Journey Of Faith New Friends Help Ease Transition Letter To Spokane

Dear Spokane:

It’s been more than two years as me and my family came from former Soviet Union to America.

Obviously, since arriving to Spokane, we’ve been having some problems including language, finding a job, etc.

In the new country we had to get used to everything in it. It’s been very difficult for us, but thanks to our American friends and their advice, gradually we began to acclimate to this country.

Very beautiful nature of Spokane and environs reminds us of our country. Beautiful river, lakes and forests remind (us of) the places where we were born and raised.

In my country, I worked as an aviation engineer, my wife worked as a teacher, but now we can’t work by our professions yet. English language comes easier to my daughters, and now they are studying at Spokane Community College.

I am glad I got a job at the Quality Inn Oakwood hotel where very good collective is.

I am glad I have friends who in a hard time can help us by giving advice.

Thanks for everything to the people of Spokane who helped us in introduction to the new life for us.

Michael Avakimov

MEMO: Michael Avakimov, 48, an aviation engineer in Baku, Azerbaijan, arrived in Spokane with his family on Aug. 19, 1992. He is now a hotel maintenance worker. He wrote this letter in English.