Visit with Valentina V.

Lena took a trip to visit Valentina V. because she has asked Lena to see her multiple times, and Lena had a special delivery from our American friends, yarn (Valentina loves to crochet).

Valentina is 79 years old, and because of her injured joints, she does not go out. Two years ago, she was hit by a car and has an injury that won’t heal. She has a daughter, granddaughter, and two great-granddaughters who live in Kyiv and visit her once a month. When she was younger, she was married for six years before her first husband left her with her 5-year-old daughter at the time. Later in life, she remarried; however, he died just four years later.

She worked most of her life as an elevator technician for the hospitals in Kyiv. During her time working in hospitals, she gained quite a bit of medical knowledge without even going to school. Her useful medical skills now allow her to help her neighbors when they need shots or a gentle massage. She loves to help and feel needed. 

Valentina first came to St. Paul’s Church in 1997. Lena remembers seeing her at church earlier this year and watching her serve as a faithful guardian. The two of them spent hours talking about the church—sharing memories and asking questions.

One amazing thing about Valentina is her joyful spirit—she never gives up, even with her body pain and mobility challenges. She is an intelligent speaker and a great encourager. Valentina is very thankful for the many years of support—she sends everyone greetings and wishes you all many blessings.