I sat at my computer desk for a long time after we all decided to end the call for Sunday. Liliya’s story about almost starving made my mind reel. From my earliest memory, I couldn’t think of a time when we went without food. I thanked God again for sending Targot with supplies.

In the little town of Monte Vista, neighbors looked out for the old and helpless. It was the way things were, but I had never lived in the conditions she had, so I could only imagine.

Working The Plan

I knew that I had to do something for Liliya and her family, so I began working on a plan to finish several jobs ASAP, so I could send her money. Early Monday morning, I sent Irina a message asking her how I could get money to Liliya, and in what form.

My cell service was getting better, so I got a message from Irina about 11 am. “Western Union” were the words that came up on the screen. I had been around enough to know what that was, but I still had some research to do.

Western Union to the Rescue

I could send dollars, and the outlet in Chelny would exchange them for Rubles. Everything was coming together, and I got one job done on a Wednesday, so I rushed to the bank to make a deposit that day.

I was working in Alamosa on Thursday, and they had a Walmart, so I drove over there after work to get some guidance on how to send the money.

That night, I sent Liliya an email telling her what I planned to do and if there was a Western Union office in Chelny. I sat for a few minutes expecting a response, but it was in the middle of the week, so I watched some TV and went to bed.

I was up at 6 so I could load tools and some supplies for a new job, but I couldn’t help stopping by the computer quickly to check emails. Sure enough, she responded that there was a branch of Western Union in a bank about 10 blocks from their room. I told her that I was going to send $700, and there was silence.

Is Too Much!

“I not want make trouble for you, Ken. Is to much!” I reassured her that it was not a problem and that I was starting a new job that day. She finally agreed, so I headed for work.

At noon, I drove to Walmart in Alamosa. The teller was very helpful and intrigued by my wanting to send money to Russia. I explained briefly, then signed the contract and gave her the money. I walked away looking at the receipt of a blessing. I didn’t know what to think or expect, but it felt good. Now they could be in a bigger place.

I took a picture of the receipt and sent it to Liliya. I had to remember that Liliya was working the night shift at the car factory then, so I needed to be patient for her response. I was like a caged Tiger, just staying busy so I wouldn’t think too much.

Friday morning came, and I was up early again in case she called or texted. Her message was waiting in my email, and she was very excited. Her dad had walked to the bank, taking his Russian passport. (They have two. One for in Russia, and an International one if they want to travel). Liliya had printed the image of the receipt for him to show, and badaboom, he got the money.

I put my phone in my shirt pocket and worked on quiet things so I could hear if she called. I was just picking up a hammer when my phone rang. “ Hello?”

Like Christmas

“My pop excited. Lot of money. Like Christmas. Thank you so much!!”

“You are very welcome, Liliya. Now you can find a bigger place. Let me know what you find.” I had no idea what the housing market was like in Chelny, or what they could find. I waited for an email over the weekend, but no message until our Sunday call.

When Irina connected our 3-way call, Liliya was so excited and just kept talking. Finally, Irina cut in so she could tell me the good news. “They found a studio apartment not far from the dormitory room, so Liliya does not have to walk so far to work now. Even though they are all still living in one room, they have a kitchen and a nice bathroom, so they are happy.”

Little Did They Know

This was music to my ears, and with my flight only 2 weeks away, I would see the place firsthand. The rest of the conversation was about setting up their apartment, buying food, and saving the rest of the money for when I came. Little did they know I was bringing $1200 in money orders and some cash. Everything was going to be okay.

Life was starting to look up, and I could see a good future blooming. Liliya was really excited to meet me and see if we were compatible. I stared at her photo every night, and deep inside, I already loved her. I have always had a problem with falling for a woman too fast and ending up hurt, but this felt different. Liliya felt different. She is the one.

During the next week, we emailed almost every day, and I wasn’t ashamed to tell her that I was a little scared. “A few of my family members have flown to different cities in the US, but I would be the first one to fly out of the country. It’s okay, though. Anything to be able to see you in person.”

“I worry too. You come long way for me. Even my parents happy see you.” It was after 10 pm for me, and 9 am for her. She had only arrived from her job an hour ago, so I said my goodbyes so she could sleep and hung up.

We would talk a few more times before my flight, but I was trying to save up for when we finally meet.

Next, take off.