Prologue
Dilmurod "Dil" Uzmonov was our 4th exchange student from August, 2003-June, 2004.We had originally thought of waiting another year after our experience with another FLEX Sponored Programs student, Sonya Stepanova from Russia. We had plans to travel to Oregon in August, then to Venezuela in early September. However, Dilmurod's application was late in arriving and a permanent host family had not yet been found. He needed at least a temporary family before his visa would be approved. We decided he could stay with us until a permanent family could be located.
Dilmurod was very air sick upon his arrival bedridden at St. Catherine's College for initial orientation. The trip was Dil's first airplane ride, lasting 28 hours from Uzbekistan. We brought him home where he collapsed in bed. Unable to eat anything but the bread his mother had given him for the trip and drink water, also frightened and in a very strange country with people he did not know, we were in a quandary wondering how we should proceed. Within a week we left for our planned trip to Oregon. A fearful Dilmurod of airplanes and with the last of his bread gone, flew off to Oregon, with Mary and me wondering what to feed him and how to make his plane ride bearable. All went well in Oregon as we all got to know each other better.
During our two week trip to Venezuela, Dilmurod stayed with another Edina host family, Beth Brody, who was also hosting a student Iva Brychtova. Things did not go smoothly as Dil was exposed to even stranger events than his Muslim religion or Uzbek culture could explain. This was on top of Dilmurod's adjustment to a new school and classmates.
Despite Dil's auspicious beginning and our unexpectedly finding another permanent exchange student, Dilmurod turned out to be a wonderful addition to our family and life. If we had not planed our trips or take a one year hiatus from hosting, Dil would have certainly been our choice.
As Dilmurod may have expressed it, "Allah had willed it".
Dilmurod's Uzbek Family
Dilmurod at home in Asaka, Uzbekistan with sisters
Family photo with relatives
Grandparents
Aunt and her child. She had a job which helped to support Dil's family.Dilmurod Usmonov's FLEX Application
The FLEX (Future Leaders Exchange) is part of the U.S. Freedom Support Act to bring promising leaders to the United States from countries of the former Soviet Union. Over 50,000 students compete for the 1,200 scholarships.
Introduction letter from Department of State.
Application photo
Proctored essay explaining three reasons why you want to participatein the FSA (Freedom Support Act) program.
This essay was part of the selection process.
Page 2 of application essay.
Letter written to future host family.
Host family letter- page 2.
Photo of Dilmurod's familySeated: Father, Rahmonjon (farmer, truck driver); mother, Hadicha (Teacher)
Standing: Sister, Dilnoza; Dilmurod; brother, Doniyer; and sister, Kibriyohon
Photo with friends taken April 30, 2000 (Dilmurod is 15)
Self -description
Letter written while in U.S. applying to an FSA workshop. Dil did not win.An example of Dil's desire for world peace and the impact of September 11th
on his family and friends.
The Students
Dilmurod was engaged in two exchange student programs.
I was the coordinator for both groups.
Dilmurod was engaged in two exchange student programs.
I was the coordinator for both groups.
Sponsored Programs, Twin Cities ClusterLusine Simonyan (Armenia/FLEX), Tetyana Kobets (Ukraine/FLEX),
Dilmurod Usmonov (Uzbetistan/FLEX), Maria Veit (Germany),
Olga Chernyshova (Russia/FLEX)
Sponsored Program students have won scholarships from the U.S. Department of State
to be an exchange student. The competition for these scholarships is intense,
based on English ability and leadership potential.
The students are expected to participate in a number of required activities.
Dilmurod Usmonov (Uzbetistan/FLEX), Maria Veit (Germany),
Olga Chernyshova (Russia/FLEX)
Sponsored Program students have won scholarships from the U.S. Department of State
to be an exchange student. The competition for these scholarships is intense,
based on English ability and leadership potential.
The students are expected to participate in a number of required activities.
The FLEX (Future Leaders Exchange) program is for students from the former Soviet Union.
