How quickly time passes!
A week has already passed since the previous retreat. These seven days—as well as the past two years—have seen our small team from the “Aybolit: On the Way to Recovery” project working intensively, nearly seven days a week.
Working at this pace, combined with high patient turnover, could be compared to a state medical institution without exaggeration.
Each group of veterans we work with is unique because every one of them is a distinct individual. They represent a special kind of person endowed with willpower, motivation, resilience, and patriotism. Though physically and mentally wounded, each radiates their own powerful light. All have experienced war, loss, pain, fear, despair, severe injuries, and inner torment.
These trials have made their light particularly strong and pure. You don’t need special sensitivity to feel it—your eyes, gentle smiles, and thoughtful conversations will be enough.
Our team meticulously prepared for this event as always. Today’s retreat welcomed the project’s financier Maria and new driver Anatoly, who is taking over from Andriy. Manager Svetlana got to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Maria surprised everyone with her culinary skills—it turns out she’s not just an excellent financier but also a talented cook! Her surprise dessert was watermelon. She had secretly hidden it in a shaded forest spot, but the group found it anyway. Like playful children, they kept re-hiding it from each other, creating much laughter and adding to the festive atmosphere.
Andriy and Anatoly handled the barbecue grilling.
As at all project events, psychologist Victoria had her hands full, but she managed everything masterfully.
After the watermelon antics, participants engaged in more serious activities: soccer matches, badminton games, and eco-bag painting. Our executive director Pavlo brought a heat gun that sped up the drying process for painted eco-bags, significantly accelerating our “finished product” output.
We used the retreat to celebrate Pavlo’s birthday (yesterday) and Andriy’s (tomorrow).
For the first time, music accompanied our retreat. The initiative came from Valeriy, one of our patients, who brought a speaker and an excellent selection of Ukrainian songs. Participants happily sang along, even though many songs were new to us. Valeriy’s idea received enthusiastic support from everyone.
Conversations frequently turned to veterans starting businesses. One particularly popular suggestion was launching wedding services through the Aybolit project, including table arrangements and musical accompaniment—naturally featuring Valeriy and his speaker filled with wonderful Ukrainian melodies.
These brief respites for the Aybolit team serve as a breath of fresh air before another week of intense work. For our veterans, they provide positive energy, comfort, support, and heartfelt gratitude for their courage, heroism, and protection.
Thank you, our dear defenders!
Stand Strong! ✊
‼ This initiative is realized by the Wings of Victory charity within the Capable and Resistant Program implemented by the East Europe Foundation with the financial support of Switzerland.
