A new chapter begins tomorrow.....

May 21, 2023

After being in Lviv for a year, we have decided to relocate to another part of Ukraine, one where the needs remain very high.

Lviv is now, by and large, a relatively very safe city, even though there are never any certainties. The war seems so far away. People are out in the sunshine, enjoying their walks, in the parks and the central squares of this beautiful old town. It's practically as if the war were in another country.

Fiona used a phrase the other day....it has become uncomfortably comfortable for us in Lviv. Following our recent trip to Kherson and meeting the people there, it was obvious where the greatest need is. It's a dangerous place where fear is never far away for the local population, with shelling a common occurrence. Going there is a risk...we are aware of this. And we are no braver than the average, but we think it's where we need to be.

There were other areas we were considering. We wish we could be everywhere. But we can't be. However, we do not, and will never, forget the people in these other areas.... especially Ala, a teacher in Ivanivka. We don't forget.

We are going to base ourselves in Odesa, and take as much aid as possible to the cities of Kherson and Mykolaiv. We have managed to obtain space in a large warehouse in Odesa. We hope to source aid, have it delivered there, and then we will take it onwards.

We are also looking at the possibilities of running playschemes during the summer in Kherson. We are not sure yet, how we can do this safely for the children, but we'll work with local people to see if we can help to make this happen. We have individuals already working on this. I would also like to do some teaching if possible.

All this never works in a vacuum. We rely on others to make it work. Our Polish friends, our Ukrainian friends and other individuals. All organisations and people, who believe that no country has a right to invade another country and kill ordinary civilians, destroy infrastructure and try to bring it's totalitarian beliefs to a free society. That's what Russia and Putin are trying to do.

Today, we have packed our things into suitcases and boxes, ready for the move. Amazing, really, what we have collected in 15 months!!

There never seems to be a day when people do not help with supporting what we are trying to do here...first, thanks for the donations we have received...you know who you are. We will use the money well.

We met with two friends from Lviv, who supply books that we can take to children in Kherson. It was pure fortune that we met them. They are strong, passionate supporters.

They also kindly invited us to a children's/young adults' concert that wwas held to raise money to buy further 4x4 vehicles for the army. It should seem strange that children are asked to do this. Not here. It's what everyone does. And they were amazing. Practiced and, for some, I'm sure a professional career awaits.