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Detroit man rescued from Russian jail in Ukraine.

Detroit Man Captured by Russians and Accused of Spying Rescued in Daring Civilian Mission

Yesterday it was time for our missionaries to pack up, say their goodbyes, and travel to Krakow to be positioned for an early flight today from Krakow to Frankfurt and from there to Detroit. As they were preparing to leave, 26,000 new Ukrainian refugees arrived in Poland that very day.

The first order of business was securing the required negative COVID test: All Passed!

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Many of the refugees escaped to Poland with only the clothes on their backs and a small bag of personal items.

That is exactly how some of our missionaries are returning home.

They are leaving behind their luggage, spare clothes, etc. where there is a greater need.

Time allowed for an evening stroll in Krakow where a clean, orderly, historic civic center awaited.

It takes little imagination to envision that the sights and sounds of this city are much like those you would have found in the cities in Ukraine from which our refugees fled  and which have since been reduced to mere rubble.

Time for a short night’s rest at the seminary before a 3:00 AM wake up call to catch the 4:00 AM shuttle to the airport.

Safe travels!

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Our missionaries divided into two groups upon arrival in Przemysl.

Those who remained in Przemysl initially were assigned to the refugee transfer center.

Eight went with Fr. Andrew to the retreat center to render aid to families housed there while awaiting a determination of their next destination.

After several days, the groups rotated.

Room was scarce so the volunteers were told to pack a small bag for just three days and to leave the rest of their clothes and gear at the seminary in Przemysl.

Upon arrival at the retreat center, our missionaries encountered a woman who had escaped Ukraine with only the clothes on her back.

One of our missionaries (the first angel) had packed a limited change of clothes as directed but gave some of them to the refugee.

A stomach bug was making the rounds.

Both of our volunteer groups contracted it.

The first angel was perhaps first and worst (no good deed goes unpunished).

Three in the other group have had it as well.

A retired nurse, and another dear friend in our group, (angels two and three)  pulled an all-nighter tending to the first angel. 

Not ideal quarters when suffering through the consequences of an aggressive stomach bug. Having given away her spare clothes, the patient had to wrap herself in towels while a replacements wardrobe was arranged.

EMS was called and an IV was started to guard against dehydration.

Then Dr. Olga arrived. (the fourth angel)

Dr. Olga is a volunteer from London.

She was originally from Ukraine and came to help them but has been unable to get into Ukraine.

There is a need for her in Poland tending to refugees and volunteers which she has been doing since March 14^th.

Although Angels are Extra-Terrestrial,  we can help them with earthly donations.

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Though he is not from Ukraine, Kamil said he has a deep appreciation for the Ukrainian people and added that being Polish has influenced him to step up and help Ukraine.

“I’m Polish, but we feel the [Ukrainian] people are like our brothers and we must help brothers,” he said.

. . . .

“We fight for family; we fight for our homes, for people. We’re fighting for people, for cities,” he said. “And the Russian people are fighting for the money, and our motivation is life. Life is most important.”

Here is the full story.  It may be paywall protected.

The Polish people continue to amaze.

They are caring, welcoming, and highly efficient.

All while having one eye looking over their shoulder fearful they could be next.

If you have any Polish blood in you, you should be standing tall at this moment in history.

Our crew is posted at a refugee transfer center.

Picture a vacant superstore modified to temporarily house up to 1,000 refugees each night.

Refugees spend just one night there while they are processed and prepared for relocation. They are separated by final destinations; some will be relocated elsewhere in Poland, others in Italy, Germany, the U.K., etc.

Our crew’s job is to enter a space evacuated by the overnight guests when they board their transfer buses and ready the space for the next arrivals.

They break down the cots, replace the linens, wash the floors, disinfect all the spaces, etc.

There are volunteers helping from the world over.

Faith groups, relief organizations, and even individuals have arrived to lend a hand.

The Red Cross is there. Caritas is there.

A large contingent from Israel is there.

There is even a group called “World Relief Kitchen” with chapters from Texas, Holland, Switzerland, etc. who are there preparing food representing their regions.

Texas BBQ anyone?

There is even pet support organization present to care for pets arriving with guests!

To be able to ratchet down, even a notch, the searing anxiety of being violently uprooted from your lifetime home, to be swiftly shuttled to a foreign land where you have never been, and do not even speak the language –

to be able to do that is a gift indeed.

Poland is hosting the world’s outpouring of love.

Security is tight with heavy military and police presence.

A key concern is the vulnerability of the refugees to human trafficking.

One Ukrainian gentleman surveyed the scene and stated:

“People are here from all over the world to save us and our neighbors are trying to kill us.”

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