My first trip into Ukraine a couple weeks ago screamed the hospitality of the Ukrainian people. Over and over I was amazed at their generosity and servant hearts. 

Our first stop in country was at a gas station. Very few, if any, still have gas. While stopped, I hopped in the driver seat to pull the van up to the pump. I was in line when this Ukrainian man opened my door. I was a little confused at first, because that doesn’t happen too often, but he started asking me questions. where are you from? what are you doing? why are you doing this? After answering his questions and asking him a few myself, the lady in his van started knocking on the window. He opened her door and she placed two apples in his hand for me. I’m not gonna lie. It might’ve been one of my favorite apples haha. 

Once we arrived, we went to the second floor of the church to where we would be staying to drop off our things. We went and unloaded the vans and came back to some local women making our beds. I decided to help. As I helped, they couldn’t contain their gratitude despite the language barrier. I met a woman who had the most beautiful blue and yellow nails. I complimented them. I told her we were leaving early in the morning and I wouldn’t be able to say goodbye the next day, so with tears in her eyes, she gave me a bear hug. 

Also working/living at the church was another woman. This woman didn’t waste anytime before she was walking up to each one of us with a bag of animal crackers asking us to take a handful. She made sure we took enough. Once she went around the whole room, she went around a second time. Then she took my teammate Gabe and I into the kitchen as she washed apples for our whole team. 

Later that night, we went to one of our contacts houses. His mom had cooked us a traditional Ukrainian meal. It was so good. He never hesitated to make sure our plates were full. He made us tea and asked us questions even though we didn’t speak the same language. A kind man, with an impactful story.  

My first trip in. It was a success. People are eating and living because of the prayers & donations & hard work of the Church. Don’t stop.

Thank you for your love and support. I am so grateful! 

Kaylin :)