Better Things

"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind."
C.S. Lewis

I remember it very clearly - just one year ago when I first came to Mission to Ukraine.  It was in the midst of a dark and bitter-cold winter when I spent 3 weeks trying to soak up all that I could of MTU's disability services. As I led trainings, had conversations, and observed classes - the ideas started flooding in. During my flight home, I began to sculpt a vision of how MTU could build upon what they already had established and grow to become a dynamic and powerful warrior for the rights of Ukraine's children with disabilities.

Now, over a year later, Mission to Ukraine is standing at a crossroads.  After a year of change, revision, and redesign within the programming structure - the time has come for MTU to make strategic decisions about their direction and their future.  The goal is simple: to serve more of Ukraine's children with disabilities with a full and effective battery of services and to integrate them into society.  Over the past year, this goal has been achieved through some of the following programs (just to name a few):

• The first Transition Program of its kind in Ukraine that prepares adolescents with disabilities for adulthood.

• A consultative role in a new initiative toward inclusive education for children with disabilities, thus eradicating Ukraine's current practice of segregation in schools.

• An Occupational Therapy lab, which is a profession that does not yet exist in the country of Ukraine.

• An Augmentative Communication Program that includes working with cutting-edge technology using an iPad.

• Implementation of a new functional skills-based strategy in working with orphaned boys with profound disabilities at Romaniv Orphanage - something that is unheard of for such children labeled as "unteachable".

• A Community Integration Initiative that seeks to expose society to the existence of people with disabilities, which is sending shock waves of changed mentality throughout the region.

  
The change that has already been cultivated in MTU is nothing short of breathtaking. Growth is happening before our very eyes. When looking at this compelling list of programs that have sprung up over the past year through MTU, I can only wonder at the possibilities for what is yet to come.   

  
I've heard it said that growth is a ceaseless process, one that should always be something we strive for.  Whether in our relationships, our professions, or our personal lives - we should continuously strive for growth.  That is where progress begins.  Strength is not found.  Strength is developed.  It is cultivated in precious moments such as these - when we stop for just a second and ask "Where am I going?".

My Favorite Day

"What day is it?"

"It's today," squeaked Piglet.

"My favorite day," said Pooh.

A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

I have found lately that it is quite difficult explaining to people why I love my job so much.  Most people that I come across are unable to relate to what I do.  "Isn't it difficult always being on the road?", they ask.  "Don't you get depressed with the things you are seeing?" Of course, every job has its ups and downs, its perks and drawbacks.  Yes, it is difficult being away from home for long periods of time and the travel can be altogether draining.  And yes, a majority of the stories I hear every day are often drenched in sorrow and injustice.

 

But in the midst of the hard days of travel and the weary fight to restore hope for people with disabilities in Ukraine and around the world - some of my favorite days are the ones when I first return to Romaniv.

Sometimes I struggle to explain to others the electrifying jolt that comes over me when I descend the steps of Romaniv.  Or the warmth in my heart when I shake the eager hands of the boys.  But even if my clumsy words fail to describe the rapturing experience that comes over me - I will always carry these favorite days in my heart.  And that's what gets me through the rest.