Title: I"m outta here guys!!! Post by: Frank O on October 28, 2003, 05:00:00 AM Well guys tommorow Wed October 29th I board my flight to Kiev. I met my fiancee lovely fiancee Diana through an ad I placed through Jack's co. First Dream. I did things a little different (as always) & I guess many would say I lucked out. We will be getting married this trip God willing. This time I WILL be making a trip report. My search for a Ukrainian bride started last year & made my first trip last NOvember. This will be my 3rd trip over there (last one in June). For those who are interested I'm 35 years old my fiancee is 18 going on 19, as if that made a difference. Pray for me guys!!! Take care & God Bless. Frank O
Title: Re: I wish you could have atleast Post by: wsbill on October 29, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to I"m outta here guys!!!, posted by Frank O on Oct 28, 2003
Posted a photo of the two you together. Oh well. Hope you did pack your long johns as it's kinda cold over there at the moment... Like brrrr...cold. Title: Re: outta here Post by: WmGo on October 29, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to I"m outta here guys!!!, posted by Frank O on Oct 28, 2003
18 is unwise. Most unwise. Yes, I will pray for you :) Title: It's still viable under the right circumstances Post by: John K on November 03, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: outta here , posted by WmGo on Oct 29, 2003
While I wouldn't jump into a marriage like that again, I will say that it is possible to find happiness in such a large age difference. Marina was 18 and I was almost 35 when we first met over the internet. Granted, it was almost 2 years later that we married, but we have survived 5 years now as a monogamous couple (2 years premarriage, 3 years married). That being said, Frank has a lot cut out for him. Younger girls tend to be more status conscious and demanding. You have a maturity gap to bridge, regardless of how people wax eloquent over the "maturity of FSU girls". Finally, you have to balance dual roles of being a husband and also, at times, being a proxy father. In the years we have been together, Marina and I have managed our relationship with a lot of flexibility and a lot of patience. We still occasionally have difficult times with each other, but we work through them much more quickly now. Does Frank have a chance for happiness? Of course, he does. It just isn't going to be a cakewalk. He and his wife will need to put a lot on the line to make it work. I wish them both happiness and success with their marriage in the years ahead. Title: I don't frigging understand Post by: jrm on October 29, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to I"m outta here guys!!!, posted by Frank O on Oct 28, 2003
why you feel compelled to give jack any credit for you getting married. He is only in it for the bucks!!! Ain't like he was "a friend" setting you up without any monetary compensation. Do you ever read a post hear from people praising "A Foreign Affair" or any other agency, for finding them a wife? Just my observation. Best of luck anyway to you and your new wife. Title: Dosvidanya.. Post by: tfcrew on October 29, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to I"m outta here guys!!!, posted by Frank O on Oct 28, 2003
Tell us all about it soon as you can... Karl Title: Re: I"m outta here guys!!! Post by: tim360z on October 29, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to I"m outta here guys!!!, posted by Frank O on Oct 28, 2003
Good luck with everything Frank! I have read your posts with interest and I think you do have a bit of luck, I hope it continues. 18....well, who really knows on that one---only time will tell. Best! Title: Re: I"m outta here guys!!! Post by: Michael B on October 29, 2003, 05:00:00 AM Title: Re: I"m outta here guys!!! Post by: Travis on October 29, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to I"m outta here guys!!!, posted by Frank O on Oct 28, 2003
I wish you the best! But be careful. I will pray for you both. Good luck! Title: Re: I"m outta here guys!!! Post by: Richard on October 29, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to I"m outta here guys!!!, posted by Frank O on Oct 28, 2003
Good luck. I hope it all works out well in the long run. Maybe I should have asked this earlier, but why marary her there? As I understand it, the K3 / DCF takes about as long as a K1. (I get the impression the K3 / DCF is/was quicker than a K1 in parts of South America.) Anyway, as I said, good luck. Title: Re: Re: I"m outta here guys!!! Post by: AJ277 on October 29, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: I"m outta here guys!!!, posted by Richard on Oct 29, 2003
Good luck Frank!
