Hi everyone,
Thank you to each one of you who have sent encouraging emails, and to those who have been passing on these updates to others - the donations being sent in have been a huge blessing, and greatly needed.
The last time I gave an update, there were 14 Ukrainian mothers and children in the Rasa Center. Just over the last couple of days, their numbers have doubled, and tonight there are 13 mothers and 18 children safely at the Center (31 altogether). With 44 beds in total at the center, they have room for just a few more, and it won't be long until they are at capacity.
Today Mom and Dad finished setting up the rest of the bedrooms (there were 8 bunk beds to put together over the last few days), and they have been busy helping people get settled in. Through the immense sadness that the women are feeling, there is a sense of peace in the building, and of safety. There are tears as they wait for news from people back home.
Some of you are wondering how many workers there are at the Rasa Center. Besides my parents, there is Ana (nurse, educator and manager), Silvia (housekeeping supervisor), Carman (accounting, office manager), George (building supervisor, maintenance and repairs), and Miki (Clothing Boutique manager). It has been a blessing to have this staff, especially at a time like this because they all serve with big hearts of love in situations like this!
Below is a photo of Dad holding the 2 week old baby boy. He says:
This is the youngest refugee in our Center...He was born at the start of the war in Odessa, and his mom, brother, aunt and cousins had to travel 2 long days and nights to escape encroaching dangers, and landed in Rasa where they find safety and love! Please join us in prayers for all these families!
If you haven't seen what the Rasa Center looks like, here are a few photos to help you get a visual of where people are staying (the entrance, the great room/dining room, kitchen, a hallway of bedrooms, the playroom):
God bless, and thank you for all your love and support! Jenni (Reinhard & Darcey Neufeld)