An American in Ukraine...


What seems like a lifetime ago, Fiona and I, had the good fortune of meeting someone who has lasted the course. 
In the first month of the illegal invasion by Russia the situation to say the least was chaotic. It was completely new. A full scale war had started, and millions of refugees had crossed the border into Europe, Poland being an obvious crossing point. Thousands were arriving everyday, and the Polish authorities met the challenges, by and large amazingly well. ( Won't ever forget nearly being arrested though by overzealous bureaucrats in high heels)

One of the way the Polish authorities helped was by providing a food tent, open 24 hours a day, serving hot food. Some 20,000 meals a day apparently.
There we met Jon. There were hundreds of volunteers who appeared in the first weeks. 
Slowly they vanished over time. Some we were glad to see the back off. From our time in Krakow, only Jon has continued to be actively involved in supporting Ukraine, as far as I'm aware. We have stayed in contact, and whenever he can, he comes over from America to support Ukraine.

And he's once more here. I was able to put him in touch with someone who was able to lend him a van. Jon came to Odesa, and together we were able to do a run to the outskirts of Kherson with over $1000 of food and household products. It was a really positive experience spending time with Jon. Gaining insights for instance, into the situation in America running up to the election, as well as his positive and can do attitude.

Unfortunately, on the way back to Odesa, I didn't feel to well. Shivering, as if I'd caught a cold. The next day I tested positive for COVID. This hit me quite badly, but now slowly on the mend.

The situation in Kherson remains awful, and murders happen on a daily basis. And I'm being exact when I use the word murder; premeditated and awful. It really isn't an exaggeration. Yesterday a 71 year old man had gone to the shops. On the way home a Russian drone targeted him, dropped the bomb, and he died. Today a medic was targeted and killed..
Words fail me for these people who do this. What or who allows you, to become the person that makes it alright to do this? The Russian State and it's leaders. Wars bring out the worst in people, Putin and people of his ilk, gives it free rein.


However, good people continue to do good work. Jon, for example. 
Others In Trawden, who continue to support with donations and words of support. 
And now we wait here with some trepidation, the outcome of the election in America. I feel, one way or another, that it will have significant impact on the future in Ukraine.
Thank you for your continued support.

To make a donation, please:
1. Open PayPal and, when asked for name of payee or email, enter trawden4ukraine@hotmail.com

Or, if you live in/near Trawden:
2. Use the Ukraine collection box in the community shop.






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