why not marry her there? a wedding is typically the brides big day in adult life, not the grooms. CHILDREN. this is day like no other for her, in her culture she likely has looked foward to it since she was 5 yo. (given this isnt a second marraige) if you bring her stateside- who will she know? I married my wife in ukraine for these reasons.I feel it would be a disservice to deprive her of such a sopecial day in her culture and all that leads up to it wth family and friends. maybe not as much as 90 days on a k1, but how stressed is she in that situation and how much fun can a wedding be without her friends and relatives? For me when looking at the big picture of the cultural differences, the importance of the cermony there, time spent with her family and friends who i really liked- the time frame of when a visa would be issued or not did not play an important role,
he will likely DCF the I 130 in kiev. the difference being she will land here with a provisional permanant resident visa.That includes basically immediate ability for SS#, green card, to travel to other countries etc. so if you choose wrong it could be a more dangerous route ;) Title: True, AJ.....But Post by: tim360z on October 30, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Re: I"m outta here guys!!!, posted by AJ277 on Oct 29, 2003
It is difficult to generalize on familys and weddings etc. Stereotypes and stats abound. There are many familys here who are close. And if "big" is taken literally, there are many big weddings here. Having been to many weddings here I can easily agree with that. I have also been to Ukrainian and Russian weddings here and it always appeared to be a very large cultural event for the bride and close family. And everyone celebrated it well, regardless of the setting. I can say the same for American weddings too. There is not alot to celebrate in the FSU, so weddings there may be a more important affair for some. Divorce stats are rather high there too. So, what follows the wedding day is even more important than the wedding day. Title: Re: Re: Re: I"m outta here Post by: WmGo on October 29, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Re: I"m outta here guys!!!, posted by AJ277 on Oct 29, 2003
Just a couple of comments. First, a wedding in FSU is *not* any bigger for Second, it is a *myth* that families are closer Third, I agree with, respect and admire your reasons Good luck. Title: Of course families and friends are closer in the FSU Post by: jrm on October 30, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Re: Re: I"m outta here , posted by WmGo on Oct 29, 2003
Out of necessity, people there have to rely on each other for mere survival. Do you know your next door neigbors? Well the 70 years of "communism" induced a reliance on each other for survival. Title: Sorry, but Not even close Post by: WmGo on October 31, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Of course families and friends are close..., posted by jrm on Oct 30, 2003
You speak as one who has never been there. Yes, I know all my neighbors all the way down the street including both sides of the street. It is a normal thing here in the South, which stretches from Texas to Virignia. Just because some people in America are abnormal with respect to family and neighbors does not extrapolate into the proposition that all are. Families are much more close in America then in the FSU. And, if you have ever been to the FSU you would know that there is a complete absence of a sense of community and neighborhood. Yes, families that are *intact* , a minority, are close, but not any closer than people here or anywhere else. I have traveled extensively throughout the FSU, have dozens of permanent contacts there and I find the MOB myth about "FSU families are closer" as entirely laughable. The facts simply do not support the proposition. It is just one of the many myths that agencies began to sell their wares. I wish it were true, it just isn't. On a sidenote, divorce is now more common there than anywhere in the world (almost 70%). Title: Re: Sorry, but Not even close Post by: AJ277 on November 03, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Sorry, but Not even close, posted by WmGo on Oct 31, 2003
just playing devils advocate.. but yes the south and midwest is *different* in terms of general family closeness than the east or west coast. this is in a country of basically the same language and culture. hmm even here we have general differencves. would not be to hard to imagine there would be general differencves in whole countries where the culture is quite different. China ? India? are you infering that these cultural differences do nbot reflect on importance of family and marriage? a forum is full of generalizations?? Ive spent more years living in other countries than the USA , but was born in a small town midwest family that ws very close.Lived many years in the "south" (whats normal?) ;) I assure you in general there are certainly places in the world where families are closer , and that marraiges are more important from a social ,economic and individual perspective. is the FSU one? i am fairly sure on the social status part.
