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.
***************
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.

***************

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Pulling Together



The day after Sasha’s first rejection of his visa application, I went on line and discovered Attorney Kenneth White.  The next day Sasha and I had an hour Skype call with Ken.  He provided us with his professional opinions, his advice and our options.  He also offered to write an email on Sasha’s behalf to the Moscow Embassy.  This morning, Kenneth called to confirm some details for his letter.  Isn’t it wonderful how so many people are Pulling Together to make the Sasha Journey a reality?




At 11 a.m. the USC University Research Team arrived.  Their interview focus was on people who blog and aspects such as the bloggers’ objectives, the perceived risks, characteristics of their readers, etc.  There were 5 persons on the team with two of them as cameramen.  They came initially about the Penny Finders Blog, but I was able to also share about the Sasha Project.  

Who knows where that will lead?





at

1 comment:

  1. Chaz DeSimoneJune 3, 2013 at 12:01 AM

    Tina, so glad you "spun" the news towards the Sasha project. I hope those five crew members left in absolute awe at everything you have accomplished, what you believe in, and what you inspire in others. Not to forget outright help them.
    I am anxious to see the documentary. Will you be rolling out a red carpet for the premiere?

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for being part of this Adventure.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)