Last week we said goodbye to Fr. Marek. His time here was filled with many meetings around the AOD and beyond. He celebrated Mass in some parishes, met with pastors and K of C leaders, and was featured on several radio programs, in print media and on local television. In all this busyness, his focus was to give thanks for the support he has received from our region and to remind people the war is far from over. Even though it no longer is front page news in America, the reality of war continues to claim innocent victims and create a humanitarian crisis for millions of refugees.

For the first time since our arrival the team was together again in one location. After a final shopping trip for supplies, and meeting with David the logistical manager at the retreat house we loaded up the vans, said our goodbyes and left the beauty of the mountains behind.

Happy Palm Sunday. As Christians around the world begin Holy Week, both our Przemysl group and field team went to services at their locations. Those at the retreat house enjoyed a small personal service then were off to their daily assignments, while the group in Przemysl were treated to the pomp and circumstance of Mass at the Cathedral with the Archbishop and all the beauty of the special day. We were just about to leave when the custodian asked if we would like to see the catacombs below the church. These crypts hold the tombs of the bishops of this diocese buried here dating back several centuries.

We transitioned the groups today, most in Przemysl went to the field station and vice versa. Each day we head off to the various destinations, never sure exactly what we will encounter, including the weather where we had snow and rain, but always willing to give it our best shot. There seemed to be a lot of movement at the centers today, a bit of an uptick in activity. The sheer volume of people is staggering, heartbreaking and surreal.

We are at the halfway point of our mission. It was a very long but productive day. Our field team was on the move at 4:45 am to unload the truck from France that was delayed at the last moment last night. They unloaded supplies for 2 hours took a break for breakfast then back to work again. We unpacked and organized the supplies, did laundry, delivered medical supplies more shopping for specifics for the guests. Another trip to pick up more refugees and help get them settled. We said goodbye to many of the families we had met as they were off on the next leg of their journey to different countries. Amazing how in just 24 hours such a strong connection can be felt even with the language barrier, it just shows how universal kindness is. We also encountered border patrol stops a few times…all part of a “normal” day.

Day four is coming to a close. We ended the day unloading a truck of supplies at the center and brought more families here to transition from Ukraine. More shopping for medical supplies, and day to day supplies, and much physical labor at the refugee center in Przemysl where half of our group is ministering. Stripping sheets, disinfecting cots, mopping floors, clearing clutter and always providing that warm smile and hug for anyone in need.

Our first day fully immersed in our work in Poland. We have been split up into 2 groups so hoping to hear from those working in Przemysl for tomorrow's post. Here in southern Poland today we helped at the medical clinic, transitioned families entering Poland to our center, shopped for supplies which resulted in some unexpected excitement when we were stopped by Polish Border Patrol to authenticate what we were doing. The stops help guard against the problem of human trafficking.

We arrived in Krakow mid-day then headed to Przemysl. We had a quick meal, took our things to our room and headed out to the Refugee Center. We are working in two groups at two locations. We are assisting with whatever is needed. We are in awe of the work being done by the relief agencies.

I have briefly relinquished my title as Captain. I thought since there is an actual pilot it would be best if I let her fly the plane. We are all accounted for but not quite all in the photo…next stop Frankfurt!