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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Monday, May 6, 2013

Owl Drive


Flash Drive for Sasha Project
Last week’s lesson was: Keep asking “What more can go Right?”  That question is good enough to keep using it THIS week as well!  It’s fun when it works even for little things.  For instance:  This evening I decided it was time to get a flash drive dedicated to the Sasha project and get the electronic files in order.  I did not want a boring, average flash drive.  This one needed to be unique.  I planned to look for one tomorrow at the store.  A few minutes ago I found an owl-shaped flash drive buried in my office. Owl = wisdom. That works.  Also, when I was in Russia for adoption of my two nephews, there was one night in particular which was uhhh…challenging. I was in the lobby of the hotel asking Spirit for wisdom and help.  There was a little owl lapel pin with an amber stone for sale.  I bought it as a reminder to ask for wisdom.  That owl now lives next to my kitchen sink where I see it every day.  So storage of the Sasha Files is the Perfect Use for this Owl Flash Drive.  COINcidence?


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A few hours ago David (Host Family #12) wrote:   The Universe has spoken!
Good Morning,
My name is Kristen and I am an aide for Congressman Sam Farr. I am writing to let you know that I have received your inquiry regarding a visa for Mr. Sasha Romanov. I have opened a case on your behalf and will be sending a letter in support of Mr. Romanov’s visa to the Embassy in Moscow… 

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Report on Sasha:
A few days ago he really hurt his back.  Spent the weekend mostly in bed and in a great deal of pain.  Has had an injection for the pain.  His email earlier today:
Today I had three lessons (one of them I did in my bed teaching from there).
I shared more information with my students about the blog.  Some of them showed their interest to visit Sasha's site....  ;-)

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Blog Site:
Sasha’s Journey Blogsite has now been operational for 5 days.  In that time there have been 169 unique visitors to the site: U.S. (115), Russia (41), Germany (5), S. Korea (4), Australia (3) and Ireland (1).

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The Ripples of Goodwill are Spreading out further and further …
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1 comment:

  1. AnonymousMay 11, 2013 at 12:07 AM

    It is amazing Tina! If we speak of emblems and coats of arms then I want to say that I like images of owls and eagles. Your choice is gorgeous!
    Sasha

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for being part of this Adventure.

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