Born in Russia and the Rest of My Life in America!

by Annya Nay

I am in America because when I was four years old my Russian mom died. I went to an orphanage because my dad could not take care of me. I waited and hoped that someday my twin sister, Zhanna and I would have a new family. I heard that my little sister, Lilya, had a new family and I dreamed I would be adopted. One morning I had really exciting news - the family in America that adopted Lilya was coming to adopt us!

When I met my new parents I couldn't understand a word they said and it sounded funny to me. My parents showed us pictures of Lilya. She looked different because of her clothes and wearing her long hair down (not in braids). Lilya was laughing and had many friends in the pictures - I was very excited.

I was really nervous and scared when I went to America. I didn't know how to speak English. It was really great that my little sister could help me out - she was in America for seven months and could speak English and Russian. I could speak English only a little at first. Now, I have been in America for almost two years and I get excited when I write stories - like this one!

Even though I have a hard time in school, I have much more fun in America than in Russia. In the orphanage we didn't have many toys or clothes. We had to walk in the cold to another building just to take a bath. And children had only a mom or dad or nobody. The best part of living in America is having my Mom and Dad for the rest of my life!

Room in My Heart for Russia and America

by Zhanna Nay

My name is Zhanna and I was born in Russia with my twin sister Annya. My mom died in 1994 when I was five years old. My dad started drinking a lot, the police found out and took us to an orphanage. Here is where my big story begins.

I felt sad my dad couldn't take care of me. Wouldn't you feel sad? My dad visited us almost every month. One day, my teacher asked if we wanted to be adopted. I thought, "I really like Russia . . . but I need parents . . . but I have my dad." I thought all kinds of stuff before I said, "YES."

When we met our new parents they seemed very happy but I was very quiet. They showed us a video - our little sister, Lilya, (we hadn't seen here in about two years) was in America!

We leff Novgorod by train then flew on two airplanes. Our first night in America was at our new grandparents' house. We drove three hours to Roanoke, Virginia. A huge yellow dog greeted us at our house!

I was very excited and happy but worried. I was shy and confused at school; I didn't know anyone or what to do. My teacher was very nice and one special girl helped me. Every day got easier.

I have been in America for almost two years. People tell me that I speak English very well but I want to make A's in school and English is still hard.

People ask me if I like America better than Russia. My Russian family and Russia are always on my mind and in my heart. America gave me a new Mama and Papa to love and brought me and my sisters together. I have room in my heart for America and Russia.

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