BACKGROUND



This Blog is meant to journal the combined experiences of the persons involved in the Sasha Project. Its objective is to strengthen the ties between families, students (several of us teach), friends, and the growing number of persons who want to be part of the JOY which this Sasha Journey is spreading.

In 2004, I (Tina) traveled to Russia to assist with the adoption of my two nephews. Alexander (Sasha) was our interpreter, driver, and so much more. I have kept in touch with him and it has been my dream to let him experience first-hand the typical U.S. life (versus merely his impressions from American TV, movies and music). My initially modest idea blossomed to include eleven other adoptive families who also want to host Sasha and thank him for helping to make their dreams come true.

It will be fun as well as educational for all of us to share Sasha's observations and impressions of his daily travels as this Journey unfolds. There is an intricately choreographed daily itinerary which will take us to visit the Space Shuttle, Golden Gate bridge, Route 66, a Home Depot and other American icons through Sasha's eyes. The flight to L.A. is scheduled to leave Moscow on Saturday, June 15th to begin his six week visit.
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It seems incredible, but the interviewing U.S. Immigrations officer denied Sasha a Tourist visa. He did not see the value in Sasha's trip or understand the desire for the adopting families and children to reunite with Sasha. The officer decided that Sasha was too poor to be allowed even a brief visit to the U.S.

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Saturday, May 11, 2013

Hurdles


Where there are big goals, there are big hurdles.  First the U.S. Visa Refusal, then Sasha’s back injury, now his mother.  OK.  Things usually come in threes, so maybe that takes care of that and we will have clear sailing from now on…

Email Update from Sasha
Yesterday I was working in the vegetable garden at 5 p.m. Though not for long. Mother, though very weak because of her illness, tried helping me. At night she felt herself very bad, and I had to call the Ambulance. Something wrong with her heart.... So - mother is hospitalized,


We have been realizing that perhaps The Sasha Project is meant to touch a greater audience in some way.  Today I was contacted by a researcher at USC.  His team has begun a Documentary film on frequent bloggers.  Perhaps this is a way The Sasha Journey and its message of international goodwill can be shared with even more people!  Who knows where this will lead…
More happy ripples on the pond.
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1 comment:

  1. AnonymousMay 11, 2013 at 11:53 AM

    Once his mother recovers from hospitalization, she will receive an incredibly healthy "dose of joyful spirit" in the form of a postcard with a US stamp on it, Sasha writing that he is totally enthralled with the hospitality in America, especially in the Penny Palace.

    ReplyDelete

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