Greetings from Kyiv 2

Greetings from Kyiv,

Today, as I write down these words on Tuesday, September 26th, it marks my last day in the comfort of the Airbnb that has been my temporary home. The host here has been more than just a lodging provider; she has been an extraordinarily kind and generous help to me, allowing me to extend my stay while I move my belongings to my friend T's place. It's a significant moment, like closing a chapter in my life.

This particular Airbnb holds a special place in my heart. It is nestled in a prime location within close proximity to many places where I've met friends, worked, and relaxed over different times during the past 16 months. Leaving this sanctuary behind fills me with a sense of melancholy. For precisely two weeks, starting from September 12th, this place has been my refuge during some of my darkest days, offering me a space for reflection, free from the usual distractions. It is the seventh place I've called "home" since my arrival on June 1st and was the most comfortable.

My friend, T, has been an incredible friend to me and a massive encouragement while I have been here. Our paths first crossed in 2019, and since then, I've always been impressed by his intelligence and unwavering professionalism. When he ventured to Ukraine just before the full-scale invasion on February 24th, I felt compelled to do the same. Although we have never worked together, I deeply respect his work's impact on the world. T has repeatedly extended his hospitality to me, inviting me to live with him, and though I initially hesitated, I now realize the value in accepting his offer as I bid farewell to this phase of sadness.

I've reached out to numerous organizations while I have been here, offering my assistance, and my friends have graciously recommended me to some exceptional opportunities to contribute to Ukraine's cause. However, the magnitude of the work required here is genuinely overwhelming, and I wish I could lend a helping hand to every organization. I constantly learn that I share mutual friends with the volunteers of many organizations. One American friend yesterday informed me that the volunteers I collaborated with on Sunday were mutual acquaintances. It was a stark reminder of how interconnected our world can be at times, and he emphasized that in Ukraine, this interconnectedness feels even more pronounced. I urge you to contemplate visiting and volunteering in Ukraine, using your unique skills to assist those who are facing hardships. However, I understand that our personal limitations can often restrict our ability to be everywhere at once.

I'm acutely aware of my own limitations, which initially deterred me from actively pursuing opportunities with many of the volunteer organizations I deeply admire. However, I'm now taking a leap of faith. I've connected with a mutual friend associated with an organization, and I am currently in their vetting process to do good work. Their willingness to accommodate my limited time constraints fills me with optimism, believing that I can swiftly assume a meaningful role and be an asset to the Ukrainian armed forces. But let's not forget that there are many other worthy causes here in Ukraine, and it pains me that I can only be in one place at a time.

Before I fully jump into a new role, I feel that I must return to the hospital to visit the wounded soldiers again. They deserve all the care and support in the world, and I'm even tempted to make this my primary focus. What's particularly disheartening is that the responsibility to aid wounded soldiers grows exponentially with each passing day. Every injury sustained by Ukraine magnifies the demand for adequate care, and the scope of this need is truly overwhelming. 

Still, these soldiers are not mere statistics or faceless figures; they are individuals who deserve to know that they are important, valued, respected, and, above all, honored. Their sacrifice will forever remain something that I will never forget or trivialize.

As I prepare to embark on this new chapter of my journey, I have nothing but gratitude for the experiences, friendships, life lessons, and solace that this temporary Airbnb has offered me. And though my future may still be slightly uncertain, my resolve to make a positive impact in Ukraine remains my aspiration.

With heartfelt regards,

Ron Carter