The art of being.
It has been 4 weeks since Matt and I returned home from Poland and Ukraine. 4 weeks to sit and reflect and await the “right” words to manifest themselves into the perfect description that conveys all we have experienced. But, there are no right words, and no perfect descriptions.
Truthfully, Matt and I are still processing much of our month away, in part, I think, because this trip was so different from our first mission in April.
That first experience of being on the ground in Lublin was like drinking water from a fire hose; a lot of “doing” as we developed a true first-hand understanding of the realities of this war and the immediate needs. This second experience, however, proved to be quite different, characterized by less doing and more being . . .
Being witness to the incredible work orchestrated by our partners; Being present in the moment with people to really listen, learn, and deepen our own wells of understanding so that we may better serve.
And y’all!!
Lemme’ tell ya’, this shift to “being” has truly made a difference.
Our goal as a volunteer group has never been to change the tide of the war, but, rather, make a positive impact in the life of someone affected by this war. I think this second trip has better enabled us to be a positive impact, because we were intentional in spending time to develop and deepen relationships with people.
So, here are a few highlights from our time in Ukraine with the team from The Ukrainian Dream and the “being” that Matt and I experienced.
This is Pastor Igor, one of our primary partners. I’ve often said if I had a younger brother, it’d be Igor. He is quick-witted, hysterically funny, and possesses a true gift for loving and ministering to people. His generosity enabled Matt and I to go into Ukraine: not only did he loan us a vehicle, he spent 2 days arranging all the required paperwork needed, including transfer of the car title into Matt’s name and acquiring us humanitarian aid status.
This is Juliya. Matt and I met her in Warsaw to pick up a shoebox full of letters written to soldiers on the front line by Ukrainian children in Poland. We transported these letters to our partners at The Ukrainian Dream charity, where we had the pleasure of placing them in MREs going to the front lines.
This is Dmytro or Dima, as we affectionately call him. As our primary contact with The Ukrainian Dream, we talk with Dima every week. He is a loving, devoted Husband and Father to an adorable 5 year old, but like so many men, he has been separated from his family since the war started. Incredibly insightful, Dima has helped to deepen our understanding of Ukrainian history and the often-complicated societal and cultural nuance. He is intelligent, capable, caring, and a dear friend. Getting to finally hug his neck in person was a sweet moment for Matt and I.
This is Yanna. She manages the operations of The Ukrainian Dream charity. Always on call and with no break since the war started, there’s not a piece of equipment, clothing, or a can of food she is not aware of. Loving and thoughtful, Yanna was a delight to be around. She asked intriguing questions about western perspectives, and offered invaluable insight into the affect the war is having on soldiers, especially. Here she and Matt were testing out tactical gear.
This is Daryna. She showed Matt and I pictures of her son, Markiyan (Mark), who was killed in action on May 23, near the village Trypillya, Donestsk region. Mark was an architect, who loved the outdoors and playing the guitar, and volunteered to defend his country the day after the war started. Daryna continues to volunteer each and every day, hoping her efforts help save the life of other young men like her son.
This is “Grandpa”. As a young man growing up under the oppression of the USSR, he served in the Soviet Army. Now, in his late 70s, he drives supplies to soldiers on the front lines, going to places where no civilians remain. He has a deep, rich, bass-like voice, and compared knives with Matt. I told him how courageous I thought he was, to which he replied, “I am always afraid.” But isn’t that the definition of courage? knowing the risks and doing it anyway.
This is Professor. A modern-day Einstein, who converted his lecture hall into a laboratory where he hand built this 3D printer out of used computer parts! From here, he makes components needed to retrofit drones with bomb-dropping technology. He and his team changed the wiring on individual solar panels to support USB, so soldiers in the field can charge wireless devices. He was proud of their work, but humble. So humble.
