The end of a chapter

It felt strange that this was our last day in this huge refugee centre, based in a disused shopping mall. It feels as though we have been here forever and our early days in the food tent seem like another era. We also feel as though we have been on a journey, along with other people we've met along the way; in particular, Polina, who Bob commandeered to be our translator one day in the food tent - somehow, she began working with us every day and, eventually, became an USPUK employee.

We took Polina for a beer after work, eventually realising that it's Saturday and that's why it's so busy. We talked about how her life suddenly changed from having a busy, responsible working life to becoming a refugee with very little to do - until she met us! But this gave her something to get up for in the morning.

We also exchanged photos of mothers as we discussed that we both look exactly like ours - we really do! I think I must be of a similar age to her Mum and would like to meet her one day. Apparently, she follows our blog, which she translates into Ukrainian - so, "Hello" Lina.

I found out that Polina's brother is 3 years younger - another similarity. But she worries about him all the time as he is a policeman in the Kharkiv area. He sent her pictures of a bomb explosion just above a bunker where his colleagues were sheltering - several were injured. 90 per cent of that area has been flattened so, other than her family, there is nothing left for her to go back to.

Bob will really miss cooking in the food tent and the friends he has made, particularly the head chef, Alan, who was a refugee himself in Bosnia, now lives in Spain and volunteers for World Central Kitchen - with a passion.

We managed to match refugee families with sponsors right up to the end of the day. We have another mother and son going to Marple, near Manchester, and families considering Trawden and Chippenham.

And to end with a message of hope in this desperate war. As well as V getting a job at Woodheads (in Colne), it looks like R will have an interview there soon. Her son, P, likes Park High School - he says it’s cool and the teachers are funny and don’t shout!

Comments

  1. GLM Trawden28 May 2022 at 13:47

    Massive respect, so proud of you both. Safe journey home.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Steve28 May 2022 at 14:21

    So very proud of you for all that you have achieved, a well deserved break is definitely in order xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mum28 May 2022 at 15:36

    You deserve a rest after all you have been through and managed to do, despite the many obstacles you have come across.

    ReplyDelete

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