Monday ,January 15th
“Why are you going to Ukraine?”. Usually followed by “What group are you going with?”. These are the two questions I get the most when I tell people about the trip. On the long flights over to Budapest, I get time to think about these questions.
Why?
I know the people of Ukraine face an unjust war they didn’t ask for, and that they need help. I’m also deeply concerned that in a time of acute need, the west may turn their back on them. I get the sense that I’ll learn much more about the deeper motivations and answers to this question through the experiences in the country and with the people.
The group, Direct Aid for Ukraine, is, as it sounds, a group of people working directly with the people in need. It’s the brainchild of my friend and long-time colleague Alex Davern, who has visited Ukraine twice previously during the war. We’re volunteers from France, Ireland, Hungary, and the US working directly with groups in the Ukraine to identify needs and support them. That means that every dollar we put into the effort goes directly to Ukrainians in need and that we’re there in person seeing the projects through.
The Hungarian team, Zsuzanna, Éva, and Krisztian, have organized much of the agenda and have an absolutely packed three days planned.
Arrival
I arrive in Budapest and meet up with the team and we’re quickly on our way, driving to eastern Hungary and across the border into Ukraine. The trip lasts about 7 hours.
As we cross the border, I was actually heartened to see that even in tough circumstances, commerce survives. That’s right, in this rural border crossing, there is a tiny duty free shop. : )
Dinner with the Mayors
Two local mayors were instrumental in our program in Ukraine and ensuring our help goes to those that need it. Ferenc Nagy, Mayor of Nagydobrony, and András Baksa, Mayor of Csongor. During dinner, Mayor Nagy made a poignant toast: “We are used to being in a position of being the ones that help our people”, he said, “but now, we also have to be the one’s to receive help”. We walk across the street to a war memorial dedicated to people from this town that have lost their lives in conflict with Russia. This isn’t a recent memorial, though; most are from the early to mid 1900’s. Mayor Nagy points out the names of his two grandfathers, both of whom were killed by Russian soldiers. The monument was erected in 1991, after Ukraine gained independence and this dark history could finally be openly discussed. It’s a reminder that this conflict has deep roots.
The night concludes with many celebratory toasts and expressions deep appreciation for the work we’re doing. Then, its time to get some sleep - its been a long day, and tomorrow will be even longer.
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