The CB (Congress Bundestag) is an exchange between Germany and the United States.
The CB (Congress Bundestag) is an exchange between Germany and the United States.
AFS, Edina ChapterYaxal Vasquez (Mexico), Gaelle Dutron (Belgium),
Ivana Bryshtova (Czech Republic), and Dilmurod Usmonov (Uzbekistan)
AFS students pay a fee to be an exchange student and apply with an AFS affiliate in their native country. Students are interviewed and assessed for their adaptability and English proficiency.
Events
Trip to Oregon
August 15-22, 2002
The Oregon Coast.
Mary and Dil fishing in a neighbor's pond.
Kim's big fish from the small pond.
Dead fawn in my sister's, Christine, Eugene, Oregon yard.
Probably killed by a bobcat.
With my mother, Evelyn, on sister's back deck in Eugene, Oregon.
They spoke Russian together.
My mother was so impressed with Dil's manners and kindness.
Jaws of a Great White Shark
Aquarium, Portland, Oregon
Hills of Edina
Biking a hill at Braemar Park
At a Lake Cabin
September 7, 2000
Our friends, Ann and David Braden, invited us to their Red lake cabin
in Minong, Wisconsin, so Dilmurod could experience a lake cabin.
What a beautiful lake.
Mary and Dave Braden teaching Dil how to water ski?
Tubing. What a wild ride. Can't get enough.
Renaissance Festival
Shakopee, Minnesota
September 26, 2002
Joisting
This was the first Sponsored Programs event.
From left; Mary Shuraleff, Dilmurod Usmonov, ?, Olga Chernyshova, host parent ?,
Lusine Simonyan, Maria Veit, Tetyana Kobets
Elephants and camels
Playing a medieval stick game
Dil and Iva, King and Queen
Halloween
AFS Edina Chapter Metting
October 28, 2002
Carving pumpkins for the first time.
With Jack-o-Lanterns aglow
Science Museum of Minnesota
Tetyana, Maria, Olga, and Dil locating their countries
on the floor map located at museum's main entrance.
Working the computer simulator for operating Mississippi River locks.
Newspaper Interview
A reporter from the "Edina Sun Current" interviewing Dil
about being a Muslim student in Edina.
The article was on the front page.
"Black Nativity" Play
December 14, 2002
Sponsored Program students joined students from Minneapolis
Urban League at Pantages Theater in Minneapolis
to encourage a better understanding of diversity in the U.S.
Urban League member explaining the play before the performance.
After the play, the group had "Soul Food" at Lucile's Diner
with Africian-American teenagers.
School Presentation
December 15, 2002
To promote better understanding between countries,
Dil and other students often made presentations.
Rehearsing what to say
These foreign kids are cool.
Christmas
Dilmurod is Muslim, but he soon got into the holiday spirit.
Lights on shrubbery in front of the house
Christmas Eve and presents
Winter
So beautiful
Going to school can be brutal
How long does this weather last?
AFS Timberwolves Basketball Game
at Target Center
Target Center
Great game. Those are big guys!
Trip to Oregon
August 15-22, 2002
A week after Dilmurod's arrival to our house, he joined mt daughter, Kim;
wife, Mary; and me on an earlier scheduled trip to visit my mother
and sister in Eugene, Oregon. Dil had not yet recovered from air sickness,
but took some Dramamine which helped.
wife, Mary; and me on an earlier scheduled trip to visit my mother
and sister in Eugene, Oregon. Dil had not yet recovered from air sickness,
but took some Dramamine which helped.
The Oregon Coast.
Mary and Dil fishing in a neighbor's pond.
Kim's big fish from the small pond.
Dead fawn in my sister's, Christine, Eugene, Oregon yard.Probably killed by a bobcat.
With my mother, Evelyn, on sister's back deck in Eugene, Oregon.They spoke Russian together.
My mother was so impressed with Dil's manners and kindness.
