These last few weeks...

These last few weeks have been pretty busy. I am gratefully speaking with my kids in Ukraine; however, things are very dire. There have been numerous attacks throughout Ukraine.
If someone is not familiar with the above pictures, the one on the left is the entire country of Ukraine. It is shaded in orange because that means the entire country is under a missile warning. People need to be prepared to take shelter at any moment. There are air raid sirens constantly. The post on the right was sent to Ukrainians. Here is what it says:

Residents of Lviv Oblast! Now it depends on each and every one of you whether we will be able to avoid power outages. Please reduce your electricity consumption:  just now inspect your home and turn off everything you don't use;  entrepreneurs are asked to limit the use of outdoor advertising and lighting, especially during the peak hours of electricity consumption - from 08:00 to 11:00 and from 17:00 to 23:00, as well as during the curfew - from 00:00 to 05:00 ;  please consider industrial enterprisesthe possibility of switching to work at night;  turn on the most energy-consuming appliances from 00:00 to 05:00. Let me remind you that the most energy-consuming are: electric heater, boiler, electric stove, microwave oven, washing machine, electric oven, electric kettle, coffee maker, iron, dishwasher, air conditioner, chargers, vacuum cleaner, computer, TV. Since October 10, the enemy has hit Ukraine's power system more than during all the previous months of the full-scale war. Ourand energy workers are doing everything possible to ensure that we all have electricity. And they succeed. But these restrictions are necessary for our energy system to survive. It depends on you. Let's resist!

They are expecting to lose water and power. They are going into winter. People are dying not only because of the direct war and fighting, but because they have no access to the basic necessities to live. This is not ending any time soon.

On some other notes, my kiddos were able to return to their orphanage. In the past, they could not because their shelter was basically not up to code. The government would not allow them to return. However, with the help of many they were able to return. My kiddo, Y, has told me how happy he is to be back to a familiar space. 

And lastly, over the last few weeks, I continue doing everything I can to help those who need it in Ukraine. Through the U4U (United for Ukraine program), I have sponsored almost a dozen people. Some have contacts here in the US and are going straight to them. They do not need any additional help. Others, I am helping by providing a safe space, with food and a way to start fresh. I have been so very blessed, and I want to help and bless others. So, our home is open. We have more people with us. Are things a bit stretched? A little. But, just as hosting our Ukrainian kiddos last year changed us, this, too, is changing us. My children are learning the importance of doing without for just a little bit, to help others. They are learning about other cultures and languages. At any given point throughout the day, they hear Spanish, Ukrainian and English. They are trying different foods. The mission trips that so many talk about are here, in my home, and I am so grateful.