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Technology plays cupid in Flora-Russia romance
After hundreds of emails, two rendezvous in Russia, an online phone marriage proposal, and tons of government red tape, the two are married and living in Flora. It all started when Tim, a cabinet maker, went to an online pen pal site. He said he wasn't looking for a mate. He just thought it would be interesting to talk to people and find out about their countries. He was especially struck by a letter posted by Galina, a biochemist who was in the United States on a work permit. She was a visiting scientist at Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago. He sent her an email, and she responded back. The chemistry was there, and she responded to no one else. The correspondence had barely started when she had to go back to Russia, but the emails continued. As their relationship blossomed, they added another form of communication - through PC phone systems, using a headset and microphone. This meant they both had to be at the computer at the same time - but could talk for free. They had to take into consideration the eight-hour time difference. For example, Tim might call at 2 a.m. in order for Galina to answer at 10 a.m. in her country. They also texted each other, but this too was not a simple matter. Tim accessed her phone company through an online site, and then the company sent the text to her cell phone. They said they don't know what they would have done without modern technology, but after awhile it was not enough. They wanted to meet face to face. "You can't just hop a plane to Russia," Tim said. "It takes an incredible amount of paperwork." He said it took a month or so to get the paperwork completed and to obtain his tourist visa. In June 2005 they met in Moscow. Galina was working in a nearby small town. "We spent 10 glorious days together," Tim said. "I knew this was the girl I needed to be with." She had planned to apply for another work permit in the U.S., but she said it is difficult to get. Marriage proposal On July 11, 2005, speaking into the computer phone system, Tim proposed, and Galina accepted. If they were engaged, they could apply for a K1 visa, also known as a fianceé visa for Galina to come to the U.S. After locating and filling out all the forms, they applied in October 2005. "And then the wait," Tim said. Months went by and they heard nothing except that their request was being processed. They enlisted the help of then Congressman Chris Chocola's office and Sen. Richard Lugar's office. They were helpful in finding out the status of their application. What they were waiting on was a date for Galina's interview at the American Embassy in Russia. That was the final step. Tim said the couple had to prove that they have a serious and heartfelt relationship, and that Galina was not just a "mail order bride." One form of proof was the documentation of 300 emails that the couple sent to each other. "We each had to write a handwritten letter of why we want to be together," Tim said. They both vowed they would continue their pursuit of spending their lives together, no matter how long it took. By the summer of 2006, and still no word, they decided to get together while they waited. They both took vacation time and met in St. Petersburg, Russia, in July. "It's a romantic, beautiful city," Tim said. They spent 11 days together, and then Tim had to get back to Indiana. "That was the hardest thing in the world - to leave her again," he said. The long-awaited interview at the American Embassy was held in October 2006, a year after Galina had applied for the fianceé visa. Arrival in Flora The visa was granted, and she arrived in Flora in late November. They had 90 days to get married from the time the visa was granted, or she would lose the visa. So amidst the hustle and bustle of meeting Tim's family and celebrating Christmas with them, they had to plan a wedding. They were married in a small wedding on Jan. 7, which is the Russian Orthodox Christmas. The ceremony was held at the home of Tim's brother and sister-in-law, Jeff and Carla Richardson. Then there was more paperwork. They had only a short time to request for a change of status for Galina - to permanent resident. They postponed their honeymoon, leaving for Florida on Jan. 20. Right after they got back, they had to go to Hammond for fingerprinting. They are settling down now, except Galina is looking for employment as she waits for her work permit. She hopes she can find work in the area so they can continue living in Flora. Tim says he is willing to move, if need be, so she can pursue her career. They are enjoying their adventure as a married couple. They said they found out in those early emails that they share the same interests and dreams. They both like travel and trying new things. Galina is looking forward to learning how to play tennis, golf, and drive a car. Tim is learning to eat healthier, and he would like to learn the Russian language. Galina already speaks English well. "It is my greatest hope to return to Russia and meet her family," Tim said. Galina said her family has accepted that she has moved to America. "My mom said, 'Do what you need to do to be happy. If you're happy, I'm happy.'" Tim has one daughter, and Galina has one son, and they are both university students. Galina has met Tim's daughter, Talia, and they're hoping Galina's son, Alex, can come here for a visit this summer. Tim said he felt bad that there wasn't time for any of Galina's family or friends to come to their wedding. They have decided to have a re-vowing this spring, so at least Galina's friends in the U.S. will be able to come. "We're ready for whatever life brings," Tim said. "We're together now. It took a long time, but it was worth the wait." |
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