Back to my roots....

After much discussion, I decided that my independence here in Krakow was the most important factor for me in being here.  

The homes for Ukraine scheme is important, so I will continue to give help and information, as a volunteer to an organisation we work with.

And my English language lessons will continue.

However, I also wanted to do something more practical. And so today, I started working in the food tent. But a tent where we cooked from scratch 2000+ meals. 

Most people probably don't know, but I worked in restaurants for about 10 years in my youff.

And it was enjoyable today. Like getting back on a bicycle. After a brief introduction, the chef saw that I knew what I was doing and left me to it. I have never in all my life cooked so much chicken.....the first batch I rubbed in paprika, the second basil and garlic (wished I had lemon) etc.

At the end of the shift, I wished I was 30 years younger.  An amazing crew...no complaints, endless energy. Smiles and laughter shared with refugees even when things didn't quite go right..... managed to spill pickled red cabbage over someone. 

This is what we do here, we make a difference, no matter how small.

What is noticeable, we have asked many larger organizations,

with millions at their disposal to help in our endeavours here, but they all have refused our requests for help. Probably for reasons they can justify.

But still, you in Trawden and elsewhere keep sending your donations. For this we are very grateful. But even more so for the refugees with whom we share our daily lives.