Long Island Man Discovers Love in Uganda on ’90 Day Fiancé’

Islip Terrace resident Greg Chillak finds love in Uganda with Joan Kruchov on “90 Day Fiancé.” After proposing in December 2023, they navigate the comedic challenges of living together while she awaits her green card. Their journey began with a friendship rooted in shared values, and Chillak dreams of maintaining a connection between their cultures, even aspiring to open a pizzeria in Uganda.

Greg Chillak, a 35-year-old resident of Islip Terrace, has discovered love on the TLC reality series “90 Day Fiancé,” where American citizens seek to bring their foreign partners to the United States under K-1 visas. He shares the screen with Joan Kruchov, a 27-year-old Ugandan woman, whom he proposed to on her birthday in December 2023. Joan moved in with Chillak, who resides with his divorced mother, which creates humorous situations, particularly regarding Joan’s frequent showering and his mother’s affectionate tendencies toward her son.

Joan, who professionally goes by her surname Kruchov, embodies patience and kindness. “One of the things that just made me fall in love with her is how she treats other people,” remarks Chillak. He appreciates her courteous nature, noting, “She’s very mindful… she’s not selfish at all. One of the most selfless people I know.” Their journey began in 2019 when Chillak met Amos Wekesa, the founder of Great Lakes Safaris, who influenced his path to Uganda.

Following their initial encounter on a flight, Chillak and Wekesa developed a close friendship. Wekesa later encouraged Chillak to visit Uganda, and during his trip, he met Joan, co-director of Nakajo Hope for Girls Foundation. This NGO aims to empower girls and women by providing sustainable opportunities and essential support in Uganda. Chillak immediately recognized Joan as the one he wished to marry but initially tried to remain emotionally distant.

The two reconnected via Facebook a year and a half later after a mutual friend passed away. Their discussions blossomed into daily conversations, driven in part by their shared Roman Catholic faith. Chillak, wanting to establish a steady life away from his mother’s home, expressed a desire to purchase a house. Although Joan is unable to work until receiving her green card, they have discussed the possibility of renting.

Chillak harbors a whimsical yet ambitious dream of opening a New York-style pizzeria in Uganda. He asserts, “They have pizza and it’s good, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not New York pizza, man!” His plans reflect both his love for Joan and his aspiration to blend their cultures through shared experiences in cuisine.

In summary, Greg Chillak’s journey on “90 Day Fiancé” highlights his evolving relationship with Joan Kruchov, marked by mutual respect and love. Their story emphasizes the significant influences of friendship and shared values in forging lasting connections. Moreover, Chillak’s dreams about life with Joan showcase a mixture of tradition and ambition, highlighting the potential for cross-cultural relationships to thrive despite challenges. Together, they exemplify the hopeful narrative of love bridging distances.

Original Source: www.newsday.com