Bulava Time (not Bulova time)
The Ukrainian Bulava or Buława: Ukrainian spelling: булава [bula'va]) is a ceremonial mace or baton or scepter typically bestowed on the highest ranking military officer. A ceremonial Bulava is now an official emblem of the president of Ukraine, and is housed in Ukraine's Vernadsky National Library. So, you can imagine my immense surprise when a large group of widows, who had recently undergone eye surgeries paid for by Music Mission Kiev (MMK), presented me with an ornate Bulava as a gift!
The widows shared many stories of deep appreciation and gratitude for the restoration of their eyesights. Our group humbly accepted these kind words and many other gifts and flowers on behalf of all MMK staff. In a light-hearted moment, I assured the widows that I would “anoint” the head of any Russian spy I identified with a firm swat to the top of the head with the Bulava, and then contritely pray a prayer of repentance over them. The ladies found this mental image to be quite amusing and approved me to be an ambassador of Bulava “blessings” to all Russians.
This treasured artifact is of beautiful workmanship and now holds a special place of honor in the MMK office.
The widows meeting was the first of many meetings our group had during our brief five-day visit in Kyiv. On the whole, life in Kyiv appeared as normal as any other time I visited in the past, except there were far less people on the streets and subways. Notably far less! Otherwise, families were outdoors, enjoying the first days of summer. Even during daytime air raid sirens, some people were still out and about, carrying out their normal life routines.
Pictured below is our group arriving in Warsaw on June 13, 2023, after 14 to 17 hours of travel. We are collecting our luggage, most of which had not made it with us – either left in Amsterdam or Washington, D.C. Glitches in travel are what memories are made of, right?! We had a 19.5-hour train ride ahead of us as we waited for the next flight from Amsterdam for a few of our missing bags to arrive before hurrying to the train station.
Frank and Barbara Corwin, Doug and Lydia Cottrell, and Greg Kannon at Chopin International Airport, Warsaw, Poland
Yet another glitch... Doug and Lydia’s bags were still in D.C. and never arrived, so they stayed overnight in Warsaw and grabbed their luggage from Amsterdam’s flight on the following day (Wednesday). And then, as luck would have it, there were no available train tickets, but God worked out a couple of seats for them on a 14-hour overnight bus ride. The couple finally arrived in Kyiv by lunchtime on Thursday, just in time for our 30th year anniversary luncheon with our Ukrainian MMK staff. (More on that soon!)
We filled the rest of our days with attending and participating in ministry after ministry led by our MMK staff. Of particular interest was the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) program which is growing rapidly in size and meets twice a week. This program includes families and individuals who have lost everything in Mariupol and Bahkmut, where some of the heaviest fighting and destruction occurred, as well as from many areas of Donetsk and Druzhkivka. Most IDPs arrive with only the clothes on their backs and a suitcase of hastily-packed belongings.
The IDP group consists of men, women, and children who desperately needs help. We saw older couples, middle-aged people, and young families with teenagers and children working to adapt to their current reality. They appreciated our greetings and American presence in Kyiv to remind them that they are not alone. Our Trauma Care Healing specialists on staff are working closely with IDPs, beginning the long, arduous process of healing and hope. MMK provides care and food vouchers to two different, ever increasing groups of IDPs each week during Bible study gatherings.
Barbara, Frank, Lydia, and Doug are pictured in front of the Ukrainian National Opera House wearing MMK’s new logo’d shirts on their way to St. Paul’s worship service on Saturday morning. As you can see, the Opera House is advertising upcoming performances. Life continues in Ukraine! We were constantly reminded of the courage and resiliency of these remarkable people.
We have so many more stories and pictures to share with you in upcoming updates and blogs. This writing is a small example of the fantastic trip and privilege we experienced bringing hope and encouragement to the people MMK cares so passionately about. There were plenty of air raid sirens/warnings interrupting almost everyone’s sleep. It gave us a heartbreaking snapshot of what life has been like for Ukrainians during the past 490 days, and counting, in this cruel, unjust war.
Our traveling group was not as well rested as we would have liked to have been in the many visits we were doing, but God’s grace, your prayers, and much coffee had us reveling in being with the people we love and serve. We all agree the trip went by too quickly. How we wish more Americans could experience the appreciation and gratitude we received from everyone in Ukraine.
Now back home, our group sleeps peacefully without the continual air raid warnings and sirens. We pray, without cease, for the protection of everyone in Ukraine and for peace-filled nights of rest for each and every brave soul.
Grace and Peace,
Greg