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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Wednesday, June 5, 2013

En Route


Sasha is en route to Moscow.  I received this message at 12:59 p.m. L.A. Time (making it 11:59 pm Moscow time).  "Hi Tina, I am at the airport Krasnodar. It is Midnight now."  Sasha will fly during the night to arrive at 6:20 a.m.  Then make his way to the U.S. Embassy for the 9 a.m. interview.


People around the world will be hanging on one person’s decision at the visa interview.  That U.S. Embassy interviewing officer has the sole power to approve or deny Sasha’s entry to the U.S.  Let’s hope he/she is having good morning.

Sasha is so passionate about learning the English language.  Yesterday he said, “I can’t imagine what it will be like to be 100% immersed in the language for a few weeks!”
en Route to Moscow

When Sasha arrives in California, there will be the celebrations with all the adoption families.  We will also blog his experiences and perspectives so that students, family, friends, and on-line travel companions can share the daily adventures during those weeks.

This photo arrived at 2:04 p.m.  Sasha at Krasnodar Airport
His comment: Hi everybody, I can feel your presence with me.

 At 5:05 p.m.    "I am on the plane.... The take off is in 8 minutes"  Sasha
Now is the time for everyone to focus positive energy on the situation.  Let’s visualize getting over this hurdle so we can get on with the exciting part of the Journey.
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3 comments:

  1. Chaz DeSimoneJune 5, 2013 at 1:38 PM

    Well, I for one want to meet Sasha, and most of all, go to Disneyland with him.
    M-I-C "Seeya real soon!"
    K-E-Y "Why? Because your visa got approved!"
    M-O-U-S-E

    ReplyDelete
  2. SandyJune 5, 2013 at 4:24 PM

    So exciting!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to get the one that says "Sasha is coming"

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  3. SandyJune 5, 2013 at 11:48 PM

    I keep checking my e-mail every few minutes waiting to hear from you with the good news. Probably don't need to check that often as I will probably hear your screams of joy miles away at my house!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for being part of this Adventure.

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