Olga and her daughter have been with me for two weeks now. We arrived in Florida last Friday after spending a nice Thanksgiving with my parents in New York.
I have read this advice on this board before getting involved with the pursuit of a Russian wife, and I can now confirm that it was very true. This is not for the feint-hearted. It's not as easy as it sometimes seems. The paperwork, waiting on the TSC, etc. is a piece of cake compared to what happens once she is here. Separating a woman (and her child) from her country, family, way of life, has its consequences. Only last week a friend in New York who just married his Russian sweetheart told me she wants to go home. She is so upset she won't even discuss it with him. Communications shut-down.
My second week with Olga began very shakey. Of course, it may have something to do with the fact that I am a terrible housekeeper (she said, "I cannot live like this! You MUST straighten up this apartment!), but nonetheless, I was wondering if she too was considering a return. She really misses her family, and everything here is so alien to her. But as the week went on, things got better. I told her last night that if she wanted to move back to Russia at some point in time, I would move there with her. She said, "are you crazy? I could never live there now that I have lived in America. Life here is so much better! Warm weather, swimming pools, plentiful fresh fruit", etc. etc. etc.
I'm sure there will be many hurdles ahead, like any other relationship. But uprooting a woman and her child carries with it many more complications and responsibilities, and one must be strong enough to deal with them.
I know it's very early for me, but I am very happy with my decision, and I hope Olga and I have many years of happiness ahead.
Good luck to you all, and keep the faith!
John
