Update
Two days after leaving Dnipro, the Russians started shelling and bombing Dnipro. The day after they left Lviv, the Russians also started shelling and bombing Lviv. We are so glad that they got out when they did.
We are so grateful to all of those who have been so generous in their gifts and in sharing this story.
Friday, March 11, 2022
After making it to their hotel in Poland after over 36 hours of travel, everyone was ready to get some well deserved rest. Anne Marie and Ken got their hotel rooms ready for them beforehand and set out some treats and snacks for them to have as soon as they got in. Most of Friday was spent getting some rest, shopping for a few necessities, and enjoying not being on a bus anymore.
Saturday, March 12, 2022
In preparation for the flight to France, everyone had to get a Covid-19 test (everyone thought that the Covid tests were very uncomfortable … we agree) and they all came back negative! After this, they took some time to go out and shop for some clothes so that everyone could have something different to wear than what they had worn for the last few days.
Because of the language barrier, Google Translate has become a good friend for everyone. It has enabled them to communicate with each other when they are not able to have someone like Jon or Hyrum be able to translate directly for them.
Sunday, March 13, 2022
After two days of rest, it is time to travel again. This time to Paris, France. Instead of having to take another bus, they are able to take an airplane. It was their first time flying! Everything went smoothly through security in Poland. At first, getting through customs in France was frustrating because it was taking so long. Once the thorough review of paperwork was finished, Anne Marie shared of the experience of going through customs: “They told us “bon courage” and wanted to know if they had husbands fighting in the war. It was kind of a sweet multicultural exchange. There was one guy speaking Russian, I was speaking French and we were translating all around.”
They are now staying with Anne Marie and her husband Chris for a few days until they are able to find them lodging in Paris. Anne Marie and Chris live in a two bedroom apartment, so it will be a relief when lodging for the family is found.
To see the lengths that Anne Marie has gone to this past week to help is truly amazing and inspiring. We are all so grateful to Anne Marie and Chris and I hope that all of us can show a fraction of the love and compassion they have shown.
A Tender Goodbye
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – A.A. Milne (Winnie-the-Pooh)
Not everyone was headed to Paris. Ken was on his way back to his home in Germany. It cannot be overstated how amazing Ken has been. It is a special person indeed to travel to another country, to meet people you have never before met, and to love them so unconditionally. Ken loved, and was loved in return.
Next Steps
Now that they are out of Ukraine, this is not the end, it is merely the beginning of the their journey. After leaving behind their possessions, home, and family, we and they are hoping that they are able to make it to family in Utah and that Utah becomes their home during this time of unrest.
Some of the specific next steps that we are working through are:
- Finding lodging in Paris
- Getting International Ukrainian Passports
- Applying for Visas/other options for allowing them to come to Utah
- Flights to Utah
- A place to call home in Utah
We don’t know how long or how difficult this process will be, but we know with all of your love, support, and prayers, that things will work out. If you would like to give a gift/donation, you can do so on the “Gifts/Donations” tab. Thank you!
