I never thought...


...in my wildest imagination, that when we set of from Trawden we would make such amazing friends here.
We arrived at the drop-off place, meeting with Irina, who would distribute the aid, who greeted us with such friendship and kindness.
The cake came out first from the van and wowed them...nearly thought of saying that I made it myself, before giving full credit to our American friend, Frank...our baker extraordinaire in Lviv.
Their teenage children came to help unload the van...no complaints, even with heavy loads. 

Yet even before we unloaded there was a moment, equally moving...in olden times, before I was enlightened, I might have called them three urchins, ne'r do wells, hanging around the back of the van. But they asked me kindly, in the little English they knew, and I responded in the even less Ukrainian I know, about where the van was from and who we were..  I explained that the van was from a Polish organisation and that we were from near Manchester (strangely, they hadn't heard of Trawden). These 13 and 11 year old lads thanked us and shook my hand and went on their way. Go figure...

Having unloaded what we had, we were disappointed to find out that a specific orthopaedic mattress, which we were hoping to have acquired for a a person with severe disabilities, had not arrived. We decided to fund the purchase of this mattress. On a personal basis it breaks my heart to see some of the conditions that people endure here, which we can't begin to describe. However, we and our friends in Trawden and elsewhere realise that our efforts really make a difference, as well as the other people who support Ukraine.

What's amazing, though, is how quickly Irina has shared the aid we brought, including the things we bought for a very talented, budding artist...only 13 years old and her paintings are ever so good.
I don't want to put any more photos on here of what we did today...that can wait as I don't want to detract from the painting you see, painted by this 13 year old Ukrainian girl, who has amazing talent. She wants to auction this picture to raise funds for Ukraine. I would like to start the bidding at £500, with the auction to last a week. Please share on Facebook, and social media. Who knows what a totally unique picture you will have and how well spent the money will be. Personally we think she has amazing talent.

Comments

  1. Franklinatsea3 January 2023 at 13:26

    That really is a fine piece of art and the young artist really depicts the anguish they experience in this war. How well she did, and what a kind gesture to raise funds for Ukraine. I hope that that mattress which you got helps her. It was a pleasure and a pleasant surprise to come across you near my home.

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