November 2022 Update

 

Friends, family, kind strangers – it has now been 279 days since Russia’s invasion and the start of full-scale war in Ukraine. While part of me feels like life has always been this way, the other part of me is very aware much is still unknown about life and war in Ukraine. ** please do not share anything from this letter publicly without my permission.

Me with my grandmother at our family thanksgiving!

I've spent the past five weeks in the US, visiting friends and family. Just days before my flight here, I wished I hadn’t planned the trip. I was in a good rhythm, ministry was moving forward, and I didn’t feel ready for all the social interactions ahead. Today, as I am again just days before my flight back to Ukraine, I don’t feel ready to go back.  I am going to go back, please don’t miss understand. But it’s taking more mental and emotional preparation than I was anticipating. And while I’ve deeply enjoyed my time with some of my favorite people, it’s not necessarily the people I wish I could hold onto for a while longer – it’s the comfort.

I got to spend a few days with my nieces in Texas!

Here in the States, I know the language and the way things work. Life here comes naturally, while life in Ukraine asks so much more from me cognitively and emotionally. Tasks are more challenging, the weight of the war and loss around is heavy, and my community is fewer. Overall, life in the States is easier. So I’m working on getting myself in the headspace to enter back into the challenge of it all. I appreciate your prayers for this and safe travel from Dec. 1-3! As you may be aware, the Ukraine I’m returning to is changed even from the one I left just weeks ago. Russia’s attack on the power infrastructure has taken a heavy toll. Many Ukrainians are without power, water, and gas – while winter is swiftly making its way in. My city has experienced regularly scheduled power outages to take pressure off the grid. Thankfully, I was able to help purchase a generator for one of the orphanages before this began! We are working on finding another generator for a second orphanage.

Using Ukrainian coloring pages with the children thanks to Books Unbound!

Along with the constant destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure, the World Bank reported, “Under the baseline scenario, the population share with income below the national poverty line may reach nearly 60 percent in 2022, up from 18 percent in 2021. Based on the global line of US$6.85 a day (2017PPP), poverty is projected to increase from 5.5 percent in 2021 to 25 percent in 2022, with high downside risks if the war and energy security situations worsen.” You can read the full report here. Your support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people is just as vital as ever. Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, and I ask that you consider supporting my ministry or other Ukrainian initiatives this year! The funds and care are not only needed but could save lives!

My focus this winter is on two main things: 1. Continuing to build relationships at the orphanage and expand my level of impact there. 2. Expand my network and reach in advocating for the vulnerable children of Ukraine. I hope to create resources for others wanting to get involved in advocacy and continue to learn how we can best hold accountable those with influence in the system. Since my last letter, three more children I work with have been pursued for local adoptions! Two are twins in the infant room, and the other is little V, who is nearly 3 years old – please be praying for the families, the children, and hopefully for a smooth transition from the institution to a home!

Your generous donations to my work have primarily gone to the following over the past few months… diapers and snacks for the orphanage. rent and utilities on an apartment for two displaced families. medical expenses for a mother and support for her 3 children. diapers for an institution for children and adults with special needs. housing for two displaced grandmothers. emergency supplies for families living in the east (battery packs, flashlights, first aid) life-saving gear for men and women serving on the front lines. food money for families living in eastern Ukraine, many unable to leave their homes. support the cost of evacuations from two cities. new glasses for a child at the orphanage. hats and gloves for children at the orphanage. fuel to travel back and forth to the orphanage. medical supplies for me to bring back from the States. my availability – your donations also support me as an independent missionary and my life here in Ukraine. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am doing frequent updates on my Instagram, so please follow along there.  with love, Lina