Stadnyk Elizabeth, also known as Liza, 32, from Ukraine, and Trinh Dinh Quyen, 40, from Thanh Hoa have been together for 13 years. They met in 2010 when Quyen worked as a guest worker in Ukraine and Liza was a 12th-grader.

Liza admitted their initial connection was driven by curosity. She was intrigued by an Asian man, while Quyen was drawn to a beautiful foreign girl with fair skin and blonde hair.

“He knew some Russian and English, so we could communicate. Later, he worked hard to learn Russian to talk with me more easily,” Liza recalled.

From curiosity to affection and love, they became a couple. In 2011, they welcomed their first son, Trinh Dinh Kim, and in June 2012, when their son was over six months old, they held a cozy wedding in Ukraine and moved to a home in Odessa.

In 2022, they decided to move to Vietnam. She felt nervous when going to meet her in-laws, but their warm welcome dispelled her concerns.

“My in-laws prepared a private room with a bed, wardrobe, and even glass windows to fill it with light. They said it would help me feel comfortable and adapt.

“I was so grateful. Honestly, I know it wasn’t easy for them to welcome a foreign daughter-in-law who didn’t speak Vietnamese. Yet, they opened their hearts,” Liza said.

In Vietnam, Quyen continues working in mechanics, while Liza is a homemaker. Her mother-in-law taught helped her embrace the new life and culture.

Liza learned Vietnamese from her mother-in-law, who also taught her about Vietnamese currency, bargaining at markets, cooking local dishes, and proper etiquette with family, relatives, and neighbors.

Still, the first six months in ThanhHoa were tough for Liza. She didn’t understand Vietnamese or local customs. With their youngest daughter only six months old when they moved, differences in childcare practices added to her challenges.

“I missed speaking my native language and connecting with people from my culture. I was the only foreigner in the village,” she said.

Over time, things improved. Three years later, Liza said, “I can’t help loving Vietnam, a beautiful country full of flowers, fruits, and friendly people who welcome me with smiles.”

Liza grew fond of rural markets, enchanted by stalls brimming with herbs, fresh fruits, and vegetables. She loves everything about Vietnamese cuisine, with no single favorite dish.

“Honestly, I’ve never met a Vietnamese person who was unkind or distant. Everyone I’ve encountered is warm, friendly, and welcoming,” she said.

Thanh Minh