I am writing this letter to tell of the special lady who has come into my life. It all started with my surfing the net and finding Marianna’s web site. My interest began with a few questions using e-mail and I received prompt and honest answers to all my concerns. A couple of months later during a trip to the Houston area I asked Marianna and Cecil if it would be possible to meet with them and to my surprise, they agreed. During our meeting I received more information than all the previous e-mail queries. Cecil convinced me to at least correspond with a few ladies. What did I have to lose?  Shortly thereafter, I began corresponding with several beautiful ladies. I found these ladies to be more mature, less materialistic, and very frank with their thoughts and feelings. With each letter, I was getting to know these ladies and it became apparent that I would like to meet them. After several months of corresponding, I finally decided to go to Chernivtsi and meet these women who had taken the time to get acquainted through our letters. At this point, I would like to say that if it had not been for the Sandstrums, I doubt that I would have had the courage to venture on such a trip. They explained my trip in such detail as to leave little room for unforeseen circumstances. I would like to say that I do not speak Russian and also that I am Hispanic so I was very apprehensive about this journey. I thought if nothing else at least it would be a new vacation experience…and away I went!

 I arrived in Lvov with no problems whatsoever to find Vadym and Sasha waiting for me at the airport. They were very approachable and friendly. It was a relief to be able to talk to someone in a country where I was isolated by language. The drive to Chernivtsi was enjoyable and talking with Sasha made me feel comfortable. I was glad to finally reach our destination but I was so nervous I found it difficult to sleep that night. The next day would be the big day. The meetings began and my nervousness would still not subside. I was somehow able to function without being a blabbering idiot. All the ladies were beautiful, polite, articulate, and had a sense of purpose. I have no doubt that all of them would make excellent partners in life. However, only one special lady captured my heart. Irina looked very relaxed and fixated her beautiful gray eyes on me. I was so happy to finally meet her. Her calmness settled my anxiety to where we actually talked as if we had been friends all along. Our time seemed too short so I invited her to dinner to continue our chat. During our date that evening, we found out that we not only share interests, ideals, and personality traits but also that we almost seem to know what the other is thinking. Irina and I spent a wonderful week together. I asked her to marry me and she said “yes.” I don’t know if I believe in destiny, that something happens because it is meant to be. I believe that things happen because people take action to achieve goals. I do know that I am grateful to have found Irina. We will soon start our new lives together. I am also ever grateful to Marianna, Cecil, and their exceptional staff. They have gained my trust and become my friends. When they say they are more committed to finding someone for you, they not only mean it but also go to great lengths to do just that. Take it from me; I am too chicken to go at it alone. I would never have had the initiative, persistence, and logistics to do this on my own. Sincerely, Raul

Welcome Photos.

Wedding Photos.

Marriage Life Photos.