Just a note that the GRM community was all talking about the great things Bill and Vikki are up to in Ukraine. At least two Wolverines shirts being donned. Much discussion on how to drum up more press.
Stay safe on the Rally and may the Yota be with you!
Maybe a cardboard insert for the sunroof, rather than duct tape? Easier to put in and out as needed for light blockage.
Progress looks good!
Sending the deliveries (part 2)
Checkpoint 3 – Children’s regional hospital
Our route passes through one of the most beautiful street of Dnipro and I tell Bill and show him the places we pass by.
I love my city, I love my country – there are such beautiful and interesting places here – I love tell about these.
In the same way I love visiting other countries and new places and meeting new people.
We’ll talk about that a little later…
We got to the hospital very quickly – someone likes high-speed driving 
While we're waiting for dr.Max we have some time to chat again - I tell Bill a little bit about the hospital - yes, it's huge - children from all over the region and the occupied territories receive help here. Also we're already starting to talk about December trip.
Dr.Max greets us and we are once again doing everything very fast 
Tears came to my eyes when I saw how kind people work in the hospital and how grateful they are for the help 
And you’re right – children's hospital and sandbags –it seems like we are living in some parallel unreal reality or in some scary dream. It's impossible to get used to it.
Hugging them and say goodbyes
Our mission have done!!! We did it as fast as we can!!!
We’re coming back the same route – driving along the embankment – by the way this is the longest embankment of all Europe and it’s the favorite place for residents and visitors to the city.
We're already relaxed a little bit and can look at the surrounding views
I suggest Bill stops and takes a couple of photos – three minutes for a short walk
A beautiful view of the river from here and one of the city's symbols - the unfinished Hotel Parus (Sail) with a huge trident on it. The hotel is an unfinished legacy of Soviet Union and the trident was painted by volunteers in 2014 after the annexation of Crimea.
But it's time to move on… say goodbye the river, the strong bridge - waving once more time and it’s time to say goodbye each other… and getting back home…
Bill has the long way home and my family is already waiting for me – many thoughts and many warm feelings about what we just have done – it’s definitely good things
WE ALL have done these all good things now and it’s incredibly amazing feelings!!!
Note (for Bill only)
About windows and others … it's good that we can laugh and joke about it now
I understand that before and during the trip you were not laughing
Maaan! Are you serious?
You’ve driven a couple thousand kilometers through the unfamiliar country at war without knowing a single word of Ukrainian or Russian (“spasibo” don’t count) ALONE – I’m still wonder how you did it 
And are you worried that a few raindrops might bother me? Oh, come on!
Answering all your questions – all what you were worried about – absolutely NO problem – ABSOLUTELY!!!
I was glad to go with you on the truck and if it was necessary to go further and longer – it’s ok, no problem
Reliable wheels, good company, some coffee, tea and water and i can go anywhere
You better tell me what you were thinking when I dragged you to take the photo and the truck was left standing on the curb with opened windows 
This is not the end of the story - I'm off to write final chapter
Thanks for posting, Vikki! I take it to mean as well that you are still safe.
Bill, I sent some more money your way this morning.
Keep it up!
Well written Vikki, and thank you for sharing your side of the story! I love the symbolism of what was done with the Hotel Parus, and I'm looking forward to the final chapter.
It also makes me glad just to see you post, as every day when I check the news it makes me think of (concerned for) your continued safety and well-being.
Thanks, guys for your support
We're trying to live our ordinary lives as much as possible in such situation.
I don't want to come here and complain all the time - it's not in my rules.
I write here or to text Bill if i get really scared or something awful happens and i always feel your support.
I forgot to say - i got a message from Bill yesterday - all stuff for my neighbor have arrived and Sarah will send me the box
Good news
A little news from me - not good news 
What's been going on for the last few weeks is a new level of terrorism and genocide from russia 
Infrastructure that provides life support is being destroyed by missiles strikes - many people are left without electricity and water and house windows are broken by explosions - these are civilians people!
But we stay strong!
Vikki, thank you for posting these updates. Nobody likes to hear bad news, but we want to know what's happening, and that you and your family are safe. We can read the news and scour the internet but that's not the same as hearing it from someone who is actually there.
