Vova Pogrebniak

 

 

The Ukraine-Russia war has manhandled my soul for several years. I have spent countless hours trying to local our exchange student son, Vova. I pray he's out there with his entire family, safe and sound. But then I hear about explosions in Kyiv, and I think of Max and their parents.

I am not Ukrainian. The boy I call my son was an exchange student hosted nearly 25 years ago. Vova is in his early 40's now. (I did the math from every angle and the result was the same: I am old.) He likely is married and has a kid of his own. 

Still, I'm not going to rest until I know what is going on. I've taken to forums and social media, always with the same message: 

╔══════════

Hi Vova ,

I don't know if you're our exchange student (attended Wasson nearly 25 years ago). If you are not him, please forgive the intrusion. 

If you are him, please know that we're worried sick for you and your family.  If there was a way to bring you all here... but Trump has shit upon our immigrant population. That does not stop me from saying that you, your parents, Max, and your spouses and children will always have a home with us.  If you're already in the US, email back and I'll give you my mobile number.

We love you. We miss you. 

══════════╝

 

 

 All I can do is be patient and keep my fingers crossed.