Firstly, I am heartbroken for the people of Eastern Ukraine. The situation there is ugly, and it will only get worse as winter settles in. Food and water are in short supply, and there is no work. Yes, this is a common scenario around the world, but it's intensely personal when it's a place you know well and have permanent ties to, as we do with Donetsk.
On a brighter note, everyone in our house is doing their best to look ahead. All five of our kids are optimistic about their futures, and long-term goals are starting to take shape. I'm more clued in to the countless complex issues my Ukrainian boys are dealing with and what they need from me. Communicating is a lot easier. All of the kids are in school full-time and feeling successful. We are in a solid, albeit busy, routine. My mom now lives nearby and helps with logistical and emotional support. Don't get me wrong; this is still really hard, but I think I'm starting to phase out of triage mode. I'd been in triage mode for two years, and this more relaxed, stable lifestyle feels AMAZING. Sleep is not so elusive. I'm starting to take care of myself again. It's a new normal now, instead of just day-to-day survival. A new normal with five kids to love, teach, hurt with, get frustrated with, and pray over.
