Today in Zaporozhye, Ukraine was a sunny but cold day as a blustery wind was blowing all day long and strong gusts made it even colder.
The activities for this visit to Zaporozhe have been scheduled full by Alexander and those working with him. On each trip he tries to take me to a different place or person that has been helped by our shipments. As we visit each place we are welcomed with a wonderful affection and invited back, but it is just impossible to return to each place and person.
The day began with a meeting at the Ukraine Military quarters where a special memorial service for those killed in the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear meltdown. It was also a ceremony honoring those who responded to the crisis. We also honored those who have served in the ATO (Anti-Terrorist Operations) against the Russian invasion and occupation in the east. Two of those in the Consignee NGO that we use in Zaporozhye were honored with promotions. George (Yuri) was promoted to Colonel and Alexander received a diploma for his leadership and service with the veterans of Chernobyl.
Following the Chernobyl ceremonies I was taken to the Zaporozhye Orphanage for Disabled Children. 135 males only (ages 4 years-35 years) are housed here. They have genetic, emotional, and physical disabilities. We started helping this orphanage four years ago and we have continued.
The Director is Ludmilla and she is fantastic. The children run up to hug her and you can observe her actions and see that she also loves them. Under Ludmilla’s direction the home has made amazing strides. Prior to her the staff and residents were allowed to drink alcohol and consequently there was a lack of respect and esteem. As soon as she entered the doors the edict went out that no alcohol for either staff or residents—zero tolerance!
Over the last four years this facility has only developed better and better. Thanks to items from our shipments and the hard work of Ludmilla this is a real home for these 135 boys!
Today when I arrived Ludmilla was sitting at her desk and pouring over papers spread before her. She said that they had no hot water. They had paid their bill but the provider of the hot water had not paid his bills so the water was cut off!
She was desperately trying to find some extra funds that would allow her to buy at least one boiler and hopefully two so they would have hot water for the home. I asked her how much one would cost. She is still trying to find exact costs but she says she thinks it would be around 15,000 grievnas (about $600.00).
I told her that I would like her to give me the definite costs as soon as she can because I wanted to try to help with some of the expenses so these boys can have hot water and especially so the staff will have hot water that is so critical to their jobs in keeping the home clean and healthy.
As we went to the orphanage we took three large stuffed animals that had been donated and shipped in a container (you can see these at the top of the report on the web site).
We visited the boys and thoroughly enjoyed their attention. They acted like gracious hosts escorting us from floor to floor and telling us about different things.
We were treated to a good lunch—fried liver & onions, buckwheat, and herring cutlets! It was a delicious meal served with wonderful affection and gracious hospitality.
The residents do a number of handcrafts and Ludmilla gave me several of the items as a gift.
Today I received word that the container we shipped to Kramatorsk has been unloaded.
This was the second container which the Rivergate group had loaded on February 22. This container had about 30 hospital beds that weighed 474 pounds each! Plus there was an emergency room operating bed that weighed 800 pounds! This container was unloaded without a loading dock so everything had to be hand lifted from the container (4 feet high) to the ground!
Vladimir from Kramatorsk sent this note: “Greetings! Container KRAM116 has successfully arrived in Kramatorsk. Our staff is sending their heartfelt thanks to John, you, Tatiana Vasilievna, and to all those in churches of Christ that have proved once again and good does exist and triumphs eventually. Thank you very much.”
It is late over here so I am going to try to send this and get to my short bed and scant blanket!
Pray for our efforts as we continue this trip!
John L. Kachelman, Jr.
Zaporozhye, Ukraine
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