My mom taught us to be kind, hardworking, honest, and always help others. She gives us a lot of love, time, and good advice for the future. My biggest dream is to see her again and hug her. I believe that one day it will happen.

We were little kids and could walk around alone all day. We came home when we were hungry, thirsty, or when it got dark. We played near the river without adults, so I don’t even know how we stayed alive!

I lived with my grandparents because my mom was studying in another city. When she came home, it was a big event for me. She is brought me new clothes, new toys, and, of course, something sweet.

I keep these memories all my life and sometimes talk about them with my mom.

My city is not very big; it has around 1 million people. I moved to Tyumen 20 years ago, and this place gave me a new life, new opportunities, and new friends. I had many happy moments and lots of memories from this period of my life.

In this city, I met my husband. In this city, my son was born. This city also gave me three goddaughters.

I miss my family, some special places, and my friends, but I believe I am in the right place to build a new life and write new stories.

My husband was an engineer in our native country. Since this is his favorite thing, he wants to be an engineer here too. Maybe one day it will happen.But for now, he works for a construction company and deals with siding. He wants to have his own company, and I believe he can do it.

My son is a small boy, eight years old. He goes to school, and he is a lucky guy because he studies in an American school. He loves going to school, and he loves learning something new every day. Russian schools and American schools are two big differences—like heaven and earth. My husband and I are very happy that we can give him this opportunity for his future.

We love spending time together. We like playing different games, walking, riding bikes, fishing, and watching movies and cartoons. Now we are finding friends here, and our life is starting to feel like our past life.

Of course, all immigrants can say the same, but I think some people are lucky. They win green cards, join with their family, or come as tourists to see the country. But, unfortunately, our way was different. We had to leave our home. And the only way for us to get to America was through Mexico.

It was a hard time. We lived in Tijuana, in not safe and not happy place. And of course, when we came to America, we were very happy. We felt safe. We are very thankful to God, to people who we met, and to America that our way was not too hard and that we found home here.

My first impression about America was not clear because we was used to see another picture in movies. Tall buildings, many people walking on the streets. But here it was not like this. Tall buildings were in places where it was not safe to live. I mean downtown. Of course, this is my opinion. But I feel like this.

Then we saw another America. A calm, quiet, and slow life to grow up our children and live our new happy life.