Elena from Lugansk, Ukraine, and Tony from Florida. They met each other 4 years ago. The meeting of an American man and a Ukrainian lady was really bright. The couple started writing to each other every day and really connected on emotional, intellectual, and spiritual levels. Tony and Elena could not meet in person for different reasons: Lugansk was an occupied territory and closed from all sides, Tony had big work commitments he could not let go, etc. They had an online love story going on for 4 years and the plan was to start a fiancé visa in April 2022 but the war burst out in February... Tony started losing hope because he could not travel to Ukraine where houses were burning and bombs falling. Elena had no chance to leave Lugansk because of war. Then I spoke to Elena in the middle of March. I heard about the humanitarian parole for Ukrainians: you could cross the USA border on the ground and would get a stamp allowing you to stay in the USA for a year. So I suggested Elena leave Lugansk, get to Poland, then fly to Mexico and cross the border. Tony could meet her there and then take care of his Ukrainian girlfriend.
No matter how impossible and crazy the idea seemed to Elena at that time, she left Lugansk by bus, got to Rostov in Russia, and then passed by Moscow and got to Latvia and then Poland. It was a 4-day trip full of adventures and troubles but she did it. I asked my good acquaintance Hanna, ex-Governor of Polish Lions Clubs to host Elena, and she was welcomed with the greatest care and support in Hanna’s home. Then my travel agent helped Tony to get the ticket for his Ukrainian fiance to fly to Mexico City. Tony started driving from Florida, crossing America from East to West to pick up Elena in Matamoros. Tired, exhausted by a 7-day trip, but inspired by the love and happiness of meeting each other, the couple meets in Matamoros and heads back to Florida.
Tony shows Elena Galveston in Texas and many other beautiful places of America on their way back. They hold hands and their faces are glowing with happiness when I see them on a video call upon Elena's arrival. Tony tells me about his misfortunes as he was driving through the night having a flat tire and almost dying in a car accident ... All that becomes unimportant compared to the happiness of holding each other and connecting their loving hearts. On the 11th of June, 2022 Tony and Elena got married. Two loving hearts connected for life. Overcoming the distance, war, and all their misfortunes and trials, they earned their happiness to be together. I am glad that I could help you, Tony, and Elena, connect despite the war. God bless you, my dear couple! Let your own fairytale of "living happily ever after" reveals the greatest pages of your love.
Natalie.
