Personal account from Alex from today…
“I got up today at 3.30 am from sirens and a distant explosion. The missile landed somewhere on the outskirts of the city. But since then I could not go to sleep.
I had a mission to evacuate a family with kids from Choroshiv (45 km North from Zhitomir.) In a previous life it took me only 45 minutes to get there, but I live in a different world now so I decided to leave home at 8 am and have 3 hours in advance. The family of three, mother and two daughters should have been waiting for me at the center of Choroshiv.
I only drove for 5 km and got into a traffic jam. After two hours in a line and with little success I called Adrey from Last Bell to tell that I have no idea when I can get there. In 20 minutes he called me back and told me that the family should stay where they are. To omit the jam I took the bypass road, which looks very different now too.
I found out that the missile landed in downtown Zhitomir and destroyed secondary school # 25. I was shocked. This is my neighborhood. This is where I was born, this is where I played with my friends when I was in my teens. At this school was my polling station. That is where I voted.
Picture made in 2020 elections.
When in three hours I went back to Zhitomir, I immediately drove to see with my own eyes what happened.
Today, March 4, 2022
From a distance I felt a very distinct smell. Despite that after Covid my sense of smell leaves much to be desired, I could smell destruction. It’s like when you burn concrete or cut the stone with a saw.
Video:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/nK1M1BXrjNTDesd47
I came home in a bad mood. I did not accomplish my evacuation mission. My childhood neighborhood was into pieces. My dreams for peace are into pieces. I’m broke. I feel myself in a boat with the Apostles in the Sea of Galilee during the storm, our boat is shaky and waves are big. Jesus, my friend, I ask you to calm down this storm, to bring us peace. Let us be poor but just give us peace!
I usually invite all my friends to my house. I know that many of you were my guests. But for those who did not visit me I invite you now. Be my guest! I do not know what the night will bring and what the morning will be. I want to memorize the place which is dear to my heart.
Video:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/aEbxWLJoKmPRv27f9
Your friend,
Alex “
Bless your heart Alex. Please know that people all over the world are praying for you and your family. We are supporting the charities that are trying to get help to you. I wish I could do more. We love you!??????????
Praying for peace! Thank you for being so brave.
Dear Alex, Please know we are all heart-sick over this senseless act by the Russians. We are praying for your welfare and for lasting peace in the area. Always remember the promise…the Lion and the Lamb will lie down together in peace. Know that this is our prayer for you.
Marg
Dear Alex,
My heart is broken for you, your family, and your Countrymen. My family is in Poland in a village just south of Krakow. I pray for them and for you every day. While I am American, I feel your pain and feel so helpless. My mother and father endured the horrors of WWII. They spoke of it to me and my brothers and sisters. You you I say, God Bless You, Alex. One day this will end and hopefully you will tell us of Ukraine’s glory. Hopefully the USA and NATO will end your nightmare without there being a WWIII. For this and for you, I pray everyday. Go in Peace. May the Lord be with you.
Wife and I are in prayer for you throughout each day. This is not God’s will for you and His people. We pray against the evil that is behind the war, your protection, a swift end, and, for the wisdom to understand and defeat the enemy and the people aligned with it.
I hope you will have peace soon. You are in our thoughts & I pray you and your family stay safe.
Dear Alex: Words cannot express the feeling of sadness and despair when we see images of the suffering in Ukraine. Please know we are praying for you and your family everyday. May God bless you and give you strength and peace.
Slawa Ukraine.