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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Thursday, May 2, 2013

Playbook Shipped


Our "Playbook"

I was having fun with Sasha this morning and teasing him: “Do you realize there were 32 hits on your blogsite before you even knew it existed?  (29 from U.S., 2 from Germany, 1 from S. Korea?)"



“The Best Defense is a Strong Offense.”  Thus, today our “Playbook” was shipped to Sasha.  He should have it in his hands within 2 weeks.  Thanks to the persons who rushed photos and letters so those could be included.  I put plenty of additional blank sleeves for the remaining documents which can be electronically sent after we receive or edit them accordingly.

The Angels are at work on this project.  On a “typical day”, the local post office has two or three tellers and a line of 8-12 customers.  Today there was only one teller and I was the only customer!  “COINcidence”?  She had plenty of time to explain the shipping options and assist with the Customs documentation (lengthy process).  Her name: JOY!

The next stop was Congressman Miller’s office.  Last week I spoke with Heather and expected merely to hand her Sasha’s and my Request Form.  She was not in, so another person assisted me.  I explained the story (I guess a bit loudly) and Patricia emerged saying she could not help overhearing my story.  J  She said sometimes an official letter can be helpful and they would be sure to FAX a letter of support for me.
Yipeee!

…. And the traffic signals were almost all green and I made all my other appointments on time … and I found myself asking: “What else can go RIGHT?”


Ira Reading New Blogsite

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Email and photo from Sasha tonight:
"My student Ira is reading the blog in my kitchen..".
(you'll recall Ira is the one who wrote to me yesterday and provided the impetus to finally 'birth' this Blog).

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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Inaugural Posting



Today was the first time I have ever been contacted by one of Sasha's students.  She emailed the following: 

"My name's Irina (Ira) and I'm pupil of Aleksandr Romanov. I read your (PennyFinders) blog in our lesson yesterday.               
... you make a hard work for meeting witn Aleksandr! It's very cool! 

I wish you to will achieve it and Aleksandr will fly to the United States!
I would like to get news from your blog."


I had been toying with the idea of a blogsite for Sasha's Journey, but I dread computer stuff.  Computers and I don't get along all that well. But how could I NOT do this, when the Angels are "nudging" me?  Plus, it is May 1st.  The beginning of a new month and a great day to begin something new.

So, this afternoon I began working on this blog site.  I tried many addresses for the site, but none of them were available.  A few I tried were:  SashasAdventure, SashasTour, SashasTravel and more.  Finally in exasperation I asked Angels for an address:  

http://TheSashaProject.blogspot.com 
It was Available!

The next step was to select a template.  Most of them were too fancy for what I could maintain; ones with only colored squares were a little to bland.  
Look at this template. Perfect!  Books. Books. Books!  Sahsa is a voracious reader.
And ALL OF US are learning so very much about Dreaming Big!

Now I need to go back and post some blogs about all these adventures over the past few months ...

Tina
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