Explain how Boat People had to acquire sponsorship before moving to the United States. The father and daughter, along with the four uncles, are sponsored by the Russells, another family in mourning. What are the dynamics in this family? How can the history of this family be pieced together by details such as the mother’s weekend trips into the snowy mountains. Analyze Mr. Russell’s dream about the birds. What does the girl’s attempt to free the butterfly from the glass orb say about her emotional life during this early phase of immigration?