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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Friday, May 3, 2013

Going Right


Yesterday I sent an email question to my Penny Tale Readers:  Who wants to jump on board for this new Sasha Journey?  The responses were hilarious, touching and surprising.  A few people forwarded the invitation, and now additional passengers are jumping on ‘the Happy Train”!

What happened today?
1:43 a.m.            Purchased Sasha’s ticket to visit the Space Shuttle
11:10 a.m.            Shared the latest updates with everyone in my yoga class
                        Smiles and joy shared.  Promises of prayers.
12:31 p.m.            Incoming Email from Congressman Miller’s Office: 
“Attached is the letter that was emailed to the Moscow Consulate today. Please let us know the outcome of Alexander’s interview.”
                  (Recall that I submitted a request for assistance just yesterday!)  A 22-hour response time!

3:30 p.m.            Text from friend Mandy.  “Could I drop by your house after work today and hang out there for a little?”  In the 20 years I have known Mandy, she has never just dropped by after work!  Could it be because …..  last night I was working on design of this blogsite and so frustrated.  This afternoon I was going to make another attempt at the template edits and just dreading the thought of it. 

Angel Mandy working on Blogsite Edits
5:30 p.m.            “Angel” Mandy came over and within 5 minutes had taught me how to do the blogsite edits!  COINcidence?


Keep asking, “What More can go Right?”


… and for you Penny Finders:  3 pennies and 1 quarter at WalMart today.

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