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 4, 2013

The Sasha Files


Today Sasha provided me with additional data. One more page completed for our Interview “playbook”.

Last November when I began action on bringing Sasha to the U.S., I used one manila file folder to keep my notes.  Then in January I started making calls to other families and the pile of notes began to grow.  Now there are two 3-ring binders, 8 hanging files, and numerous sub folders, plus more emails than I can keep sorted.  LOL

Tina Organizing The Sasha Files
Last year Doc (husband) and I completed the construction phase of our new home (the Penny Palace).  The dining room is still buried under files and piles and rolls of plans and sample products and …  Today I was converting the Construction File folders (framing, concrete, electrical, septic, etc.) to The Sasha Files.  It was good to corral some of the papers which were starting to spread all over the house.  Now there are files on the visa application and interview, political assistance, legal counsel, insurance, blog development, tickets and travel, contacts with the hosting families, media interface, itinerary and daily activities, etc.

Nothing Magnificent is Easy!

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Penny Finders:
As I walked into the grocery store tonight there was a bright shiny penny just inside the door.  As I reached past a child to retrieve the coin, I spotted a larger coin on the floor of check out lane #2.  Too many people there to bulldoze down.  Of course after getting all our groceries, Doc and returned to lane #2 to check out.  You would think one out of the 20-30 persons who walked through that line, would have retrieved the quarter.  Guess it was meant for me!  There were two additional pennies before leaving the store.

Coins Found:   (3) P, (0) N, (0) D, (1) Q = 4 coins     Value:  $0.28

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1 comment:

  1. ChazMay 5, 2013 at 8:25 AM

    Tina, this blog is looking better and better. I like the left column content very much (including your reason for the credentials) and the nice photo of Sasha. The color blue you've chosen for the main content background coudn't be better. It complements the books perfectly. What amazes me is that you're still tallying your PennyFinding. Well, I guess it's a tribute to what has made your dreams come true.
    I wouldn't be surprised if all your binders of documentation are instrumental in getting the Visa approved.

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Thanks for being part of this Adventure.

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