A quick catch up....


The weather has been extremely hot in Odesa, and working in practically any situation is challenging. There is the additional difficulty of lack of electricity and mains water, as a result constant attacks on energy infrastructure by the Russians.
Often in Odesa, there is only 6 hours of electricity a day....so maybe only 3 during daylight hours. I've given up having anything in the freezer. Just doesn't work. Try keeping milk!! Some days there's no running water. It's hard for me, but how much harder for people just trying to get on with their lives?

However, the work goes on. The English speaking group is working well. Again this is directed as far as possible to internally displaced people. Age range from 17 to 70+. On average about 12-16 people attend. The enthusiasm is so nice to see, and I really enjoy the 2 sessions each week. Each lasts 1.5 hours.

The feedback from the new group initiative for women who have suffered trauma, has been extremely positive. The groups appear to give the women a safe supportive space. Both the psychiatrist and psychologist are very keen to carry on the work. We are looking for ongoing funding support.  

We visited the orphanage at the weekend again and as usual it was good fun interacting with the children. We were able to take some fruit and sweets.

The kitchen is really hard work given the sometimes 40°C + temperatures. For now, just for health reasons, I'm limiting my sessions to three times a week.

In all this there is one saving grace. The Black Sea. Sometimes before work at 6am I'm having a swim. Water temperature just perfect. And then maybe a final swim after work at 6pm. It's the thing that's keeping me sane.

At the weekend we go once more to Kherson.

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