Last week was Ukraine's Independence Day. The country separated from the Soviet Union 15 years ago. Shortly after they declared independence, the United States made a commitment to support the fledgling democracy by sending the first group of Peace Corps volunteers there to serve. I was fortunate to be selected to serve in Ukraine as a business advisor. Instead of spending 2 years there, I ended up staying 8, enticed by constant change and interesting job opportunities.
Dmitry was generous enough to leave behind a prestigious job, comfortable life and friends and family when I decided it was time for me to return to the US in 2000. His curiosity lead us into real estate. When he wanted to get his real estate license I had to drive him to the classes because he didn't have a driver's license yet. In Ukraine, we only needed taxis and public transport. I have to tell you, he is incredibly adaptable!
He quickly learned the market, developed a verly loyal client base, and continually looked for new opportunities to expand his business. I jokingly call him My Ultimate Souvenir.
In June, Dmitry became a US citizen. It was a very proud day for me. A side benefit is that we are done with the bureaucracy of INS.
We celebrated Ukraine's Independence day - August 24th will always be an important day for us. But we are happy to be here now, with all of the opportunities this country has provided for us. For us, this is home.
Oh, and if you need a recommendation of where to find the best vodka, pumpernickel bread or stuffed cabbage in Metro Detroit, please give Dmitry a call. He would be happy to share his findings.
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I can speak first hand that Dima has adjusted to the culture here in the USA very well. I admire his culture and celebrate with your family. What a luck girl Katia is to have such a diverse backround.
Ok... enough with the puppies and the cute kids in blogs... your sucking up WAY too much attention! LOL
I know your people went thru hardship as a country... but what a rich heritage you have to share with your daughter! That is how bad can become good.
Congrats on being a citizen... that is awesome.
Craig
Congrats on becoming a US citizen. Welcome!
What part of the Ukraine? My mother's parents came from an area near Kiev. In doing genealogy research I learned alot about the country.
Craig, we could never suck up more attention than you snagged with those heinous wedding pictures.
Eileen, I lived in Kyiv and have travelled throughout the country extensively. Dmitry is from Western Ukraine from the town of Drohobych which is near Lviv.
Where were your grandparents from:
no-one lives IN the Ukraine they live ON the Ukraine Het B Ukrailu, Ha Ukrailu, da ili Het?
Congrats, moj drug.
Congratulations guys! Yes, August 24th is one of the biggest holidays in Ukraine :) 7 years ago on that day, I met my wife right under the fireworks on the main square in my home town Lutsk, Volyn region :) So, this is kinda not only national holiday for us, but a family holiday also :) What a small word - another Ukrainian on ActiveRain :) We're still figting INS burocracy, but this is something everyone has to deal with if they want to stay legal :) Hope to get to know you guys a little better ;)
Max, isn't Lutsk where I remember exploring underground catacombs under the city? An underground church? It was an amazing thing to see. Its been so long that I am only kind of sure that it was Lutsk.
Glad there are other Ukrainians here too.
U'mm I know that we have some catacombs at the Lubart's Castle, they do some underground researches in there - not sure about the rest of the city :).
Wow, I am so happy to see some Ukrainians here on AR. I am looking for someone in the Tampa Bay Area or just on the internet who would like to work with me to help me get some of my language skills back. Any Takers?
Max, now I don't think it was Lutsk. I am going to check with some friends and find out where we were.
blackberry!
Congratulations to both of you! My wife has to wait another five months to wait before she can apply for citizenship. If anyone is interested in a few pics of Kiev check out ElenaKennedy.com
If anyone in Bellevue, WA has Russian speaking children around 3 yo, we'd like to hear from you.
I liked Elena's pictures Joe. Made me homesick...