From: Ira Kapitonova in Kyiv (Day 989)
So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12
This week has been a blur. I realize that my exhaustion is more emotional than physical. We spend every night in our corridor. Every night, drones come at Kyiv, but I no longer notice the sounds at night. Every day, there is destruction. Schools, hospitals, and apartment buildings are hit by debris or bombs in multiple cities.
It’s hard to be afraid, shocked, or feel any emotion at all.
My “real” everyday life at hand is what keeps me alive.
Yesterday, we went on a field trip with my students. It was a long night of terror and another air raid in the morning, but we went as soon as the air raid was over, and it was a wonderful and safe time. While trying to decide if we should go or stay, we had to admit that if we waited until it was definitely safe, these kids wouldn’t go on any field trips until the war was over and Russia lost its military strength. But who would bring back their childhood?
Another highlight of this week was meeting an American volunteer who came to Ukraine in 2022 to fight for our country. Matthew Sampson is a US veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan as a United States Marine Corps Scout Sniper and felt the need to stay true to his values when Ukraine was brutally attacked and thousands of civilians were suffering from Russian terrorism. Besides fighting in Ukraine, he also advocates for Ukraine in the US, raising awareness and sharing the truth. Having Mr.Sampson visit our school and share with our students was incredibly encouraging. It was a reminder that we are not alone.
Our reality seems surreal these days, so I am thankful that God gives me opportunities to see His reality.
Voice of Ukraine 
One response to “11/9/2024 — Meeting a US veteran United States Marine Corps Scout Sniper who felt the need to stay true to his values when Ukraine was brutally attacked and thousands of civilians were suffering from Russian terrorism.”
One year ago
From Ira Kapitonova in Kyiv (Day 625):
Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Psalm 25:3
We had a long air raid today. All of Ukraine was under the threat of ballistic missiles. They announce this specific warning every time a ballistic rocket launcher takes off in Russia or Belarus. It can be a practice run, an actual missile launch, or one more opportunity to torture the people of Ukraine.
From 10:30 am to 2 pm, life stood almost still in every part of Ukraine. Municipal public transportation was stopped. The stores closed off. The schools brought their students to the basements and did their best to continue their lessons.
Can you imagine spending almost 4 hours locked up in tight quarters with eager youngsters? It was easy for us, adults, to get restless, even though we knew and understood everything. I could see many of the kids getting headaches, growing anxious, and asking if their parents would pick them up soon. One boy tugged me on an elbow and said, “I really don’t want to stay here anymore. I am tired of sitting!” I knew exactly what he meant.
However, I tried to be still thankful for not having blasts anywhere close and for having electricity during this air raid. This time last year, electricity was a luxury.
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