This time last year...

...we were working in one of 3 tents, erected in the square above Krakow Glowny railway station, to manage the twenty thousand Ukrainian refugees going through the food tent every day. 

We were amongst a group of volunteers from various countries, including Poland, of course. Memories fade, but some names and faces and remain - Marky Mark, Robert D, Maggriet, Dave, Marta...It seems a long time ago, but these people and others, whose names we've forgotten,  were there and made a difference.

Starting at 8am, sometimes earlier, we prepared huge bowls of fruit salad, which we served from 10 -12 am, to thousands of people. This complemented the soup, stew, kasha, etc, provided by World Central Kitchen. We also gave out daily living essentials, such as soap, shampoo, sanitary towels and reading glasses, and, always, treats for children.

I wrote: "Today there was a huge new influx of refugees, prepared to wait for hours in a queue for a few of the things we take for granted. There is really no describing it...," other than through photos and this photo captures it best, I think - a snapshot of one of the many immediate impacts of Putin's brutal, illegal invasion - ordinary people who fled their homes, usually with nothing more than a suitcase, maybe a pet.

We worked long hours. In the afternoon-evening we gave information on the fiendishly complicated, lengthy Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme. We met with those who wanted to come to the UK, linked them with a sponsor and completed the visa application.

This evening, last year, we started the visa process for the first family to move to our village of Trawden, which took more than 2 hours! I wrote that a 'huge cheer' went up in Starbucks when the visas were completed, although it was tinged with sadness at leaving behind home, family and friends.

This family, supported by a wonderful sponsor and the local community, have jobs and their own rented house, and the little girl is happily settled in the village school.

Meanwhile, in Lviv yesterday, I went to a 'tea party,' hosted by our volunteer friend, Mo, who had a table of "weird and wonderful english delicacies," as she described them...

About 20 volunteers were there - from England, Ireland, USA, Canada and Poland, most of whom have been in Ukraine at least as long as we have. It made me realise how many people believe in the importance of doing whatever small thing they can to support Ukraine, which is also a bit of a weird, and definitely wonderful, place.

Also, at the party was this adorable puppy called 'Meatball,' who Mo is looking after for a week. He needs a permanent home like so many other dogs, cats, etc., here.

Today, Bob was contacted by our volunteer friend, Franklin, in Kharkiv, who said that World Central Kitchen had delivered 27 pallets of frozen food but there was nowhere to store it. Bob made some suggestions but we don't yet know what has happened. How frustrating will it be if all this food goes to waste? The importance of logistics.

Tomorrow I'm going into hospital for a operation on my right kidney, which is not functioning. I'll need to stay in hospital, probably until Friday, and so I spent as much of today as possible outside - and found that Spring is really here... 

Bob has mentioned new beginnings for us, which may involve supporting a specific community in Chernihiv region. As always, we will need funds to do what's required; we'll explain the specifics over the course of the next two weeks.