In March, staff member Emily Millikan visited our staff and clients in Ukraine. Here’s her first missive from that rich time of fellowship.
It’s the end of my first full week in Ukraine. Here’s the biggest takeaway: there’s more happening every day to bring hope to orphaned youth than we could ever possibly write about!
But let me give you the highlights from what I saw on Monday and Tuesday. Also, please see the end of this email for a sad community announcement.
MONDAY
Monday morning, I tagged along on a trip to a government office. Staff member Yuliana was taking a Shelter mom to apply for aid for her baby. This process can be so complicated for orphans, but Yuliana helped her get past a long line, pick up a ticket for the right department, organize her documents, and ask all the right questions of the clerk. Yuliana’s husband Sasha helped with the baby – wearing his fatigues because he was on call.
While we were standing near the clerk’s desk, the time arrived for the “minute of silence,” which happens in most government facilities, schools, etc. at 9 AM every day. A voice came over the intercom and everyone was immediately standing quietly. After a message, a tock-tock sound marked sixty seconds, then part of the national anthem played. This is how Ukraine’s fallen heroes are honored every day.
Monday afternoon, I visited the new Day Center for the first time! THANK YOU to all our donors. (Later I visited the old Day Center. How did we ever fit all those students??)
The washers were running with students’ clothes; the closets were full of students’ coats.
The students seemed right at home. Some girls were playing a card game with a couple of staff members. Food was kept hot for students trickling in. Later, the staff led a game based on a popular game show. It was fun, but also a teaching tool – helping students learn some basic facts they might have missed because of being orphans. No one was teased; I heard lots of cheering and laughter.
Staff member Khrystya gave me a tour, including one room our staff hope to develop into a music room. The new space is being used well, every inch full of love of and possibility for orphaned youth.
TUESDAY
Tuesday around noon, I went to Trade School #15 with our staff for life skills lessons. An icebreaker helped orphaned students get to know each other, since they’re at the same school but often in different classes.
At the end of the lesson, which was about self-improvement, the staff shared about Last Bell’s premium subscription to an educational website, with several courses available. Afterward, two orphaned students asked to be added to the channel so they can learn new skills.
In the afternoon, I stopped by the old Day Center – now called the Family Center – to sit with our Stop the Cycle moms for craft time. It was so quiet and peaceful there. It was easy to see why it would be a valuable time for busy moms, to do something soothing to the soul, but in company.
I spent time with Last Bell on Wednesday and Thursday as well. I’ll write more about those activities next week, including a fascinating trip to the dentist with one of our Stop the Cycle moms.
Make sure to check Facebook or Instagram for many more photos!
-Emily
Loss of a beloved Zhytomyr minister
Some of you may already know that on Monday morning, Rosalynn Prough died and went to be with Jesus. Rosa grew up in central Indiana and was sent to Ukraine as a missionary by Harbour Shores Church in Noblesville, IN. She served adoptive and foster families in Zhytomyr for twenty years. Many of our older Last Bell youth knew and loved her, as well as many of Last Bell’s founders, Ukrainian staff, and friends. She was a good friend of mine (Emily) and I’ll be able to attend her funeral here in Zhytomyr on Saturday.
