Dinner with the Washetko's

In January, I started taking German classe through the University of Maryland on base. I was so excited to finally start learning the language, after letting 8 months go by without getting in any type of a class. Another reason to add to my excitement came when I found out who would be teaching the class...his name is Dr. Igor Washetko, and he is a prodigy to me. He speaks 7 different languages, and has lived the most interesting life! He was born in the Ukraine, but when the Soviet Union took over, his mother gathered up her family and they fled to Austria. After the German's took control of Austria during the the war, they were excepted by Venezuela as refugees. ( Venezuela was one of the 7 countries accepting refugees at the time.) Jobs soon became scarce, so they knew a contact in California who would sponsor them to come to the US. The sponsor happened to be a student of his grandfather's from 60 years prior, but they were somehow able to get back in contact! Here, there, and everywhere later... he has lived in Germany for about 40 years with his wonderful wife, Dolores. Oh, and last night Dan and I had them over for some Yum-oh chicken ( recipe to come) and some homemade lemon meringue pie that Dolores made. It was a great evening filled with stories of great adventures. They even brought over their super adorable oversized poodles with them! Finals are this week, then I have German 112 to look forward to two weeks later! So thankful that Dr. is teaching it, and sacrificing being able to go skiing!

ta ta for now!

Ash