My name is Randy. I live in PA. I just recently found this board and am learning how it works.

I am at the point where I am actually writing to a girl from Kharkov. I bought the address from AFA. So far I have sent a letter by regular post and then about 4 or 5 more with email forwarding. She apparently cant speak or read much english. I have been using an email forwarding service that also translates for us. This works fine except that it is quite expensive...(about $15.00 per page)

I like her, and I want to get to know her, so I was wondering if anyone could help me with a more cost effective idea in this matter.

Im not poor...but Im not rich either and so I want to use the most cost effictive method with this situation. Any help or advice would be great. Thanks.

The newest guy.

Randy

I'll echo what several have said below and suggest that you talk to Jack. Whether you use his services or not, he will give you some good insights as to what to be wary of and how to best get things done. BTW, I do recomend using his services when you get to the point of going over as his people are first rate.

I would be careful dealing with AFA as they kept inviting my fiancee (and later my wife) to attend their socials even after repeated e-mails telling them that she was no longer interested or available.

$15/page for translation and forwarding is way out of line. Get her phone number if you can. My wife can call and talk her through getting an e-mail account set up if you like so you can at least write each other directly and cut out the agency middlemen.

You can use a shareware translation program but sometimes it's pretty strange what comes out the other end or just start learning Russian by doing the translation yourself. You'll have to learn it sooner or later.

Another option (abeit more expensive) is to use a three way conference call with a translator. Or maybe she has a friend who speaks enough English to get your ideas across. You will need to get a phone card and not try doing this with AT&T. ($0.11/min vs. $1.50/min)

Stick around, there's a lot of guys here willing to help out and by all means give Jack a call or drop him an e-mail.

You went through a pretty tough time with what you x did to you.

You need to be careful with these FSU women. Read archives here. Also, guys here are a good sounding board for any questions you might have.

The first thing that you have to do is understand that some of these women have ulterior motives. For these ladies it is either parting you with your money, they have no intentions  of leaving their homeland.

Then there are ladies who that is all they want and they will tell a guy they love him to make it happen. Then, when they arrive things start to not go as intended.

The general rule is the younger and more beautiful the woman is as compared to what you can attract in your own back yard, the greater the chance for things to not work out.  Do not get me wrong, almost everyone here is going to the FSU because we can get more beautiful, younger, as well as a attitude that is more like women used to be in the USA. Just be careful about pushing the limits. Although there are those that did who are still married after the two year probation period so to speak.

It is supposed to be that they have to stay with you for two years before they can leave you and still remain in the country. However, the INS because of the feminist movement it seems, represent the women more than they do you - the citizen of the USA.

There have been guys who have brought a woman over here, she claimed physical abuse when no such thing occurred (they have learned that this is an excellent way to dump a guy and stay if it works) and the guy is in this situation considered guilty until he proves his innocence. The courts have forced some men out of their house so that she has a place to stay in. Sometimes the women move other men more attractive to them into the guys house to live in your home with them and there is nothing that you can do in the short run.

It has happened. The guy ends up supporting the lady for sometimes several years just because he brought a woman over who had an agenda. This is pretty much a worst case scenario with some exceptions that have hit the news periodically in the past few years.

On the other hand there are guys who have brought back a wonderful woman who is just happy to be with you, she has no agenda. These women can make the most incredible wives. Other guys will simply envy you plain and simple.

Also, I would not discuss with anyone you know about your seeking a woman from the FSU. Not a good idea IMHO

As for your question, keep seeking solutions. Those mentioned are good. I used a lady who lives in Ukraine and I paid $50 per month regardless of the number of letters. I have lost track of her but, the point is, always remain open for options.

Good luck to you. BTW, how old is this lady that you are interested in if I might ask?

Greg

Anyway,  if you are really interested in communicating with this girl....its best to do as others mentioned and this stuff is in the archives.  Have her use an internet cafe,  there are many and almost everywhere.  The more direct the communication the better.  Its about $1 to $1.75 per hour depending upon the location.

Ps. I'm from the Erie, PA area

As for Advice, I would say that, in general, you could start with the archives here, as well as at RWG.

Speficially... hard to say. Tell us a little more about your lady. Where is she from? Does she speak/write English? How many addresses did you buy, btw?

If you don't want to make it all so public, drop me a line at: markjoel60@hotmail.com

That H is important, because in German, it tells you how big the city is. Pittsburg is just a small town.

BTW, I was born not far from St. Marys... I know where it is...