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Karen Kulik
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Resurrection StoryWhen father Andrew asked for our reflections on our Polish mission trip, the first thing that came to mind was gratitude. I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to participate, to have helped, in some small way with the tragedy that is unfolding in the Ukraine.
The thing that struck me the most from this experience was the sheer magnitude of the relief efforts. We volunteered at a place called the Tesco center which was a former shopping mall. We worked alongside volunteers from all parts of the world. At times, communication was a challenge. But somehow it always worked out
The Tesco Center was where the refugees would go directly from the train station, and stop for a brief respite before continuing on their journey. This center, provided food, shelter, medical care, a children’s play area, a place to care for pets and even a charging station for cell phones. It offered almost everything the refugees would need by way of material possessions. It was truly humbling to be a part of this worldwide effort.
Although their material needs were mostly met nothing could help erase the pain on the faces of these people. They were tired and beaten down by their long journey, knowing they still had a long, uncertain, way to go. The vast majority of these refugees were women with young children. These women were compelled by necessity to be brave. None of them are going to have it easy in the near future. They were forced to leave their homes, belongings, husbands and sons behind. It was overwhelming to see so many people in this position. They remain in my prayers and hopefully yours.
The second part of our trip involved a drive through the beautiful Polish countryside to the mountains in southern Poland near the Ukraine border. There, an incredible refuge has been set up. The refugees are transferred to the mission in cars and small vans. Once there, they are given private accommodations which help them to retain some sense of dignity. They will stay at the mission until arrangements have been made for them to move on. They are given help with the, often times, complex paperwork necessary to get to the next stop on their journey. It was here that we had more direct contact. Again, communication was a challenge, but with the help of the Holy Spirit and google translator we were able to get by.
While at the mission, we provided the refugees things that they needed. These included communal necessities such as washing machines and microwaves. We also provided them with personal items, including toiletries and clothes. Every day that we were there, people from our group would drive to the store and purchase items that were desperately needed. These items were purchased with money that was donated to Saint Clair Parish for this purpose. It was very rewarding to see the money used directly for the needs of those refugees. Hopefully, this mission will be able to continue God's work for as long as necessary.
Karen Kulik
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