Dear Yulia,

I enjoyed hearing about the children’s birthday party you attended. I’m so glad that you enjoyed it. I am not surprised that the children liked you. I think you must be very good with children, and like them very much. I think it is very wonderful how you helped the birthday girl have a special day by styling her hair to look like a princess. I bet she really loved it, and it is great that you were able to make her and her parents happy. I know we have not been communicating for very long (maybe 4 or 5 days?). However, one thing I’ve noticed is that you seem to enjoy trying to make other people happy. This is a very, very good quality. There are already too many cruel and mean people in the world. It is nice to meet people who still try to show kindness to others - especially children and people in need.

I also had some difficulty sleeping last night. I decided to read more about Izhevsk. I was curious how far away it is from Moscow, so I spent some time studying the map. Apparently, it is about as far as where I am now, to San Francisco. Google maps says it is a 15 hour drive, or a 2 hour flight. It also says it is a 224 hour walk haha. I doubt anyone has walked from Moscow to Izhevsk, but maybe I am wrong :p. That would be like me walking to California lol. Sometimes it is hard for me to understand just how large Russia is. Americans think the USA is large, but I think sometimes they forget how much bigger Russia is. Did you know that the USA isn’t even the 2nd largest country (by landmass)? The 2nd largest is Canada. The US is only the 3rd largest. Anyways, you are correct when you say that there is a great distance between us (at least geographically). But on the other hand, I have been writing and communicating with you more than any other person these last few days. So, in that way, I feel much closer to you despite the physical distance. You are the only person who writes me nice Emails daily and sends me pictures :) I have enjoyed communicating with you very much. Also, I cannot go many places or travel right now due to COVID. I have to stay home most of the time, and so thinking about you and writing you gives me something to look forward to.

Yulia, I am curious about something. I hope you don’t mind me asking you this. Have you ever been in love? I never have. I thought maybe I was once, but I don’t think it was real. I am not sure what it is like to be in love, but it must be amazing! I have not dated very many girls to be honest, and you are the only one I talk to now (honestly). A few other girls said ‘hi’ on interpals when I first joined a few weeks ago, but the conversations went nowhere, and frankly, I did not find them very interesting. But you, I find very interesting. Besides, you write excellent Emails, so you are the best to talk to ;)

One other thing I would like to know is, what are your dreams for the future? Previously, you said this: “I also really want to have a soul mate and feel needed and loved”. Do you have any other dreams, wishes, or desires? Also, what things should someone do to make you feel loved? What would the perfect soulmate be like for you? I hope it is OK if I ask these things, I am just very curious about you and find you interesting and very intelligent. Of course, you are incredibly beautiful in your photos too! I know I have said this before, but I just want to make sure you do not forget it ;)

Ryli