but i will concede that families may or may not be closer than avergae as our OWN country is pretty difficult to say an average as it varies region to region and city to city ;) kiev is probably different than sevastopol in this respect Title: good post, although Post by: jrm on November 03, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Sorry, but Not even close, posted by AJ277 on Nov 3, 2003
Its the MONEY that drives the FSU MOB business. We got it and they don't! Pure and simple!!!!!! Title: Re:close Post by: WmGo on November 03, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Sorry, but Not even close, posted by AJ277 on Nov 3, 2003
Hey AJ, Yeah, you make some good points there, and I agree with Best wishes. WmGO Title: Re: WmGo Post by: AJ277 on November 03, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re:close, posted by WmGo on Nov 3, 2003
WmGo- Trust me we agree more than disagree!! my devils advocate was half serious, half just messing with you...lol I also think things are changing fast there and becoming more western by the day.Heck i've watched it happen! Also many myths are more than a bit expanded on by the marraige agencies to "sell " a guy getting his arse off the couch and on a plane! lol As far as my own case, There are just soo many variables in this.. Although i met some very traditional ladies in ukraine, My advice is probably useless to most guys, since my outlook is probably a bit twisted Title: I am born and raised in the south, probably been to Post by: jrm on October 31, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Sorry, but Not even close, posted by WmGo on Oct 31, 2003
Europe(fsu) more than you...but so what! Every woman I have dated in Russia or Ukraine, had both parents( unless one or both had died) Closer, during the communist years and more so now, because times are tough, families have relied and depended on each other for everything from child care, food, money, sharing the small flats, etc. In America, because of the mobility of our society our families don't even share the same state anymore, much less the day to day struggle of life. Come on now, your sidenote statistic of a 70% divorce rate is unreliable at best. Where in the FSU can you find any reliable statistics!!!!And remember there are 3 kinds of lies: 1,lies, 2.damned lies and 3.statistics! Title: Re: I am born and raised in the south Post by: WmGo on November 01, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to I am born and raised in the south, proba..., posted by jrm on Oct 31, 2003
jrm, Many governmental agencies including international ones keep such statistics. Because marriages and divorces are registered with governmental authorities it is very easy to compile accurate statistics as to divorce rates. So the old Benjamin Disraeli adage does not apply :) Research the matter, you will find these numbers in numerous places. With the advent of the internet this type of research is very easy. It is nice to know, but irrelevant to statistical reality, that the ladies you dated in FSU all had intact families. If you opened your eyes while there you would have seen that that is not the cultural norm there. This is the number one reason that FSU ladies make themselves available to Western men. I thought everyone involved in MOB knew this. If all FSU men were ambitious, responsible, hard working, faithful and sober there would be no FSU MOB industry. None at all. Sorry, but the simple fact of the matter is that your proposition is, by its very nature, not possible to empirical conclusions. It is purely subjective and situational. Moreover, mere proximity or the lack thereof is irrelevant to the question of familial "closeness", but your point on this is well taken. I am rather expert in Russia and Ukraine (life time study) and can say with all certainty that families are not closer to each other there than here. I have literally hundreds of contacts there and regularly discuss these matters with my friends there and the bottom line is that, just like in America, some families are "close" and some are not. Contrary to your *assumption* (you know what they say about it :), I have traveled extensively throughout the FSU and Europe. I have traveled to and have friends in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kolomna, Kiev, Lviv,Donetsk,Lugansk, Yenakeivo, Rybinsk,Stahkanov, Starabilsk, Dnepropetovsk, Odessa, Nicolaev, and Kherson. There are many myths that are a part of the MOB business and the "families are closer there" is one of them. It is just one of the sales pitches. That is all it is. If it helps to rationalize it as true because God blessed you with a wonderful Ukrainian woman, then I am all for it!!! Best wishes to you and your bride. WmGO Title: I have been told its a "better life" that the majority of my Post by: jrm on November 02, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: I am born and raised in the south , posted by WmGo on Nov 1, 2003
