A Week at the Mennonite Centre

Blog #5

A Week at the Mennonite Centre

We are often asked what we do when we are in Ukraine.  Sometimes it is difficult to describe, so perhaps giving you glimpses into this past week will help.

We began with visiting the 2 Kindergarten schools in the village.  (Kindergarten here is Day Care, Pre-school, and Kindergarten, all present in the same building)  These are such enjoyable visits to make because we see colourful, tidy classrooms filled with beautiful children, performing songs, short dances,

and looking very angelic as they sleep peacefully in a room filled with more than 20 children!  Mennonite Centre has done many and various projects in these schools.

When we returned to the Centre we were met by 2 people from Svetlodolinsk historical committee asking for assistance to erect a memorial honoring the 2 brothers, Johann and Jacob Wall, founders of the railroad built in that area.  They would also mount a photo of that familiar scene where Mennonites are boarding the train to leave for Canada.

The next day we visited the Ukrainian School who had assigned one of their Gr. 11 students to interpret for us.  It was a delight to meet this young man who was brave enough to try out his English skills.  We were given a tour of many classrooms filled with students, and proudly introduced to some who have won competitions in Math, debating, Karate,etc.  Photos mounted in the hallway indicate the help these students have given to Ukranian soldiers, one project being the making of 5000 perogies to provide food!

Oksana, Ira, and I spent the next day delivering food packages to housebound seniors or physically challenged people.  These are among the most needy.  Several years ago we met Igor, bedridden all his life, unable to speak, being cared for by his 72 year-old mother.  He is now 27 years old, a complete cripple, barely able to eat because of his twisted body.  The mother was so pleased to see us, warmly welcomed us into her home, and shared her concerns for her son.  In the past we have provided a bed, a spinner washer, and various supplies.

In the next home we met another mother, caring for her 42 year-old son suffering from burns to over half of his body because of a marital dispute.  These two people are now alone, trying to cope with the rising costs of food, medication, and heating costs.  We hope to help with medications.

Stephania, only 60 years old, suffering from horrific hernias, shared her difficulties with us.  She has a diagnosis from a doctor but has no idea how she can get to a hospital in Zaporozhzhiya from her small village.  She is overcome with emotion when given the food package.  We hope to provide assistance for her surgery.

On Thursday Dave and I were invited to the English class in the Russian school, to share a bit about our historical connection to Ukraine, and to describe Canadian life as our family experiences it.  We presented a power point and invited questions.  A few students were brave enough to ask questions, but many are too shy. We enjoyed meeting these youth and were also given a tour of the school and their museum.

Mennonite Centre has provided some medical equipment to the Tokmak Health Centre including a cardiograph, holter monitor and computer.  We were invited back to the hospital and met 3 of the doctors, who expressed their sincere gratitude.

 Sergei Lokotkov, director of the Tokmak Music School, invited us to a student recital to celebrate the music of Mozart.  Piano, violin, flute, saxophone and vocal music, even a few “period costumes”, were a delightful way to complete our day.  One of the pianos used was donated in honor of Linda Stobbe.

 Friday morning we received a visit from a soccer coach and a local deputy describing their dream of improving the “stadium”, a community soccer field and track in Molochansk.  They want to provide a place for healthy activity for youth and a place for the community to gather.

In the afternoon we met with the Ukranian board of the Mennonite Centre, reviewed the projects of 2015, shared concerns and ideas for the future, and enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by Ira.  We heard words of gratitude for the assistance received from the Mennonite Centre.  We reminded them that we are only representatives of the many generous and caring Canadians they don’t see:   you, our donors!