The young man in the photo is Sasha. I have been praying for him since the invasion of Ukraine from Russia, and Ukraine’s decree that all 18-60 year-old men “cannot leave the country, but be prepared to fight.” That would include Sasha…he’d be in his 30’s now.
I met Sasha in 2004 when I was in the Ukraine on a mission trip, helping with an English Language Camp in Cherkassey, south of Kiev. He was 14 or 15 years old and one of the students in my group. He was a wonderful young man, and we made a special connection. Sasha gave me the pink elephant (pictured above) at the celebration for the completion of the language camp at the end of that week. Over the years, I admit, I did lose touch with him, but he has been on my mind these days, and worked himself back into my heart as I pray for his safety during this conflict.
I’m praying, too, for a miracle, and for peace to come quickly to the Ukraine. And for all the wonderful people I met there.
(My grandchildren now play with this cute elephant which I wrote about in a previous post. )
May God hear our prayers and the cry of the Ukrainian people.
Amen!
I am praying with you Valerie.
Thank you Lori!
Valerie, thank you for sharing this story about your mission work in Ukraine and about Sasha. I will include him in my prayers. Reading his story personalizes the situation there. My heart hurts. Yesterday I found myself crying over images of women and children fleeing the country. Oh, how we need peace.
Thank you Audrey.
It does make it more personal, having a connection.
I am grateful for your post Valerie and will also pray for Sasha and all of Ukraine. It’s so devastating that one man can have such control over this war. I’m also praying for all the Russian innocents who’ve been brought into this unholy war. May the world lift up these many innocent victims!
I agree with you Mary Jane.
Thank you for your prayers.
I still connect with some ( or maybe
all ) of the Ukrainian people, especially some personally. because I stayed with a Ukrainian family the 8 summers I spent in Ukraine, teaching, and doing Missions Work.
Periodically, I look around my house and try to think of what I would bring,
in what bag , if I were in their
situation ! ! Oh, God , please protect the
Ukrainians and others who are risking their lives also, to help everyone !
I’m glad you are able to keep in contact with all of them. That’s a lot!
That’s an interesting exercise to think what you would bring.
You and I have some good memories from the Ukraine.
Hope he will be safe and we too pray for all the people in Ukraine❤️ It’s terrible what’s happing there😢
Thanks Kari.
It is a terrible, unprovoked war.