Prior to the trip, several laptops were prepared to distribute to families with children. This way, they can follow online education, something that has become impossible for many children due to the war. No school for months has a huge impact on their future.
In addition, hundreds of bracelets have been made for children in Ukraine. After days of hard work, the result was good. We are deeply grateful to all the people who helped collect items and load the bus.
On April 29, we left for Ukraine with three people. Along the way, we came across a Hope4Ukraine transport with three Dutch ambulances that are being donated to army units to transport wounded soldiers.
After about 24 hours of driving, we arrived in Rivne. Less than fifteen minutes after arrival, the air alarm went off. For one hour. Nothing happened, but the realization was immediately felt again: the war is a daily reality here.
In Rivne, we had a first conversation with Serhii. He talked about the enormous impact of the war on families and communities.
On May 1, we had lunch with Yuliia, who we helped with school furniture for shelters in Chernihiv last year. To this day, schools there are still talking about last year's help. Children use the furniture that was supplied at that time every day.
Three full trucks with school furniture will soon be available in the Netherlands. The material is free, but the transport costs are currently too high. Together with Yuliia, we discussed new plans for the future.
Fallen soldiers are commemorated in squares and fields. The number of flags is growing every day, and it is a confronting picture.
Later that day, we spoke with Kostiantyn at the Ministry of Social Affairs. Afterwards, we shared a meal with his family and ended the day at the hotel.
On May 2, we visited Irpin. There, we spoke with Volodomyr, Secretary of the Union of Evangelical Baptists of Ukraine. The Metadidomi Foundation works closely with these churches.
We talked about the idea of creating a rehabilitation area for wounded soldiers. Not just physical recovery, but especially the restoration of relationships, identity and hope. Many people struggle with trauma and no longer see the point of life.
On May 3, we traveled to Zhytomyr, where we met Iryna and Sasha. Iryna leads a volunteer organization that helps people at the bottom of society: homeless people, addicts, elderly people, disabled people.
Together, we visited different people. Two sisters, aged 87 and 88, live alone. Their 85-year-old brother helps them every day. They were intensely grateful for the help and visit.
We also met a father who lost his wife and cares for three children alone. His circumstances are minimal, but he is supported by Iryna on a weekly basis.
Later, we visited Marina and her mother's retirement home. They want to help more people, but are completely dependent on donations. We are investigating the possibility of creating additional shelters with temporary shelters.
On 4 May, we prepared computers for a school. Despite relative calm, air alarms went off several times a day in Kyiv and Zhytomyr.
That evening, together with young people from the church, we made bags with toys and books for children near the front line. Singing, praying and laughing together creates a deep connection.
During the Remembrance Day, we reflected on the victims of war. For some, the loss is still raw and personal. It was an intense and impressive evening.
Easter was celebrated on May 5. Even in times of war, the message of hope sounds. After the service, shopping bags were filled to hand out. The bags had a message from Luke 6:31.
On May 6, we met with Oksana and Ruslan. With them, we visited areas where the destruction is visible. Broken roads, damaged houses, overcrowded cemeteries.
On May 8, we distributed food packages and laptops in various villages. We met a demining service from Switzerland who told us how extreme the situation is.
We visited a retirement home near Kharkiv. The residents are living in uncertainty. We are trying to create an alternative shelter.
On May 9, we picked up several refugees who traveled with us to the Netherlands. People who had to leave everything behind and face an uncertain future.
On May 10, after a long journey, we reached the border with Poland. After hours of waiting, we finally returned safely to the Netherlands.
