Borsch Soup that Saved Lives
How can Ukrainian borsch soup save lives?
Children and young moms at our newly opened Lviv Life Center recently got to hear a story from Ukrainian war heroes of the AFU (Armed Forces of Ukraine) that answers this question…
War-weary soldiers came back from night patrol at 7:00 AM and went to bed. Their commander, Dmytro Kuzmenko, woke up before them. He couldn’t sleep. He decided to make some borsch soup for the boys. So he did.
He woke up his comrades and called them to the table in the building next door. They reluctantly woke up and went to eat. Just five minutes later a Russian missile hit the neighboring building they had been sleeping in. The entire building and all their belongings were completely destroyed. However, the men were alive. And now feeling full!
Alexander, one of those lucky guys who enjoyed that saving meal, confirmed, “That was a really great borsch! Thanks Dmytro!”
The main goal of our meeting with these soldiers was to honor them and say thanks. They protect Ukraine and risk their lives every day for freedom.
Children gave them presents, and the kids got to keep some for themselves as gifts from the Life Center. The soldiers were also given a poster the kids had made with outlines of their hands traced on it, to remind them of their visit.
Our Life Center located in Lviv, in the west of Ukraine.
An unexpected surprise was a musical number sung by Alexander, one of the heroes who lost his leg protecting Ukraine. Most of the songs performed that evening were well known, so the crowd sang along with him. Afterwards, the soldiers gave their wishes to the children and their mothers, one by one.
We feel so fortunate to get to operate Life Centers in Ukraine in the face of war. Join our monthly giving team today!
- Natalia Kolesnik, Director, Lviv Life Center
