I can close out this blog series by telling you how this trip has affected me. It was an incredibly fulfilling trip. It wasn’t rewarding in the way that I usually use the word. That word sounds almost transactional. I suppose that the word satisfying works best. The outcomes were, spiritually and in the health of others, satisfying. I will return to the Ukraine.
I know that some of the satisfaction came from the wonderful team that we had. The four expat providers really bonded and we will try to return as a group. We also bonded with the Ukrainian medical providers, translators and administrative staff who were the backbone of the team. They are really special people.
I truly felt pulled to the Ukraine. Despite knowing that I needed to go, I was still a little unsure as to why I felt that need. I know that I felt a great deal of anger about the way that the Russians conducted the war. Invading another country, tacitly or explicitly encouraging war crimes, deliberately targeting civilians and health care facilities, using banned classes of weapons etc. It sounds odd, but they offended my sense of military honor as a professional soldier. To me, this war was one of the most stark examples of good vs evil since World War II. Simply voicing disapproval wasn’t sufficient. I had to do something.
I understand that there is some risk. Being in a conflict zone is inherently risky, but I can mitigate the risk. Despite knowing that there was much that I could not control, I felt peace. Especially while I was seeing patients. It seems a little ironic that caring for civilians who suffered due to war can bring you peace of knowing that you are obeying God’s command to care the poor and oppressed. But it does. “And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace.” James 3:18 That is why I will return.
Thanks again everyone for supporting me on this mission and following along on this blog. God bless you and God bless the people of the Ukraine.