Jaws of a Great White SharkAquarium, Portland, Oregon
Hills of Edina
Biking a hill at Braemar ParkAt a Lake Cabin
September 7, 2000
Our friends, Ann and David Braden, invited us to their Red lake cabin
in Minong, Wisconsin, so Dilmurod could experience a lake cabin.
What a beautiful lake.
Mary and Dave Braden teaching Dil how to water ski?
Tubing. What a wild ride. Can't get enough.Renaissance Festival
Shakopee, Minnesota
September 26, 2002
Joisting
This was the first Sponsored Programs event.From left; Mary Shuraleff, Dilmurod Usmonov, ?, Olga Chernyshova, host parent ?,
Lusine Simonyan, Maria Veit, Tetyana Kobets
Elephants and camels
Playing a medieval stick game
Dil and Iva, King and QueenHalloween
AFS Edina Chapter Metting
October 28, 2002
Carving pumpkins for the first time.
With Jack-o-Lanterns aglowScience Museum of Minnesota
Tetyana, Maria, Olga, and Dil locating their countrieson the floor map located at museum's main entrance.
Working the computer simulator for operating Mississippi River locks.Newspaper Interview
A reporter from the "Edina Sun Current" interviewing Dilabout being a Muslim student in Edina.
The article was on the front page.
"Black Nativity" Play
December 14, 2002
Sponsored Program students joined students from Minneapolis
Urban League at Pantages Theater in Minneapolis
to encourage a better understanding of diversity in the U.S.
Urban League member explaining the play before the performance.After the play, the group had "Soul Food" at Lucile's Diner
with Africian-American teenagers.
School Presentation
December 15, 2002
To promote better understanding between countries,
Dil and other students often made presentations.
Rehearsing what to say
These foreign kids are cool.Christmas
Dilmurod is Muslim, but he soon got into the holiday spirit.
Lights on shrubbery in front of the house
Christmas Eve and presentsWinter
So beautiful
Going to school can be brutal
How long does this weather last?AFS Timberwolves Basketball Game
at Target Center
Target Center
Great game. Those are big guys!AFS Edina Chapter Ice Skating Party
This was the first time many of the students, including Dilmurod
had been on ice skates.
This was the first time many of the students, including Dilmurod
had been on ice skates.
Putting on skates inside Lake of the Isles warming house
Dil and Ivana BrychtovaInternational Week
Hutchinson, Minnesota
For one weekend in February, Hutchinson High School hosted students
from the Minneapolis area.
Students attending International Weekend at a Hutchinson family's home.
Dil relaxing with Jin?
Bobbing for candy in powered sugar.
Sure is a lot of fun!
Jin (Thailand), Edina exchange student (not AFS), cleaning up
Edina High School International Club"Host a Student" Night
The event at the Edina Community Center was sparsely attended
by people interested in hosting an exchange student, but he student had a great timeThe event at the Edina Community Center was sparsely attended
with those who did attend.
Awarding prizes.
Dilmurod the emcee and assistant
Learning about government
One objective of Sponsored Programs is to expose the students
to accessibility of government representatives in the U.S.
Learning about government
One objective of Sponsored Programs is to expose the students
to accessibility of government representatives in the U.S.
Meeting with a Republican State Representative in Rosevillewho talked about the advertising influence of uncontrolled
outside organizations within her own party.
Visit to Minnesota State Captial
This trip fulfilled one of the Sponsored Program requirements
to be exposed to government.
March 29, 2003
With State Senator, Ann Rest, in back center who discussed howmost of her and other legislators time is spent on tax issues,
not on highly publicized social issues.
Dilmurod practicing to be President.
The President and his aides
Duluth
Joint Sponsored Program with students from Duluth and Twin City areas
At Duluth's Lift Bridge
At Enger Tower, Duluth
Enger Tower, 600 feet above Lake Superior, and COLD.
The Senior Prom
We discovered the Senior Prom for Dil and his Edina High School friends was a group event.
It was more important to have fun as a group, than to split off individually.
