A present

It was snowing as we waited for our tram this morning. Tonight it's very cold and the snow is really accumulating. I can't get excited as I usually would, hoping that the heating in the tents won't break down again, and that people have warm enough clothes and proper shoes. 

This morning, when I was preparing and serving fruit, as usual, a woman came up and passed me a lovely silver ring. One of our Ukrainian volunteers translated what she was saying, which was that she wanted to give me a present. The ring is a bit big so I have to wear it on my thumb. I don't want to lose it.

We are in the process of supporting two more families with their visa applications - to come to Colne and Burnley. That will make four, hopefully. One of the children from the first two families is very poorly with a high temperature and her mum is thinking that she may have to take her to hospital. You wouldn't think that things could get much worse. We're trying to support her as best we can. 

Bob met a Ukrainian man in his forties, maybe, and spoke to him about the UK sponsorship scheme. He later sent a text message: "Where can we eat in the UK? Are there Red Cross or needy centres? Humanitarian aid?" 

We keep reminding ourselves that these 'refugees,' 36 days ago, were people just like us - going to work or school, going shopping, watching telly in the evening, planning their summer holidays, etc. 

💙💛

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