friends want,ie, better health care, a car, ability to travel, more free time. But I don't claim to know it all, only what I am told by my friends from Vilnius,to Yoshkar-ola, from Yalta to Kyiv, and many places in between. Title: Re: "better life" Post by: WmGo on November 03, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to I have been told its a "better life..., posted by jrm on Nov 2, 2003
Yes, its true. My point was only that absence of the "better life" in FSU is primarily related to the FSUM situation, i.e., I think that most FSUW would not leave their countries for strictly economic reasons if they could find a local man who was a true source of love, stability, provision etc. Beware the ones for whom it is strictly economics!!! Title: Well, Post by: jrm on November 03, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: "better life" , posted by WmGo on Nov 3, 2003
it is economics (money) that make most of us more attractive, desireable to any woman, from anywhere. Whether the currency is goats,$,or grivna, whoever has the most, is the most desireable to the opposite sex. Title: Re: Well, Post by: AJ277 on November 03, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Well,, posted by jrm on Nov 3, 2003
jrm- a bit cynical? LOL but I do agree - and it is probably true in human nature. My wife had much better wealthier offers though...in this country and a few others. so i dont think its always ??? Title: cynic...yes, but money makes the world go round! n/t Post by: jrm on November 08, 2003, 05:00:00 AM Title: Re: wedding there Post by: AJ277 on October 30, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Re: Re: I"m outta here , posted by WmGo on Oct 29, 2003
Wmgo said-- Just a couple of comments. First, a wedding in FSU is *not* any bigger for Second, it is a *myth* that families are closer Third, I agree with, respect and admire your reasons Good luck.
I agree they are not bigger in size or extravagance - I meant more in social status and impact on the family and lifestyle as well as importance placed on that day by all involved.. they are generally a big reason for celebration in an otherwise dull and oppresssive economic atmosphere. So no they are not generally *big" want an example? many weddings last several days and in the villages they last a week. all is done in fun and there are dozens of different things,,and everyone is involved. Ours was 3 days. it was what most ukranian women hope and dream thier wedding will be like!!! The other side is social status. while i agere the MOB indusrtry put a heavy emphasis on traditional RW which i find to be funny.. as ive never met a traditionsal RW. LOL having lived in many many countries my opinion is that "on average " families are generally closer than in the US. its like watching a greek or italian family. stereotypes generally have a reason for existing. Title: Re: Re: wedding there Post by: WmGo on October 31, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: wedding there, posted by AJ277 on Oct 30, 2003
I understand what you mean about the traditional Ukrainian wedding, and agree with you in general except not the most important part of your assertion: social status, impact on family, importance placed on the day, etc. Perhaps where you live or were brought up a wedding is not a big deal, but it is a VERY big deal to most American families and the bride and groom. Yes, I like some of those Ukrainian bridal traditons, they are very cool. Americans have a lot of their own traditions also, and if you consider the affairs involved like the showers, rehersal dinners, receptions, etc it all stretches out over several days in America too. The main thing to understand is that empirical statements cannot and should not be made about a matter that is not subject to such generalizations. I cannot agree with your comment about the American family. Maybe it is a regional thing, but in the South from Texas to Virgina and also in the Midwest families are very, very close. Congratulations on having what sounds like one heck of a beautiful wedding. Title: Re: Re: wedding there Post by: Richard on October 30, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: wedding there, posted by AJ277 on Oct 30, 2003
thanks for the desciption of your wedding and some of the traditions. what's your take on marrying here and then having a second ceremony over there for her family? (I have some american friends who have lived a distance from their families and had a civil ceremony to make it legal and then a full blown church wedding later for the families.) Title: Re: Re: Re: wedding there Post by: AJ277 on October 30, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Re: wedding there, posted by Richard on Oct 30, 2003
