From: Ira Kapitonova in Kyiv (Day 1176)
Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm 126:5-6
I remember a phrase I heard at a YWAM training for teachers, “Teachers hold the heart of the nation.” I remember how these words struck me with the weight of responsibility, but I realize the truth behind them, even more so now. The parents and teachers of Ukraine are entrusted with the greatest treasure – our future generation. Our defenders stand firm on the frontline for these children, so there’s no excuse for us to be faint of heart and irresponsibly waste the privilege we are given.
As I watch my students, I often lack words to thank God for these young, caring hearts. Don’t be deceived; they do give me a fair share of challenges, but how can you remain indifferent to a prayer, “God, if there is an air raid and missiles do come, please don’t let them kill anyone.”
We were greatly encouraged today when a guest from the Netherlands visited our school. Arend Steller drives into Ukraine three or four times a year, bringing humanitarian aid to the cities and villages along the frontline, and it was our joy and honor to meet him today. It moved my heart when he said that he meets with schoolchildren in the Netherlands to tell them about the situation in Ukraine because they need to know and they need to care.
It is my prayer for our students, for the children of the Netherlands, and for the next generation around the world—may they know the truth and may they care; otherwise, our world will be a sad place.
P.S. Arend brought us a flag of his country, but I forgot to take a picture when leaving school today, so my post will include another tulip from my grandma’s garden as a tribute to the Netherlands.
Voice of Ukraine 