The number of refugees leaving Ukraine has slowed considerably. On this particular trip, only three persons signed up to join us in the journey back to Slovakia.
Jaro was noticeably concerned when the father and two boys (8 & 10) boarded our bus in Lviv. The mother was there, but told us that she still had obligations in Ukraine and would join the rest of her family in Slovakia soon. In more normal times, this would not be such an unusual arrangement. But these, of course, are not normal times.
The concern, primarily, was whether the father had the proper documentation to cross the border with his sons. Men, between the ages of 18 and 65, unless medically excused, are required to remain in Ukraine to be a resource in fighting the war or to support those who are. The dad assured us that he had everything he needed.
The journey from Lviv to Uzhhorod is about 5 hours by bus. And most of this journey was uneventful. It was a quiet trip with just a few on board - our team members along with the dad and two boys. The young boys were as normal as boys could be. With the run of almost the whole bus and some games on dad’s phone, there will much to keep them busy and even full of laughter from time to time on a long bus ride. It was surreal as I thought about their life and circumstances. But also so pure and innocent - and a blessing - that somehow they could be insulated (if even for a few hours) from the realities of their family and country.
We still had one stop to make before crossing the border - the delivery of the last 1.5 tons of aid on board for a church in Uzhhorod. Or so we thought. The unexpected stop came about 1 hour outside of Uzhhorod at a police checkpoint along the highway. When I inquired with Jaro as to its purpose, he said they were checking for men trying to leave the country. So with concern for the dad on board, I was paying close attention. The police came on board and checked everyone’s passports. The conversation with the Ukrainian dad, however, took much longer. But when they exited the bus, allowing all on board to continue, I felt reassured that the dad did indeed have what he would need to leave Ukraine when we reached the border.
Casually, I made a comment to Jaro - “I guess he does have all the proper documentation then.” I could see it in his face when he turned to answer … “The dad told the policemen he was not leaving the country.” Cue sunken heart and a higher level of focused prayer at this point.
The stop in Uzhhorod was a blessing and productive. The church there is renting one floor of a flat building in the center of the city to feed and house refugees migrating from the east. It was so good to see the 1.5 tons of aid we had delivered be warmly and thankfully received. God is rallying so many to show His love and compassion to those who need it. We departed the church … stopped for a very quick bite to eat at a gas station “deli” … and prepared for the final leg back to Presov.
Thinking the border wait at Slovakia (vs. Poland) might be shorter, we were disappointed when were told (as our bus joined behind others already in line) that the processing time would be 4-5 hours. Hmmm … time for some sleep. I awoke at about 3:00 a.m. as the bus left its last waiting spot and pulled into the immigration processing area - still on the Ukraine side of the border. Time to hand over the passports again.
The young Ukrainian immigration officer took all of ours without comment, but he paused to make a comment and ask a question of the dad. They were speaking either Russian or Ukrainian, so I didn’t now what was being said. But the short conversation turned into a longer one as the dad started producing additional documentation from his bag. Documentation that was clearly not satisfying the requirements of young immigration officer.
He exited the bus to confer with others, calling over what appeared to be a “supervisor”. They too were not convinced by the several pages of documentation that accompanied this man’s passport. And without hesitation, but also without argument or debate, they made a final decision and asked the dad to exit the bus, bringing his baggage and two sons with him. 3:00 a.m … now 5 hours from their departure point … the discussion was over and our three passengers were staying in Ukraine.
I’m so thankful for people who consider the “what if” scenarios and at least have some substance of “a backup plan” in place. Jaro, in his wisdom, had connected the dad to one of the pastors when we were at the church in Uzhhorod. Suspecting this may happen, the dad and boys would at least have someone to help and look after them until they could find their way back to Lviv. An eventual reunion, I guess, and a new discussion about what the life of this family will look like from here on out.
Every refugee story is unique, and yet too numerous to know individually. I often feel helpless in the midst of the ones I have known. And yet, God is working through other helpers as well - also too numerous to know individually - to care for an guide each refugee. He was there before our lives intersected and He will be there AFTER. Thank you, Lord, that I’m not the ONLY element of your love and compassion poured out to Ukraine and its refugees, but thank you (also) that I am ONE of them.