Good-bye to Summer
Hello to New Members

Our monthly Saturday Club Socials usually bring out ladies who are curious about our program and male clients. This one was no exception. Four beautiful ladies were welcomed into the Encounters International Family of Clients.

Extending a warm welcome to new members is only part of the story. There are always a good number of Encounters International 'alumni' that join the fun. Their announcements are always surprising and exciting for me.

This time, John and Julia Goping (in the slide show above) became the center of attention when John announced, "We are pregnant." John was not even 'showing.' I fondly remember Julia attending her first Saturday Club Social shortly after arriving in the USA as John's fiancee. It was Christmas 2002. I saw her as a happy woman at that time. But, nothing could compare to the joy and happiness she brought to this party!

 

Antonio and Julia Escobar were married in Russia August 30, 2003

Coincidentally, Julia's best friend Masha Protasova, announced her wedding with our member Antonio Escobar on August 30, 2003. Masha and Antonio's wedding was held in Russia (as seen in the photo).

It's no surprise that many Encounters International clients have decided to marry overseas since the spousal visa processing time is substantially shorter than a fiancée visa. The typical fiancée visa waiting time is now about six months! There are many clients deciding that getting married overseas makes more sense than this lengthy waiting time.

Antonio and Masha were one of those couples that decided that an overseas wedding was the best idea. Antonio took a month long trip to Russia to get to know his fiancée better. During that month, he met Masha for the first time, face-to-face, became engaged and married her.

Essentially, the couple did the traditional USA fiancee visa period in reverse. Instead of Masha coming to get to know Antonio in the USA as his fiancee, he went to Russia to do the same thing.

Antonio and Masha, I want you to know that on the day of your wedding many of your Encounters International friends gathered at the social and extended their heartfelt congratulations to you both! We are looking forward to welcoming Masha at our future Saturday Club Socials upon her arrival in the USA.

September 2003

The September Saturday Club Social will be a special gathering time at one of our historic restaurants in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Our past and present clients and Get to Know Us members are invited to the Summit Station Restaurant & Brewery on Saturday, September 27, 2003 at 6:00 p.m.

This unique restaurant is located in the historical part of Gaithersburg. It has a nice outside deck and a bar with a great selection of brews. I am sure that we'll be able to have both American and Russian dancing music. Of course, everybody will have fun!

Summit Station
Restaurant & Brewery
227 East Diamond Avenue
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877
301-519-9400

Directions:

Take I-270 LOCAL N
Take the SHADY GROVE RD EAST exit- exit number 8- toward GAITHERSBURG
Merge onto SHADY GROVE RD. 0.85 miles
Turn LEFT onto FREDERICK RD/ MD-355 N. Continue to follow MD-355 N. 1.38 miles
Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto S SUMMIT AVE. 0.30 miles
Turn LEFT onto E DIAMOND AVE. 0.06 miles