What is it Like to Be a Woman in Ukraine?

posted by

Related Stories

1 year ago

Let’s Pray For Varvara

Written by Katie Emerick on March 7, 2024. Posted in Disability Services.

Varvara is a sweet little 10 year old who struggles with intense pain related to her congenital hip dysplasia. Her mother showed up at Mission to Ukraine seeking help – and that’s exactly what she’s getting.

We use various methods to strengthen her muscles, increase her range of motion, and improvise her coordination. And although it’s not easy for Varvara, her “can do” attitude shines each and every time she comes in for therapy.

Not only does she work hard at our clinic, she’s doing what she needs to do at home to continue her progress with physical therapy.

Next time you spend a few minutes in prayer, remember Varvara. I’m sure she and her mother will appreciate that.

1 year ago

Why Do We Need the New Rehabilitation Center?

Written by Katie Emerick on August 12, 2024. Posted in Disability Services, Humanitarian Aid.

The Lord is growing our mission, and we need more space to accomplish it! Over the past 4.5 years, the brand-new rehabilitation center has taken form. We are unbelievably grateful for each and every person who has made it possible– from the construction workers, to the architects, and to the donors like you. We see the light at the end of the tunnel, as this new facility is set to open this September.

But why? Why do we need this facility?

1. In order to meet the (physical and spiritual) needs of the number of children with disabilities God has put in our path. It pains us to have to turn away hundreds of children each year simply because we don’t have the resources or space to accommodate them! This new 38,000-square-foot rehabilitation center will allow us to serve exponentially more children each year.

2. To adhere to the local government requirement that– due to the war–in order to serve children, we MUST have a bomb shelter in place. This added significant and unexpected costs, but the safety of the children and our staff is of utmost importance.

3. To allow us to shine the light of Christ to the community around us; sharing humanitarian assistance to those suffering the effects of the ongoing war in Russia. When our board approved this building, we knew it was a bold step of faith. But we also knew that God would provide the funds if he wanted it accomplished. He has! And we know there is nothing he can’t do.

Here are some more fun facts about this new facility:

This new facility is 38,000 square feet. Our previous building was only 6,000 square feet and didn’t have a bomb shelter. We have been unable to use it since the beginning of the war.

This building gives us the ability to serve nearly double the number of children through our rehab services. The Lord has provided and blessed us so much – we are excitedly anticipating the way he will work through this new building.

We are so pleased to announce the grand opening will be on September 18th. Stay tuned for more details as we await to see how the Lord continues to provide!

