Update......

[Mark H]

Quick update for those who wish to follow some of this saga. For those who just wish to chime in with their "holier than thou" attitudes and "warnings", bring em on! I've decided to not engage in senseless drivel from uneducated, 40 acres and a mule type people.

A couuple of things some may find interesting. I certainly did. All along, I have wondered what it would be like to bring a girl here from Russia or Ukraine who speaks NO ENGLISH. Well, this girl was that type of girl. She spoke no english, neither did her 7 year old little girl. Now, the little girl is practically fluent and interprets for her mother! They've been here only 7 months. The mother is also very good in english, not perfect but we can definitely hold a conversation on the phone without any difficulties. I'd say that's rather encouraging and those men who are worried about the language thing.....I don't think it's such a big deal now.

I'm still working on details of the marriage, separation, divorce, abuse, etc....More later. Oh, by the way...anyone who thinks I don't see red flags or potential disaster-----give me a break. I"m not stupid! I am rather enjoying this correspondence with her though, very eye opening.

Mark H.

[MarkInTx]

... in response to Update......, posted by Mark H on May 16, 2002

This is interesting...

I'm not surprised that the little girl picked up the language first. Children are especially gifted in languages, by design...

When I went to Russia, I was stranded for a day in Poland with a gentleman who had lived in Cleveland for 12 years. It was his first trip back to Russia. He spoke passable English, but not what I would call fluent. Of course, he also lived and worked in the Russian community in Cleveland. He told me that he went days speaking only Russian...

How much english did the lady speak prior to coming over... do you know? You never spoke with her before, did you?

I would be interesting if you could have seen (heard) the difference that immersion and 7 months makes...

Finally... you mentioned that she has a job? But she doesn't speak English? What sort of job does she have?

[Mark H]

... in response to Language, posted by MarkInTx on May 16, 2002

Mark,
NO I did not speak to her when I was corresponding with her almost 2 years ago, due to the fact that her english was non existent. She DOES speak english now Mark, perhaps I wasn't clear in my post. SHe speaks well enough for us to talk on the phone without difficulty. THe child is almost fluent in only 7 months. Interesting yes.

Mark H.

[thesearch]

... in response to Update......, posted by Mark H on May 16, 2002

I suspect your experiences with this lady will bring insight that will be interesting to follow as your journey unfolds.

About the language thing, some people pick up languages quickly while others do not - she may just be one of those that picks it up easily. I am not that type unfortunately.

[keithandkatya]

... in response to Update......, posted by Mark H on May 16, 2002

Well not exactly... but I do live in the hinterlands of Florida... and I am so glad not to live in the kill or be killed attitude of New York City... but that is another story.

About the language thing... yes those that say it is better for your girl to be fluent in english have a point but the most important thing is the way you two can communicate and I can tell you from my own experience that I have better communication with my wife (from Ukraine) than I do from most of the girls I have dated in the past who had english as their native tongue. We have our own unique way of communicating that is beyond words... Yes sometimes it is difficult but as long as both of you have the patience of job it can be done.. my wife hardly spoke a word the first month or two... she could understand english better then she could speak it ... so that was of some help but even now and probaly for months and years to come she will be learning the language... if you love each other... you can do it... dont listen to all the "experts" because as I have said many times on this board... every relationship is different and while we can offer our own experience and some advice(hopefully it will be offered in humility and not as a know it all attitude) it does not always apply to the love between two other people who bring a multitude of different views, life experiences, and personality behaviors to the table... good luck ...
all the best ,
Keith

[MarkInTx]

... in response to one of those 40 acres and a mule kind of..., posted by keithandkatya on May 16, 2002


You have never come off as a know-it-all :-)

[keithandkatya]

... in response to Don't think he meant you guys...     n/t, posted by MarkInTx on May 16, 2002

and you may be right... speedreading again because I was short on time and perhaps because he replied to my post.. but now that I have had a chance to read the post more carefully I think you are right... thanks for the kind words

[wsbill]

... in response to one of those 40 acres and a mule kind of..., posted by keithandkatya on May 16, 2002

He's talking about me.  But just like his story line he's string everyone along.  

Nice to know she can speak english after 7 months in the states.  Note: he avoids posting anything real about her.

I think he's been breathin that stuff he works with all the time and is dreamin.

[keithandkatya]

... in response to Re: one of those 128 acres and a p/u kin..., posted by wsbill on May 16, 2002

Wsbill, what do you want to know about Kate? as long as it does not cross the line of what I consider personal I will be happy to share it with you. Im not sure where your hostility comes from... perhaps you have me confused with someone else... anyway you can check me out with a few guys on the board if you like... If I remember correctly Rostick said only nice things about you when I was in Kiev last year... said you had a great sense of humor. I thought my post to Mark was in good taste and was intended to be encouraging... I wish the same for you as well...
Keith

[Mark H]

... in response to huh??, posted by keithandkatya on May 16, 2002

Keith,
Your post was completely tasteful and insightful. Idiot is talking to me, not you. Disregard the post from BS Bill. He can hardly write, let alone place his post in the proper area. Best to you and your wife as well.

Mark H.

[keithandkatya]

... in response to Re: huh??, posted by Mark H on May 16, 2002

thanks for the good wishes...
keith

[thesearch]

... in response to Re: one of those 128 acres and a p/u kin..., posted by wsbill on May 16, 2002

Hey WS,

Why don't you be the one to bury the hatchet here?