Ukraine Day 2 – Sunday 2 June 2013

(More apologies for late post - I will catch up!)

We arrived in Antratsyt around Mid-day on Sunday.  Once we had registered in the Hotel Antratsit we had lunch and then headed off to School No.2 where we were to meet for the rest of the week.

Here we gathered with our hosts Yuri and Elena Bocharova. Yuri is the President of YMCA Antratsyt – a man who is passionate about young people and founded the YMCA here to help them and their families.

There are groups from Moldova, Belarus, Ukraine and England. Not least among these is the Principal of the school, Vitaly, who is fully devoted to the children in the school and to the mission of YMCA Antratsit.  He gave us a very warm welcome saying “We have a big heart. We love you and will do whatever we can to make you comfortable”.

This has been proved over and over again during each day of the study tour.  The hospitality shown to us has been exceptional.  I am writing this on day three and I feel like I have known these people for far longer.

Others will write about what we did and what we saw and experienced. For now I will simply say that after 8 years with YMCA I never cease to be amazed, thrilled, blessed and encouraged by the love, passion and creativity of all who hold YMCA and its mission in their hearts.

Oh yes, and I forgot to mention sense of humour!  Each day begins with devotions, led mostly by one national team.  Today however, the first devotion was led by Father Evgeni Zhabkovsky the President of YMCA Ukraine. Evgeni is a Russian Orthodox priest who has a small country parish, a big smile and quick sense humour and of fun.  He is a joy to be with.

Over dinner we continued to develop our new friendships and it looks like there will be something deep, meaningful and lasting that will come from this gathering.  These are people who are serious about the work of the YMCA. They serve with a glad heart and do it with a smile.  Cant wait to see what happens next!