A Journey of Hope – Together for Ukraine
It was 2022 when the war between Ukraine and Russia broke out.
Almost overnight, lives were turned upside down.
Families were torn apart. Mothers were forced to leave their homes with their children, often with little more than the clothes they were wearing and a few belongings they could carry.
For many women and children, there was nowhere safe to go.
This became the starting point for a large-scale collection of aid supplies.
People began donating food, clothing and other essential goods. Others donated money. Churches opened their doors and joined the effort. Everyone contributed in whatever way they could.
With the money that was raised, we were able to hire a double-decker bus.
We filled it with as many relief supplies as possible and, together with three drivers, set off toward Ukraine.
It was a journey we would never forget.
We drove toward the border, carrying food and essential supplies for people who desperately needed them.
Just across the border in Ukraine, we unloaded everything.
But we did not return with an empty bus.
Women and children who had fled the war were waiting for us.
We opened the doors and welcomed them aboard.
The journey back to the Netherlands was filled with emotions that are difficult to put into words.
Three times we were privileged to make this journey.
Three times we travelled toward the war zone with a bus full of supplies.
And three times we returned with women and children who desperately needed a safe place.
We brought them to different places throughout the Netherlands, including Barneveld, Utrecht, Urk and Emmeloord, where people were ready to welcome them and provide a safe environment.
Behind every person on that bus was a story.
Some women had left their husbands behind because the men had to remain at the front.
Some had already lost their husbands.
Children were suddenly separated from their fathers.
Mothers carried not only their children, but also fear, uncertainty and grief.
You could see it in their eyes.
These were not simply passengers we were transporting.
They were mothers, children, wives, daughters and families whose lives had been changed by war.
Every journey was deeply emotional.
There were moments of silence.
Moments when there simply were no words.
And moments when a small smile or a simple thank you said more than a thousand words ever could.
Looking back, we know that none of this would have been possible without the incredible generosity of many people.
People donated food.
People gave money.
Churches became involved.
Volunteers gave their time.
Drivers got behind the wheel.
Businesses and individuals worked together.
Everyone brought what they could.
And that is what made the difference.
Together, we were able to do something.
We could not stop the war.
We could not erase the pain.
We could not bring back the loved ones who had been lost.
But we could offer something very important:
A safe journey.
A helping hand.
A place of safety.
And, for a moment, a little hope.
We made those three journeys with full awareness that we were travelling toward an area affected by war.
Every time we left, there was uncertainty.
Every time we crossed the border, we knew that circumstances could change.
And every time we returned safely to the Netherlands, we were filled with gratitude.
Gratitude that we were allowed to help.
Gratitude for everyone who made the journeys possible.
And gratitude that we were brought home safely.
When we look back on those journeys today, we don’t primarily remember the long drives or the kilometres we travelled.
We remember the faces.
The mothers.
The children.
The stories.
The tears.
The hugs.
And the incredible generosity of people who decided that they could not simply stand by.
2022 became a year we will never forget.
A year of sadness and uncertainty, but also a year that showed us once again what can happen when people come together.
Food was donated.
Money was collected.
Churches joined forces.
Volunteers stepped forward.
And three times, a bus travelled toward Ukraine carrying help — and returned carrying people in search of safety.
Together, we made a difference.
And for that, we look back with a grateful heart.
Deeply grateful for every person who contributed.
Deeply grateful for every helping hand.
And deeply grateful that we were given the opportunity to be there when people needed us most.
Because sometimes, we cannot change what is happening in the world.
But we can choose to stand beside someone who is hurting.
And sometimes, that one helping hand can mean more than we will ever know.