Easter for Ukraine

On Easter Sunday in Kosice, a major volunteer effort made the holiday very special for the Ukrainian refugee families, especially the children. The event was a major organizing effort, and once again Ali (photo with me) and his fellow Medical students at the university in Kosice, did so much work. I merely helped with a few tasks, inc. not-so-critical job of placing 3 Easter eggs in each basket, along with the sausages, ham, and muffins.

As I posted on Facebook, “Have you ever been overcome by emotion at an event where you didn’t know what was being said? Now I have, Because I really DID KNOW.” The solemnity of the occasion was marked by prayers and blessings from the Eastern Orthodox religious leaders.

So many people wanted the Ukrainian flag painted on their cheeks, adults included. You can guess which two colors of paint ran out, requiring Ali to go to the store to buy more.

Finally, the story of Yana (seen with me as I munch on Ukrainian Easter cake) is just one of many. She lives (lived) in Irpin, just 3 miles (5 km) south of Bucha, where the atrocities were perpetrated. While she is safe, he home was not saved, hit by a missile.

Most of all, at least for one afternoon, the children did what children should do on a holiday: Forget their worries and have fun. When happiness is in short supply, it is remarkable how far a little kindness goes.