Previous

Title

Story

<article class="uk-article post-3654 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-humanitarian-aid category-pregnancy-care tag-mission-to-ukraine tag-pregnancy-care-ministry" id="post-3654" morss_own_score="9.200000000000001" morss_score="10.580000000000002" typeof="Article" vocab="https://schema.org/">
<h1></h1>
<p>
                Written by <a href="https://missiontoukraine.org/author/anidrew/">Ani Chaney</a> on <time>July 2, 2024</time>.                Posted in <a href="https://missiontoukraine.org/category/humanitarian-aid/">Humanitarian Aid</a>, <a href="https://missiontoukraine.org/category/pregnancy-care/">Pregnancy Care</a>.                            </p>
<div class="uk-margin-medium-top" morss_own_score="2.8870967741935485" morss_score="40.59939718814979" property="text">
<figure></figure>
<p morss_own_score="7.0" morss_score="9.0">In a war-torn landscape and the various current events, many of us have questions about what is happening in Ukraine. You may wonder, <em>what is it like to be a woman there?</em> The daily reality for many women is one of unyielding resilience and hope, but that does not negate the difficulty and terror that comes with war. The ongoing conflict has brought unimaginable hardship, yet amidst the chaos, the strength and determination of Ukrainian women is evident. Through their stories, we gain a glimpse into what it means to be a woman in Ukraine today—facing adversity with courage, and embracing the future with full confidence in the hope of Jesus Christ.</p>
<h2><strong>Unexpected Challenges</strong></h2>
<p>The war has thrust many young women into roles they were not prepared for. Valeria, a 15-year-old girl who discovered she was pregnant upon completing 9th grade. Despite her challenges and fear, Valeria chose life for her baby and continued her pregnancy. Her story is one of youthful courage, despite navigating an uncertain future. Valeria and her boyfriend, Andrii, lacked the means to provide for their unborn child, but God provided. Mission to Ukraine (MTU) gifted the young couple essential supplies like diapers and baby food– a glimmer of hope in an impossible circumstance. The Lord takes care of His children!</p>
<h2><strong>Finding Support in Times of Betrayal</strong></h2>
<p>For Olexandra, her late thirties were marked by personal betrayal and a desperate need for support. At 39, she found out her husband was cheating on her. Shortly after, she discovered she was pregnant with his child. Expecting criticism and judgment, Olexandra instead received love and acceptance from MTU. She received care from one of their counselors, joined a church, and found purpose and hope in Christ. “I am thankful to God for prompting me to go to MTU for help. My life, and my baby’s, will be forever changed for the better,” she said. Her story illustrates the impact of compassion, support, and the redemptive love of Christ.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-fear-and-hopelessness" morss_own_score="6.0" morss_score="8.0"><strong>Overcoming Fear and Hopelessness</strong></h2>
<p>Kateryna’s story is a testament to the perseverance of Ukrainian women in the face of seemingly unbeatable odds. Already living with her disabled mother and three children, she found out that she had another baby on the way. She was filled with fear and defeat, faced with the threat of losing her children if she did not have an abortion. Kateryna turned to MTU for help, who then provided her physical support and counseling. This gave her courage to keep her baby and bravely face the future. Once the baby was born, MTU provided her with food, clothing, a stroller, and diapers, helping her gain the stability she needed with a new baby. Her story highlights the critical need for resources and support for women in crisis and the enduring strength she found through her faith in Christ.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-community-and-compassion" morss_own_score="6.0" morss_score="8.0"><strong>The Power of Community and Compassion</strong></h2>
<p>These stories underscore the importance of community and compassion in the lives of Ukrainian women. Organizations like MTU play a vital role in providing not only humanitarian aid, but also emotional and spiritual support. In a country ravaged by conflict, meeting simple, practical needs can make a tremendous difference. Women like Valeria, Olexandra, and Kateryna show us that even when a solution seems far from reach, there is hope. Their courage, bolstered by their faith and the love of Christ, are a testament to the strength of the human spirit.</p>
<h2><strong>What Can We Do?</strong></h2>
<p>The stories of these women are a powerful reminder of the challenges that come with life in Ukraine today, but they also serve as a call to action for those of us who have the means to help. <a href="https://missiontoukraine.org/give-to-mission-to-ukraine/">By supporting organizations like MTU</a>, we can provide essential supplies and emotional care to women in need– both in the times of war and beyond. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the lives of these women and their children. Through our actions, we can be instruments of God’s provision and care for his children.</p>
<p>To be a woman in Ukraine right now means facing adversity, and even danger, with grace and strength. It means finding hope in despair and leaning on the support of others to navigate the conditions of war and personal strife. The stories of Valeria, Olexandra, and Kateryna remind us of the resilience of women, even in unimaginable circumstances. Let us be inspired by their courage and commit to supporting those who need it most, letting the love of Christ guide our actions to bring hope.</p>
<p><a href="https://missiontoukraine.org/stories/">Click here</a> to read more stories like these. Follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mtukraine/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MTUkraine">Facebook</a> for updates and more current events!</p>
</div>
<p>
<a href="https://missiontoukraine.org/tag/mission-to-ukraine/">Mission To Ukraine</a>,                            <a href="https://missiontoukraine.org/tag/pregnancy-care-ministry/">Pregnancy Care Ministry</a> </p>
</article>