December 17, 2022

Good morning from Ukraine. After our return from Kherson we followed up with two other volunteers we had met in Kharkiv about assisting a church group in Kyiv. They have identified several families in real need in the Kyiv region. As we do most of our work near the battlespaces and in liberated areas, it is easy to think that the areas in Kyiv region are ok and that they are receiving what they need. These areas were liberated in March and April but this is not necessarily true. We were told of a family near Bucha that was very poor, unemployed, and living in a house with only three serviceable walls and half a roof. With help from your donations, we were able to provide the church with a stove and components to be installed for them, and we provided several bags of food and staples. My colleague Hymie delivered the food to the family while I delivered the stove to the church. The family was tearful and filled with emotion when the food was delivered. This once again reminded me of one of my personal motivators: I can’t help everyone here, but if I am able to help a few of the truly suffering, that is what this is all about.

Later that day, I was able to meet up with my friend Misha. He lives in Kyiv with his wife and small child and we met at a work party over the summer. Misha is a graphic designer and we met up near the massively popular and recently reopened McDonald’s in central Kyiv. That morning, the Russians launched 10 drones at Kyiv, and thankfully, they were all shot down by air defense. Misha always has lots of questions about the US and our attitudes about the war. Like every Ukrainian I know he appreciates our help and individuals and as a country. He is concerned and hopeful that the military support continues.

We walked around Kyiv and after four trips here, I finally took the metro. We toured Taras Shevchenko University, which, on October 10, was the scene of viral videos of missiles and drones impacting the campus and surrounding neighborhoods. The damage is being repaired, including a bomb crater in the children’s playground where I took some of the photos. More to follow.