there.
It has been a bit of a long process for me. My first trip to the FSU was in the summer of 2001. I have traveled there a total of 12 times (I think). I have always pretty much done my own thing, no agencies, tours, or buying addresses. Usually when I went to Russia or Ukraine it was to see just one woman and if this didn't work out just have a vacation. I met a lot of great people and learned much during my travels.

Phil,

You have my warmest and most heart-felt CONGRATULATIONS!

I know you have been at this for quite some time - and I know you are looking for guidance from above in all you do.

Best wishes to you and your lady!

- Dan

[PeeWee]

Good job, Phil. It's a big plus if you can get them to visit here,I think. I believe that it helps to smooth their transition from there to here when you do get married. I have always felt lucky to have had lara come for her vistis. Two of those time she was able to spend time with my entire family, even her daughter came one time. A huge plus was that she was able to celebrate Christmas with the family one year. later she said to me, "I can't beleive it. All of these people gave me many gifts and they don't even know me!" She did clean up that year.

it will be interesting to know what your mother thinks of Ukraine. My mom still thinks that the Russians are hell bent on taking over the US, but then she is 85 and pretty set in her ways. I've got my work cut out for me in that regard. Lara has a month off in November. My hope is that she can get here for Thanksgiving. I am a huge fan of family gatherings and Thanksgiving is the big one for me.

good luck to you with the marriage. It sounds to me that you have done it right.

 

PeeWee