Serving in the Shadows of War • Ukraine Team Member Testimonial

"My name is Lora Kendrick, and I just returned from a phenomenal mission trip with Children to Love in Ukraine. I was privileged to travel 6 years ago on CTL’s first mission trip to Ukraine and was eager to return in spite of the intensity of the war with Russia.

I assured my friends and family that I was perfectly safe, in God’s hands and, besides, the war was still more on the eastern side of the country. Little did I know the full extent of this.

I was really looking forward to reuniting with friends that I had made six years ago. Irina, Future for Children’s Director, welcomed me with open arms and made me feel so valuable to the team. I am a Special Education Teacher and was very excited to help with the second camp which was specifically for children with special needs.

First, we had the camp for about 50 children who were mainly refugees or from at-risk families. This was new as the children would experience the camp overnight rather than just a day camp. The theme of the camp seemed very familiar - “Games/Technology vs. You.” Apparently, children around the world are struggling with technology addiction, something I fight against in my classroom daily. But there were notable, subtle differences.

Six years ago, there wasn’t any hesitation, and the kids embraced our team openly. This year, the children came off the bus reserved and cautious. They seemed mistrusting and leery of the warm smiles that greeted them. This seems to be a universal change since COVID, but this was even more than what I have experienced at home.

Fortunately, this changed after about two to three days, when we were all good friends - laughing and enjoying each other. A huge tribute to FFC’s organization of the camp activities, which enhanced building relationships and trust.

A reflection would not be complete without a comment about the war. I was wrong that it was mostly in the east. There is an app that warns the people of Ukraine when incoming drones are occurring and shelter is advised. Before camp began, we spent the night in Lviv and heard the sirens, but no one seemed to react. Every evening, the names of those who lost their lives were read over the loudspeaker and a moment of silence was held. People responded, but then went on as if nothing had occurred.

On the second day of camp, we experienced the sirens just as the children were going to bed. Without missing a beat, they all marched down into the basement for shelter and made makeshift beds with blankets, mats and pillows. Later we found that this was the largest attack on Lviv to date. Some drones got through, most were shot down. One that got through hit Irina’s neighbor’s home. Irina continued to lead. 

On our last evening in Lviv, another attack occurred while we were at a rooftop restaurant. This time we heard very clearly the ‘pop pop pop’ of drones being shot down. During our farewell to the Ukrainian team, staff member Tatiana shared that the night before, her children could look out the window and see the drones flying past. She was visibly shaken, but carried on. 

The war is very real, but after three years of alarms and attacks, it appears to have become second nature to the people of Ukraine. What else can they do? This made me think long and hard about what I accept as just a part of life that really should not be there, nor should it be acceptable.

I had been reading a book by the Tony Evans’ family “Divine Disruption” which talks about sometimes the hard disruptions in our lives like war, COVID, etc. are ways in which God attempts to get our attention and draw us closer to Him. May I never accept as normal those things which God wants to use to draw me near.

However, I was right in that God was completely in control and watched out for us all. We were, indeed, in God’s hands. In spite of all the disruptions, He accomplished marvelous things. During the first camp, I formed a friendship with a young man, Ilya, who is really struggling with big emotions. He reminded me of my students even though he is not diagnosed with special needs. Irina explained his story to me-- his mother died, and he is being raised by a grandmother who doesn’t want him. He and I connected and blew dandelions together in order to regulate his feelings. He also painted great pictures with me. He did share that he wants God in his heart. Pray that he can continue to be encouraged and know that God loves him.

During the Special Needs camp, I was able to connect especially with Joseph. He is a young man with autism who could not speak but is learning to communicate. He taught me Ukrainian color words and we worked on the light board together. He even introduced me to his mother verbally by pointing at me and saying “Lora” with his huge smile. He loved riding the horse and getting his own bag of chips. He will forever be in my heart.

God orchestrated the timing of the camp so that everything (I believe) that He wanted accomplished happened. We had one day of rain - it did not start raining until after our fireside service was complete. The siren for the worst attack on Lviv happened just as the rain started. The Ukrainian team adjusted the schedules to allow for sleep, and the US team followed their lead– such flexibility is to be greatly admired. Friendships were made. Old friendships were strengthened. God was there.

My takeaway? Continue to pray for Ukraine, uplift the children, and lean into a God who is ever present and near. Thank you for the opportunity to experience this and to share with you."