Sasha's Journey: July 2013

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, July 15, 2013

Birthday Joy

Birthday Ladder

Today was Sasha’s Birthday. He was not in the San Francisco area as planned. He had been scheduled for a day with Hosting Family #12 in Bonny Doon, Santa Cruz, California.

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After Sasha was denied a US Tourist Visa, there was great disappointment by all parties involved. When Sasha was asked what he was going to do next, he wrote:

I spent about two hours at the local church to lighten my heart and looks I have achieved my goal. It is easier now. .... Oh there is much to do. To change the water line which supplies my property with fresh water .... maybe to buy (my long dream) - a long sliding ladder...

Some of the Hosting Families and other people picked up on that concept and each “gifted” Sasha one of the 9 rungs of his dream Sliding Ladder. It was quite a surprise for him.

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Today Sasha also had a meeting with the Headmaster at the local school regarding a formal English teaching position in the coming year. When pestered for a “debriefing” he wrote:

The Head of the school introduced me to (various people). … it was explained my first procedures I have to do. I have to …. , prepare the working plan by the 20th of August, and come for the teacher's meeting on August 30. With my various experiences , I shall discuss not only theory of the subject with the students but shall talk about life as well...

So it sounds like Sasha will be teaching English in an official capacity with a regular paycheck! That was a positive Birthday Morning.

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When asked about his Birthday plans Sasha wrote:

My friend “L” will come to my place for a tea session. I got to know “L”about two-three years ago when I visited her store. We became friends in last December. Also a man from Switzerland, Peter, will probably come with his Russian wife, Olga, who was my neighbor.

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Sasha once told me that books were the most valuable gift he could be given. So one night a few weeks ago I went on www.BetterWorldBooks.com and ordered a dozen books for him. The prices are great and there are no shipping fees - even for international deliveries. Funds go to support literacy programs around the world. Most of the ordered books were on the subject of Teaching English as a second language. Some on Russian/English conversations. I figured if Sasha is planning on teaching this crazy English language, then he needs an adequate home library to support his efforts.

Here is Sasha’s response when the books arrived:

Wow! You have made the Greatest Present to me for my birthday!!!

Thank you very, very much!!! I am among the books on the sofa, like a hungry dog snatching one, then another, then another like pieces of food.... I take one book, then another, and another not knowing what I shall start reading from... :-)

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It sounds as though Sasha’s Birthday was enjoyed on various levels.

ABOUT SASHA

Sasha has a passion for learning and teaching English. He was trained and worked as a welder, has been a taxi driver, as well as a parts processor. In order to practice speaking English, Sasha at one time served as a translator for U.S. Families who were in Russia to adopt children. Sasha helped make their dreams a reality and now the well-known adage "What Goes Around, Comes Around" is proving true for him. There are 12 families who want to reunite with him and show him their homes and surroundings.