Richard- you bring up one of the things i meant to mention in my other post,but it was already a bit long !! LOL There are a couple of other options. or have the wedding here after the K1, then go vacjk there and have a ceremony for heer friends and family. Again i want to say thst I dont feel there is a right or wrong way- its up tro the individual couple. My take is- in our case , it is her first wedding- she has waited a long time in that culture to marry and her family is very traditional in the importance they place on the ceremony and the occassion.It made a huge impression on her and them that i offered to arry there and in fact wanted to. and while the other scenerios would have been welcome and fine with her- but i want to stress i dont think it is for evceryone... Marriage there is just another option and perspective- for guys that have 2 weeks with thier fiancee prior to filing , it isnt a good option IMHO. Title: a unique perspective to the situation we all contemplate! n/t Post by: jrm on October 29, 2003, 05:00:00 AM Title: Good Points, AJ Post by: tim360z on October 29, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Re: I"m outta here guys!!!, posted by AJ277 on Oct 29, 2003
Some very good points to consider. Title: Not true AJ...............DCF quicker by far !! Post by: exlabman on October 29, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Re: I"m outta here guys!!!, posted by AJ277 on Oct 29, 2003
AJ, The DCF is MUCH quicker than K1 (or K3)... Frank can have her here in about 6 weeks from the day they marry. The I-130 will get to Warsaw in a couple of days and they will have an appointment for interview couple of days later. Warsaw runs about 3 weeks delay on interview date, so very quick. My K1 is now at 5 months and still stuck at the NVC so it is slooooooow. Larry Title: Re: Not true AJ...............DCF quicker by far !! Post by: AJ277 on October 29, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Not true AJ...............DCF quicker by..., posted by exlabman on Oct 29, 2003
Larry- sorry to hear you are going thru the waitinhg Hewll your poiint about DCF I 130's being faster is relative to each case. so if you follow it will be another 7 weeks before interview -if all is in order. should run about 3 or 4 months. ::shrugs:: so i think 6 weeks from the day you marry is unrealistic.
Title: Re: I"m outta here guys!!! Post by: FLASH2D on October 29, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to I"m outta here guys!!!, posted by Frank O on Oct 28, 2003
frank, best of luck man. hope you have all the paperwork and it goes smooth. just think, you're getting a woman who has very few if any bad experiences, no baggage, and you have the opp to show her what real love is all about. treat her right and she'll love you forever. i'm almost envious. god bless. flash Title: Re: I"m outta here guys!!! Post by: JohnL on October 29, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to I"m outta here guys!!!, posted by Frank O on Oct 28, 2003
[This message has been edited by JohnL] Hey Frank Slow down Bro, your goin like theres NO tomorrow. Just remember; my Kid Sister never dropped her nappies until she was 16!! She was a stunner! She couldnt make up her mind until she was 25, who she would choose from the pack of *dogs* that were continually chasing her!!! It took her ALL that time Thank God! Make another trip Mate, TIME is on your side. Promise. Hey, Im 56, TIME is still on my side!!!!!!!!!!!! And on second thoughts, dont get photographed in front of a Womens & Childrens Hospital! And I am trying to be serious here. Why? Because the realists will obviously say you are there to witnness the birth of you next wife. Think about it. After all, how would I look; a 56 year old F@** getting around with a 28 year (hottie as you Blokes call them over there) hanging on my arm? Nice feeling, real nice, Yeh; But ...........I better get real & wake up quick smart. Hey Frank, go read II Cor 6:14, it almost comes into play in your case, unless she has had a perfect and committed upbringing. Is she committed? Only you know. I trust she is. Good luck & Take Care Title: Re: I"m outta here guys!!! Post by: mudd on October 28, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to I"m outta here guys!!!, posted by Frank O on Oct 28, 2003
not to question, but isnt 18 a little young? i cant see any girl, from any country being that young, haveing any idea of what they would want out of life, or a marriage. i know there are exceptions, but i hope you take the relationship slow, and dont get into too big of a hurry to get married. |