Dear friends, followers and supporters. By now, we are all aware of the conflict taking place in Ukraine and the resulting refugee crisis. 

My heart has been heavy reading all of the stories of those fleeing the fighting and, especially, hearing about it from my Ukrainian friends. I have friends who have fled Ukraine, and I know others who are still stuck there.

As this situation continues to unfold, I’ve been praying for an opportunity to serve Ukrainian refugees and make a difference. Yesterday, I spoke with my dear friends Olga and Anthony. Over 15 years ago, Olga studied as an exchange student for a year and lived with my family. I consider her to be a sister and love her family dearly. Olga is Ukrainian and her family has traveled from their home in Australia to Warsaw, Poland in order to help blind refugees as they arrive from Ukraine. Olga recently was featured on a Blind Abilities podcast and talked about the situation for blind Ukrainians and her work in Poland. You can listen to the episode here.

Because of Olga and Anthony, I have been given the opportunity to travel to Warsaw at the end of next week and help serve blind Ukrainians there. I will be providing technology, other supplies, and resources directly to families in need. And I am planning to travel to Warsaw a second time in April.

There are a few ways that you can partner with me as I serve the Ukrainian blind and others with disabilities we may meet along the way. 

First, and most importantly, I value your prayer. I believe greatly in the power of prayer and would appreciate it if you could be praying for my travel plans. Pray also that I could successfully acquire all of the supplies, technology, and resources we need. Most of all, pray for the people I serve. I cannot imagine fleeing a conflict like they have.

I also need practical monetary support. You can donate directly to my nonprofit foundation, the Laurel Wheeler Foundation, that I established five years ago providing technology and resources to the blind in eastern Europe and around the world. To donate follow this link.

For more general information on my foundation, follow this link. 

I will be updating both my personal blog and my foundation’s website with updates as I continue planning this trip. I will also share pictures and videos from my adventures in Warsaw with all of you. 

If you have questions or would like to know more about my trip to Poland, please reach out to me on social media. I’m happy to provide more information and answer any questions you may have.