Taking Parents To Russia!

In 1991, my parents  brought us to America from Russia. With the help of our grandparents and cousins, many of their wildest dreams for us have become a reality! My brother and I have great jobs, cozy couches, and kids of our own, My brother even has a backyard. My parents are crazy proud :) They are still the most optimistic people we know who keep pushing us to live and love harder.  It's time for us to make some of their dreams a reality!

It's been 29 years since they left St. Petersburg, Russia--the place where my parents fell in love and had two kids. It's been a distant dream to go back and visit one day.  Waiting for the right time and enough vacation days. 

The nonprofit where I work (LCF!) is giving me a sabbatical after serving for more than 7+ years. My husband and I are planning to show Roux a piece of the world, starting with where our families are from--Latvia  and Russia. This trip is going to be very emotional, and so important for us to share together. 

Seth's father is from Latvia, who came to Wisconsin as a refugee with his mom during the war. Half of their family stayed back in Latvia. Gunars, Seth's uncle, is 92 years-old and is waiting for a visit from his nephew. It will be Seth's very first time in Latvia,  and Roux will get to meet his whole Latvian family too!

I'm launching this fundraiser to surprise my parents with this trip of a lifetime. To those of you who venmo'd me after hearing this dream and encouraged me to create this gofundme, thank you SO MUCH! I cannot imagine going to Russia without my parents. My heart would hurt too much... and I'd get many of the history lessons mixed up.  

Funds would go to- flights, hotel, and a two week kennel for their 3 dogs!!! 

For those of you who know my parents, they are the most fun and generous people in the world. Once they hear that you've donated to support this, their hearts will explode. 

Thank you, thank you, and thank you from the bottom of my heart. This means the world.