Unique Opportunity to Serve in Ukraine
 
Impressions of Our LifeNets Mission to Vinogradov, Ukraine in June 2008

by Cindy Harper

Vinogradov Home Page      
Summer 2008 menu
LifeNets Home

August 26, 2008

In June my husband and I, along with volunteers Stefan Saxin and Ken Zahora, had a unique opportunity to serve at a youth summer camp in western Ukraine, in collaboration with an existing LifeNets project to help disadvantaged and at-risk youth in the small town. All year, twice a day, a small group of Christians provide healthy meals, Bible lessons, love and support to a large group of street children. Each summer they go beyond this daily service to host a camp that enables the children to have even more opportunities for fun and learning. We got to see firsthand the fruits of the labors of this collaborative project, and it was very inspiring to see the lives of these children so positively affected.

For my husband and me, Ukraine is the epitome of  “Eastern Europe.” The country gained its independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. They are still experiencing problems related to coming out of decades of communist rule. Poverty, social problems, widespread corruption, and a weak overall infrastructure are just a few of the problems people in this country face. After two weeks we were starting to get used to the gigantic potholes in the roads, the flickering power, and the constant crowds of people selling their wares in the streets. The difference once we returned to our respective developed western nations was stark. It made us feel very grateful for the daily blessings we enjoy and often take for granted. It also made us feel somewhat spoiled, when we realize how much they are able to do, with so little. When something is broken, they fix it and continue using it. Each day as we drove from the house where we stayed to the youth center, we saw people sitting on the side of the road. They were selling mushrooms they had gathered in the forest, crops from their own gardens, cherries from their own trees, juice from their own grapevines, local honey, etc. It gave us the impression that people of Ukraine were very enterprising and resourceful. We also enjoyed this local, inexpensive, fresh produce in our meals at the center.

Our project involved teaching English classes each morning during the summer camp. We found an English program that involved lots of movements, songs and games to which the children responded very well. Music is a universal language, and our hope is that through these songs they will remember the English words and phrases long after we have left. Our hope is also that we have planted seeds for basic understanding of and interest in the English language. As the children learn and grow, knowledge of English can give them a distinct advantage in both school and future employment. While at the start of the project our Ukrainian was extremely limited and their English the same, we were able to communicate and share good times through gestures, drawings, songs, movements, and games.

It was a particular challenge to be unable to communicate verbally with the people around us. Our group had to learn to be extremely flexible and “go with the flow” as we participated in camp activities. It is an unusual feeling to not really know what is going to happen from one minute to the next. We had to find creative ways to ask questions and to ask for things we needed. Thankfully, our hosts were very patient with us.

We spent much of the two weeks of summer camp safely behind the high walls of the center or the home. However, on some afternoons we took “excursions” to go swimming or explore nearby sites of interest. On the way home from one excursion we passed through a gypsy neighborhood. That was definitely an experience we will all remember, as we witnessed a level of poverty you don't often see in western countries. We stopped in front of the large Baptist church of the neighborhood, sang a song and passed out treats. There were masses of children, some in colorful and highly decorated clothing, and others wearing not much at all. It was an experience of contrasts in many ways, and one we will not soon forget.

The children at the camp left a lasting impact on all of us. Though so many of them came from very hard backgrounds and many were still living in very difficult circumstances, they were all very loving, trusting, open, and very receptive to our teaching and attention (despite the language barrier). I attribute this to the patient work and love of the small group of Ukrainians who work with them. The children obviously knew that they were in a safe environment there.

Another thing I learned from this experience is that a humble heart that is dedicated to God’s purpose in one’s life can yield amazing results. Miracles are worked daily in the little town of Vinogradov through a couple named Vasyl and Irina Polichko, who years ago decided to truly put into practice what they were preaching. Children, who might otherwise have gone hungry (both physically and emotionally) are patiently and lovingly cared for and nourished. Life’s circumstances could have destined many of these boys and girls to a life of hunger, tough choices, and suffering. Instead, they are given the opportunity to go down a different path, one which leads to life and blessings. The light of God’s love is shown to them in a very powerful way. The Polichkos saw a need and instead of turning away (as many of us may do, feeling helpless to do anything), took responsibility for those around them. God has truly blessed their efforts, and we were blessed to spend just a little bit of time with them to witness this great example of Christian love.

We would like to share our experience with you through the photos below.