Golden leaves
I write this update based on my last trip to Ukraine. I have had a bit of a battle grappling with all the things I’ve learned, witnessed and the reality I’ve acknowledged.
Starting on a brighter note….observing nature during the fall season in Ukraine was beautiful to see. In many front yards were bright red apple trees, much fruit lying below, making a lovely contrast on the green grass. One morning I set out for a city several hours away. The fields to the right and left of the road were set in a low-laying layer of fog, it appeared as a beautiful scene in a film. Mysteriously encapsulating the earth. Trees filled with golden colors of red, orange and yellows as the leaves were changing. The colors of leaves depict what is going on inwardly, the falling away to allow for new growth. I hope and pray for the renewal of Ukraine.
My first day in Ukraine was the start of a ramped-up missile attack throughout the whole country. Over 80 missiles were fired that day. Every day for the remainder of my trip was filled with air raid sirens, sending warning to take shelter from the strikes. A close military friend told me to take the warnings very seriously that first week. During my second day I saw the effect of a missile that hit infrastructure nearby and smoke filled the air. My sister in the US thought I had passed away on one of those days. She could not reach me because the electricity and phone services were down. She was so relieved to find out that I was alive. Numerous times I packed my most essential things in a shoulder bag to be prepared in case I was not able to return to the place where I was staying. I was never fearful, but there were times I was on high alert. I faced the possibility that my life on earth may end. However, I knew that if my time here was not over and if I still had to accomplish my purpose, then the Lord would not take me to my eternal home just yet.
One of many buildings destroyed by missiles
Miracles are happening! Numerous citizens and soldiers have shared how grenades and missiles were fired and landed nearby, but never exploded. Lives are being spared and saved. The death toll is not nearly as much as the enemy strives for.
During this last trip, I traveled to five cities and two villages, visiting hospitals, NGOs, rehab centers, seeing people who have lost limbs, and also visited a university. Once again on this trip, I had the opportunity to train both health professionals and patients on evidence-based rehabilitation and residual limb techniques in preparation for prosthetics. One of the big endeavors of my trips was connecting with trustworthy people and organizations who actually care for others and do not see this as an opportunity to make money for themselves. These caring individuals and organizations are working at full speed to make a positive and lasting impact. They are good-hearted, self-sacrificial people who are risking their time, energy and lives to help others. People who are not taking advantage of humanitarian aid, who are not glorifying themselves and their power. Those who are quietly and humbly serving the vulnerable, treating others as they wish to be treated.
I met Nadia*, a therapist who sold her car during the war to help those in need. I’ve been to small homes of individuals with not much room who have housed internally displaced people in the country. One is Olya*, a woman who spends most of her income on buying goods for others and driving refugees from city to city. Sergiy*, a man in his 50s with a large family who collects food/medicine and travels across the country to bring aid to hungry and sick villagers that were recently freed from the Russian forces. There are multitudes of Ukrainians who never left during the war so they could help their countrymen. It is also incredible how various countries are accepting and caring for the wounded from Ukraine in their medical facilities. Good hearted people are taking in the elderly, mothers, and children. In addition, I met incredible and brave individuals from other countries volunteering their time and skills. Doctors, nurses, medics, servicemen and ordinary people from all over the world are going to Ukraine to volunteer, to fight for and aid the vulnerable. I am also amazed at how many private donors and international organizations are trying to help Ukraine.
Due to the prayers, donations and kindness of others, many people affected by the war have been helped. I had the opportunity to continue training Misha*, in the use of a myoelectric bionic hand donated by Ossur. Misha lost his hand during the Russian occupation in his town. His wife and neighbor were shot at when they tried to get medical help for Misha, unfortunately, the neighbor passed away from the bullet wounds. Misha’s wife also received bullet wounds but survived.
Photo with Misha*
I also met an incredible man, Sasha*, who was a prisoner of war and had recently been released. Sasha had lost his arm and sustained other multiple injuries while at one of the Russian prison camps. When I offered to give Sasha financial help, he kindly declined and stated there were other people more in need. Sasha was so mindful of others who he saw were in greater need. Here was a man who had been in captivity, was tortured, lost his home, was displaced, often experienced physical pain because of his injuries and yet… Sasha viewed others were more in need. He was putting other people above himself. This was so humbling and eye-opening for me! Unfortunately, there is a vast contrast when I compare Sasha’s response to many others who are using this war for their own gain.
This war has brought out not only the best, but also the worst in people. What was in people’s hearts came out, up to the surface. Some things are not what the media portrays. It may look rosy on the outside, but the inside is often a can of worms. I have uncovered this on multiple occasions. Thus far, I’ve been in Ukraine for a total of 5 weeks throughout the war. Since my trips to Ukraine, I do not remember being as disappointed in people, organizations, hospitals, and governments.
Basement of one of the hospitals, converted with a lot of patient beds
Despite the horrors of war, this is a catalyst for change. I’m hoping and striving for positive change. The health system is in dire need of reform. The more I learn, the bigger the mountain of needs and problems are uncovered. How I wish that more hospitals were patient-centered and used evidenced-based medical practice! The secondary problems from the initial injury should not be the reason why people don't survive. Infections, muscle atrophy, pressure ulcers, and contractures are issues that can be prevented. There is a huge need for education. Many are willing to learn and change to better help their patients, but not all. Most hospitals are understaffed. Some have only one nurse for a ward of 40 patients, in addition to two specialized nurses that travel throughout the wards (for IVs and dressing changes). I was surprised to learn of a rehabilitation hospital that had eight rehabilitation therapists to cover 300 patients, and another medical rehab center that had ten therapists to cover 1000 patients.
One of the thousands who have lost limps during the war
I completely support the people of Ukraine, but not the corruption that I uncovered at every level. It is vital to ensure that the funds and humanitarian aid are going into the right hands, making sure there is accountability and that the assistance is been provided where it is meant to go.
Every day we are faced with decisions, to act or be complacent. To think of oneself or think of others. To be discouraged by others, or look above for encouragement and keep going forward.
Young boy in a village showing me his basement
Never lose hope. Renewal will come. The golden leaves will fall and allow for new growth.
I would like to thank all of you for your support, words of encouragement and prayers.
With hope for the future,
Alina
P.S. I am limited with the photos I can post due to strict regulations & state of war in Ukraine
*names have been changed to protect identity
