When I arrive in Zhytomyr it doesn’t take me long to settle in and feel at home. I have my favorite running spots (the park by the river), my favorite bakery (locals call it “the hammer”), and my two favorite churches (Andriy P’s and Andrey B’s). And my favorite borscht is made by our own Anna. But it’s the warm welcome from our staff and our youth & moms that make me truly feel like one of the family.
In the first days of my visit, I overlapped with Emily Millikan and with Ronnie Mosley, who’d come to volunteer his skills as both photographer and interviewer. I sat in on several interviews between Ronnie and our clients, with Ronnie’s friend and assistant Pramod taking photos. Each conversation unfolded into a unique, compelling story. I prayed throughout, as orphan and journalist dialogued: “God, give our youth grace and clarity to share their heart.”
Often the story would bring tears of gratitude to my eyes. It’s God’s kindness to allow Last Bell to take part in these powerful stories of redemption.
During one interview with a young soldier my tears overflowed for another reason. To see and hear of the ravages of war on the body and soul of one so young – may God have mercy.
In the second part of my short visit, I relished the time I was able to spend with smaller groups of students & moms. We played games, created a camouflage net, and learned how to apply “makiyazh” properly with a local Mary Kay professional.
Our orphan moms also loved sitting down for “Q&A with the American” (me). They asked insightful questions! I felt comfortable sharing my own experiences of walking with our Good Shepherd Jesus through life’s valleys and pastures.
Sunday, March 29th was my last day in Zhytomyr. I worshiped with Andriy’s church and then drove to Kyiv for an event with the Pankyeyev family.
Time with our staff has left me, once again, tremendously encouraged. Our Last Bell team thinks Biblically and takes seriously Jesus’ example to live in the world but not of the world. I enjoy their humor. I benefit from their wisdom. I always leave confident that God has provided exactly the right people to minister to orphaned students and families in Zhytomyr.
Thank you for your prayers – we have seen God’s protection over us and His blessing in the lives of our youth!
Marguerite Havard
Executive Director