Good morning everyone! It is Thursday morning, and I wanted to write a trip update while I drink my coffee and begin my day. The last two days have been a whirlwind of activity. I am amazed by everything that has happened so far in preparation for this trip. For those who did not read my earlier blog post about the work I’ll be doing in Poland, check it out here.
The outpouring of support we have received in the last two days has been unbelievable! I bought my flights and had my travel costs generously paid for. This frees up resources so 100 percent of the money donated to my foundation can go directly to assisting blind refugees. We also had three braille displays donated to us, some of which I will be picking up this afternoon. Most importantly, we have made connections allowing us to expand our network further and provide housing and resources to the families we serve.
My dear friends and partners Olga and Anthony who are currently in Warsaw have helped several families with blind individuals move to Sweden in the last few weeks. This week, 3 families arrived in Sweden.
Yesterday, I spoke with someone with connections in Moldova and Romania who could partner with us to assist refugees with disabilities there should the need arise.
I will be traveling to Warsaw with technology and resources for blind refugees next Thursday and will be working in Poland until Sunday the 27th. I’m already planning a second trip to Warsaw in April. I am also considering a quick trip to Sweden to help deliver items to our families there. I’m excited about the work I’m part of now and the opportunity I have to serve. I’m also really looking forward to these new adventures. I love traveling!
I will be sharing more stories from my work with blind Ukrainians, and hope to share some of their stories with you all as well. These are incredible individuals with amazing talents, stories and experiences. I cannot wait to introduce them to you.
If you want to donate money or other resources in support of my work, you can visit this link and make a donation directly to the nonprofit I founded. Everything is tax deductible in the United States and 100% of the money and resources go directly to the people we serve.