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Benefits
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Benefits
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Thirty-one years ago at the age of twelve, I left the Soviet Union and immigrated to the U.S.
I consider myself an American and there is no place I’d rather live than in the U.S., however, I’m a hybrid.. a cross between a young Russian girl and an American woman.
I hold all the values instilled in me by my family. I have kept all my family traditions, and I have held onto the Russian trend of superstitions. Every silly superstition that I learned growing up, I passed on to my kids.
My first impressions of my new homeland were not very exciting. The language barrier, lack of friends, mean girls at Jr. High, and boring ESL classes made it all that more difficult. Memories of being suppressed in Russia kept the optimist alive, and as days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, I learned to celebrate every little milestone. I wished that one day Russia would be a free land that I will be allowed to visit. Then I will be smiling back at my hurdles, and celebrating my accomplishments.
Today is that day. In a few hours I'll board the plane and take off to see my birth land. In a few days I will walk the streets were I was born, I will visit the apartment complex where I used to live, and I will see it all through the eyes of an American woman and reconnect with the little Russian girl inside of me.
I invite you to come with me to Russia. I promise to blog and to share my experiences. I’m as excited as I am scared, I’m happy as I am sad, for I don’t know what feelings and emotions lay ahead.
It will be a great eye opening. You will be amazed of what is about to come. It will be all good and enriching. I know. For I am a hybrid. Have a great trip. Drink Vodka like water. Take lots of pictures. We will behave (especially when the cat is gone).
What an exciting journey for you..... I wish you the best of times while you are there. And I hope you bring back many happy memories!
How long will you be gone?
Girls, let’s rally up and party... the cat is gone, and we have the whole castle to ourselves.
Wow, what an exciting adventure for you!!
Have a wonderful journey.
Can’t wait to hear of your travels.
Don’t get tooooo excited, I’m connected, after all I’m going to Russia, there is wifi everywhere, so I’ll be watching Chinadoll, behave yourself.
Yana, I hope you have a fabulous trip!! Are the kids and hubby going with you? Surely you‘re not embarking on this adventure alone!!
I’m so excited to hear your reports and emotions as you revisit your home. Safe travels!
Ha, what time is your flight? How long does it take? Can we have your itinerary? That got to be some time you cannot get WIFI. 
Yana, that is awesome! I’ve wondered about your accent, but never asked. I can’t wait to hear all about your adventure!
The family we (our organization) are buying the ministry property from made many visits to Russia. He’s an orthodontist and offered his services in Russia. As a result of their travels, I have a darling matrioshka. Beautiful artisan crafts!
coachmombabe: Yana probably needs that dentist’s #. She may be crunching her teeth when she is over there (all due to my mischief!)
& (showing my teeth!)
Yes, coachmomababe, yes, need that dentists number, I’m flying in with a root canal on the edge....
Heather, my hubby is the one that surprised me with this, our son turns 21 he wanted to celebrate his B.D. with his Russian friend that he met in San Diego, but who lives in Moscow. (my husband thought it would be a good idea to follow him a babysit ) you know how it is with boys....
We are also taking my nephew who is 24 but a big baby, the girls are staying behind. Steph is in San Francisco baby-sitting Stoli, Sasha is going to Florida to visit her friend and Daisy is baby sitting the house, I think I assigned enough chores for them to keep busy and stay out of trouble until I get back.
Stay tuned, I’ll be reporting on the changes that happened since I left 31 hears ago...wow ....I just can’t believe I’m going....
I cannot imagine the thoughts and feelings you are having as you soon depart for the country you immigrated from. This is an amazing journey that you are taking.... and I look forward to hearing all of your thoughts and feelings. Please do keep a daily journal.
I wish you a safe and comfortable flight, and days filled with everything you are hoping for,and possibly dreaming of as you return to your first homeland.
Much Love,
Della
Yana, what an incredible experience. so many changes in your homeland in these years since you’ve been there. Thank you for sharing it with us and allowing us to see it through your eyes.
Safe travels!
Yana,
This brought tears to my eyes! I’m so happy for you. Safe journey to you, and can’t wait to hear all about your trip.
Nancy
How incredibly exciting! What part of Russia? Are you a Moscow (big city) girl or a country girl? My sister was just in Moscow - as a tourist - and loved it. All the best on your adventure into your history.
Trudy
Yana- I can’t wait to hear about your adventures! Take lots of pictures for us to see please!
Promise to take lots of pictures and maybe even record some of the spots.
@Trudy, I’m from St. Petersburg, but first I’m going to Moscow. Boarding in few minutes, packed flight, 12 plus hours to get there.
Y
Yana, safe trip, have fun and as all the others have requested, take lots of pics...
Yana, I am so excited for you!
You go and savor every little grain of sand there is for you there.
Oh, what an exciting experience you have ahead of you.
It will be like going home, you will remember things that you never imagined you would.
Enjoy, be safe, capture all the memories you possibly can and pay homage and gratitude for walking on the ground that gave you birth. How thrilling!
I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts that you have a fabulous time and return with a renewed sense of who you and where you came from. Be safe.
Lisa
Order a drink as soon as you are on the plane. Get drunk and next thing you know, you are landed.
Girls... sleep over party???
Yana...
what a blessing for you! WOW! its exciting, and scarry all at the same time.. YOU deserve it?! go and enjoy... take LOTS of pictures.. write down lots of things you want to blog about.. but most of all.. enjoy ” home ” while you are there!
Blessings and peace
Linni
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