Man travels to Belarus with intention of marrying, discovers adopted residence instead.
In the heart of Svetlogorsk, Belarus, a unique story unfolds. Egyptian programmer Fadi Khalil, now a proud Belarusian citizen, has found a new home and a new family in this small town.
Fadi's journey began in 2011 when he visited Belarus with his brother Andrew. It was during this trip that Andrew found his wife in Belarus, and Fadi met his future wife, Alexandra, at Andrew's wedding. Two years later, in 2013, Fadi and Andrew returned to Belarus with the intention of finding wives. Fate had other plans, and Fadi found not just a wife but a lifelong partner in Alexandra.
Their love story took a significant turn half a year after their wedding, as a revolution in Egypt forced them to reconsider their plans to return home. They decided to stay in Belarus, building a life together in this unexpected place.
Fadi and Alexandra are not the only members of the Khalil family in Svetlogorsk. Fadi's brother Andrew is also part of an international team of IT specialists at OAO "Svetlogorsk Pulp and Paper Mill," where Fadi and Andrew now work. The mill exports its products to 20 countries.
Fadi's talents extend beyond the realm of IT. He is the main cook in his family and is known for his excellent Egyptian dishes, particularly the Egyptian national dish, koshary. Alexandra, on the other hand, prefers dishes with tomatoes, a taste that Fadi has introduced her to.
The Khalil family is deeply rooted in the Svetlogorsk community. They attend the Svetlogorsk Holy Transfiguration Church every Sunday and are well-liked by the local community.
Fadi's dreams extend beyond his successful café and his role as a family man. He aspires to become a diplomat and sees a future for Belarus on the world stage. With his fluency in six languages, including French and English, Fadi is well-equipped to make this dream a reality.
Despite the unexpected turns that life has taken, Fadi has found a home in Belarus, a place where he and Alexandra have built a life filled with love, community, and culinary delights.