The dance was held at the "Windows" restaruant, atop the iDS Building.
Ready to go.
The formal wear, including the hat,
was a loan from Edina Drama Club's costume wardrobe.
The prom evening started with two French exchange students.
Went to the Big Bowl restaurant in Edina, where Dil's date joined the group,
plus some unknown person.
Dinner with date.
The group assembles at "Gavadie Commons" Shopping Center
in downtown Minneapolis.
Official Senior Prom picture
Some pretty friends of Dil
How the evening ended.
Staining the Deck
Our deck needed staining. Dil wanted to earn some money to buy a laptop.
We got our deck stained. Dil got his laptop.
First you have to wash the deck
This is almost fun
Staining the railing is a slow process.
Dil's new Dell laptop.
Dil's 18th Birthday
May 25 27th
One Birthday with our family
Birthday family picture
Another birthday party with his friends
Partying on our deck
Graduation
Going to Edina High School the last time
Ready to go to the graduation ceremony
After the ceremony at Northrup Auditorium
at the University of Minnesota
Indian Pow-Wow
Morton, Minnesota
June 14, 2003
Morton, Minnesota
June 14, 2003
Grand Parade Entry
Grand Parade Dancers
Tanya Kobets (Ukraine), and Maria Veit (Germany)with Indian dancer
Redwood FallsDilmurod, Tetyana, and Maria
Valley Fair
June 19th
June 19th
Final AFS event before departureDeparture
June 25, 2003
One last trip to Edina High School
One last trip to Edina High School
Last family meal with Dil's favorite food, pizza
At Minneapolis airport for the return flight directly to Uzbekistan
One final "goodbye" to a very special person. Dilmurod Moments
Some random pictures of Dilmurod's life with us.
The internet presents a different view of the world.
Watching "Sponge Bob Square Pants".Dil's favorite TV program.
Watching more "Sponge Bob Square Pants"
With "Sponge Bob Square Pants"
Demonstrating for "Peace" at Edina High School
Biking along Minnehaha Creek
Holding Jennifer Neimier's baby
Helping with yard work
Loving these machines
Being in a corn field. Admiring the crop.
Giving a presentation about Uzbekistan
Preparing an Uzbek meal
Going to school the first day
Raiding the ever full icebox
Seeing deer in the park across the street
Post Script
Of our exchange students, Dilmurod had to make the biggest adjustments.
Be it air travel, food, bedding, religion, Iraq invasion, customs, ways of expression, Dil had to content with so many it is hard to list them all. Yet, he was always willing to try and ended his year well liked by American, as well as, other exchanged students, engaged in every opportunity presented to him, and becoming the "Ambassador" he saught to be as an adult. We were truly fortunate that fate brought us together.
Since Dil's return to Uzbekistan, communication is difficult and sporatic. We know he has gone to the university in Tashkent, the capital, has started a student newspaper with his many poems, had trouble gaining a visa for reentry to the US for a summer job, and his family is well. He sends a yearly package, wrapped in cloth, sewn tight, and sealed with wax, of dried fruit and nuts from the surrounding farms. We have not heard from him since March, 2009, even though we have written and emailed.
Below are the last letters, received October 5, 2006
Be it air travel, food, bedding, religion, Iraq invasion, customs, ways of expression, Dil had to content with so many it is hard to list them all. Yet, he was always willing to try and ended his year well liked by American, as well as, other exchanged students, engaged in every opportunity presented to him, and becoming the "Ambassador" he saught to be as an adult. We were truly fortunate that fate brought us together.
Since Dil's return to Uzbekistan, communication is difficult and sporatic. We know he has gone to the university in Tashkent, the capital, has started a student newspaper with his many poems, had trouble gaining a visa for reentry to the US for a summer job, and his family is well. He sends a yearly package, wrapped in cloth, sewn tight, and sealed with wax, of dried fruit and nuts from the surrounding farms. We have not heard from him since March, 2009, even though we have written and emailed.
Below are the last letters, received October 5, 2006
