Couples

These WONDERFUL young marrieds have an uphill climb.

Krill and Inna (by the elevator) and their pre-schooler have lived with his parents in their apartment since they were married some five years ago. As a furniture designer, he makes 12,000r per month ($400). They just moved to Ukraine to live with her family to see if things can improve.

Nina and Vasilevy, married less than a year, live with her mother. She tells about meeting him at a young single adult activity. "I knew he was my prince," she says, smiling confidently. Nina was alone the first six months while he worked out of town. He's an electrician.

Masha and little Katia are so happy to have papa, Vladimir, back from Latvia where he worked for the last year in computer programming. Masha stayed here in their apartment--her mother's actually. The babushka, bedridden for several years, needs them. To make a little extra money, Masha rented one of the bedrooms to a mother and her three teenagers for the summer.

The average apartment generally measures roughly 1000 sq. ft.; to rent one costs between $600-$1000 or more. The older generation owns the apartments that the Soviet government gave away in the 50's or 60's. (Edit: Apt. size may be closer to 800 sq. ft; we're approximating).

(We like inviting members in for dinner when we can. Elders Smith (Spokane WA) and Cutler (Draper, UT), both here for just two months, did a great job translating during one dinner meeting.)