(Above photo: A row of students in the teen class Thursday night. We had a record breaking attendance for this class—58!)
Our last full day in the work with the Dalraida mission team closed today in an exceptional way! EVERY class broke its attendance record.
The day was once again cold and wet. Thankfully the rain was not as heavy as it was Tuesday so the streets and sidewalks were passable. My day began with different meetings and the Dalraida group met for breakfast and then had free time until 11:00 a.m. when we were to meet at the Medical Institute.
The meeting at the Medical Institute went very well. We were the honored guests and met for approximately 1.5 hours. The meeting provided us an opportunity to discuss who we are and what we are doing. There was a Q&A session that further provided an opportunity to discuss who we are and our efforts. Each of those in the Dalraida group had an opportunity to participate and their input was a great help.
One of the most touching moments in the meeting came when a man named Tarus spoke. He had volunteered and served on the front line against Russian troops. He said the hospitals and clinics that treated the wounded (military and civilians) were only able to function because of the supplies they had received. His eyes welled with tears as he spoke of the ruin that Russia has brought upon Ukraine and of the death and devastation of innocent people. He said he had come to the meeting because he heard that we were going to be present and he wanted to stand and thank us for our help. In the photo of the group meeting Taras is standing to Sveta’s right and is on the back row next to Johnny.
The highlights of today were the final evening classes in Starry Lysets! It was a PHONEMONAL conclusion to a FANTASTIC week of efforts in that location. We arrived and as usual found people waiting but tonight the entire foyer to the Cultural Palace was filled with those coming to classes.
Every class tonight broke its attendance record! Here are the numbers:
Childrens—36
Teens—56
Adults—29
As the adult class concluded Johnny presented Mayor Anatoly Romanovich with a book on Montgomery, AL that was signed by each of the Dalraida mission team. Following the dismissal we had refreshments and the Director of the Cultural Palace (Oksana) started making tea and coffee for the guests. Oksana has been a wonderful part of this week as she provided assistance when needed.
Pray for our efforts as we continue this trip!
John L. Kachelman, Jr.
Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
You must be logged in to post a comment.