I was vacationing in Sumy, Ukraine. My translator asked me if I would like to meet some of her friends. I said sure. One evening I met Vika. All three of us went to dinner. It was very interesting because I had never been to dinner with someone that did not speak English. Communicating through a translator can be a little frustrating but we did get to know a little about each other. I could tell Vika was a shy and very sweet girl. I did meet other friends over the next few days. And they could speak better English. Back at my flat I could not help but think of Vika and knew that I was somewhat intriqued. My interpretor called me and asked if wanted to go to Vika's flat and have desert. We did and I also met her daughter who is 6 yrs.old. I really did not think that Vika liked me that much because she was somewhat distant. The next day all 4 of us went to a place where children play games and the parents watch and have pizza. The time was occupied by her daughter which was fine. I was leaving the country the next day. I was leaving the country the next day and (through the interpreter) told Vika that I would like to write and get to know her better through letters. She said she would like that. She said she could have letters translated for a very small fee per letter. Well to make a long story short that was back in March of 2008. Since then we have written over 100 letters. I have traveled to meet her in Kiev (the capital) 5 times. She started taking English lessons in June 2008. We now talk on the phone 3 times per week as well as write letters. Has been a very interesting and rewarding journey and because it takes so long to get a visa approved we have really gotten to know quite a bit about each other. I am very thankful for this site and the sharing that takes place. We all know that we have something in common that most others do not understand. I wish everyone here success in your relationship.
