(In the above photo: Sunday 23 September 2018 worship with the church of Christ in Zaporozhye, Ukraine)
We are now in Berdyansk, Ukraine! The past three days seem like a blur—only 24 hours ago we were in Africa’s heat but now we are in eastern Ukraine and the wind is blowing and long selves and jackets make life much more comfortable! Incredible how 3 full days have vanished! As I was leaving the KLM flight from Dar es Salaam the attendant and I were talking about my trip and asked if I was alone. I told him I had 2 companions who were seated further back and pointed to Gif whose brown Stetson was visible. The attendant said, “Oh those 2! I call them the Rangers.” (I think that was because of the hats they were wearing—some of the military contractors wear such headgear. Of course, Simba’s hat has “No Problem” in Swahili and that definitely would be atypical for a military contractor…but they still earned the moniker “Rangers”). Clearing entry from Africa involved passing the doc sniffing walk, two interviews, baggage screening, and pat down. But all went well.
We arrived in Kyiv and was met by Tanya. Thankfully all bags arrived with us and we took a bus to the train station, checked our bags into the holding pen and then went to eat supper before boarding the train. It was a delight to introduce Gif & Simba to Ukrainian cuisine and both loved every different dish.
The train ride went very well. We three were so exhausted that Gif & I slept without problem but Simba said he woke several times to the jolts and swerving motions. I think we must have been in a new carriage because it was so much better than what I have ridden previously.
We arrived a few minutes early and was met by Alexander who took us to the flats. After 3 days my first priority was brushing my teeth (Gif & Simba braved this task on the train but I just cannot accept that challenge!). Then a nice shower with good pressure, a drain that works and hot water (tomorrow such may not be possible as the water pressure and water availability are unpredictable). After washing off the 3 day’s travel we went to worship with the Zaporozhye church of Christ and then to the Veterans of Chornobyl where we were warmly greeted. This group has worked with us for many years and has been a reliable source of assistance in whatever was needed. They have been recognized by the government of Ukraine for their service.
It has started raining and temps turned much cooler. Instead of dust as we had in Africa now we approach puddles of unknown depth in the sidewalks!
We then set off on a 4-hour van ride to Berdyansk where we arrived late in the evening. I was excited because the hotel room had real beds! In Berdyansk we are to meet with the Mayor’s office and have a press conference regarding the shipment of disabled children’s equipment that the Judsonia team loaded out of Little Rock Easter Seals in January. After the meeting and inspection of the container delivery we will take the 4-hour van ride back to Zaporozhye where we will be for the next three days.
Things are going very well!
Continue to pray for us as we continue in this mission.
John L. Kachelman, Jr.