Stay safe, stay strong!
VikkiDp said:A little news from me - not good news
What's been going on for the last few weeks is a new level of terrorism and genocide from russia
Infrastructure that provides life support is being destroyed by missiles strikes - many people are left without electricity and water and house windows are broken by explosions - these are civilians people!
But we stay strong!
Vikki,
I know we are asking a lot, but your updates are important. We see Russia attacking civilian targets and see desperation. They must run out of ammunition eventually. Do you still have heat and electricity?
Guys, we're ok! and i believe that everything will be alright! we stay strong no matter what
I'm talking about the situation in general - i have many friends, acquaintances and relatives from many other cities and regions of Ukraine - i'm in touch with them. Also i'm in touch with refugees that we help. And yes - what I see with my own eyes.
If the siren sounds, it means someone might be hurt somewhere - everyone understands that.
The hardest thing for me is not even the fear, it's that i have no possibility to plan my life - of course in the evening i can have some plans for tomorrow's morning but not always they can be realized when i wake up 
so we need to be flexible.
They must run out of ammunition eventually.
it's not a good idea - we may run out of cities and villages
Do you still have heat and electricity?
yesterday's morning and evening - no, today - still yes, tomorrow - we'll see
But it's ok - we had a quite romantic breakfast yesterday - almost "by candles" Life is going on!!!
In reply to VikkiDp :
Your attitude through all of this is inspiring!
Is there anything you don't have already, and might not be able to get locally very easily, that would be helpful if you had a longer (like 1 week) power outage this winter?
Hello everyone have good news - the package for my neighbor has received
Thanks you all, Bill and Sarah
i'll take more photos some later
Photo report all the stuff are handed over
The recipient is incredibly happy and glad for help. He thanks you all
Let me tell about him a bit - all his life (he's 56 yo) he works as a driver
When he was young he served in the Soviet army (it was a must for young men 18-20 yo)
and now he's serving in the UA army instead of spending time with his grandchildren.
He wants that they live in peaceful country.
Stay strong! Stay together!
My words are stuck in my throat.
I work, vote and teach for the future of my children and grand children. It is a struggle, this man and many like him are truly fighting for their future.
I know times are tough right now but the troops are making amazing progress! Seeing the videos of the troops being welcomed into the liberated towns and villages are just incredible to watch.
Stay strong!
Slava Ukraine!
I live my life by a few simple rules:
1. My obligation to humanity does not end at the border.
2. If I have the means at hand then I have the responsibility to act.
3. Do not wear socks with sandals.
It's pretty clear to me that the Ukrainian people have the sheer willpower to fight against any odds and will buy their children's futures with sweat and blood. I want to make sure that they have everything they need to get that job done. If you need anything or know anybody who needs anything DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK. I am not a wealthy man, but if it is my power I will be sure you get what you need.
Also there were something for me in the package
Bill sent me the radio if we stay without mobile and data services and AClockworkGarage helped with the water filter
Thanks guys
AClockworkGarage said:I live my life by a few simple rules:
1. My obligation to humanity does not end at the border.
2. If I have the means at hand then I have the responsibility to act.
3. Do not wear socks with sandals.
I like it especially the last point, I think that's the main thing
Driven5 said:In reply to VikkiDp :
Your attitude through all of this is inspiring!
Is there anything you don't have already, and might not be able to get locally very easily, that would be helpful if you had a longer (like 1 week) power outage this winter?
ohhh, i'm not an expert on survival in extreme situations, but we have to be ready for them
Bill already gave me some advice. If there is anyone who can say something useful about this topic i would appreciate it.
Now we need to buy a couple thermoses, flashlights and a bigger container for water
Aaaa, i'm a girl and i would buy some dresses not all these things (I joke )
But honestly, I would prefer spend some money on something more pleasant of course.
VikkiDp said:ohhh, i'm not an expert on survival in extreme situations, but we have to be ready for them
Bill already gave me some advice. If there is anyone who can say something useful about this topic i would appreciate it.
Now we need to buy a couple thermoses, flashlights and a bigger container for water
Aaaa, i'm a girl and i would buy some dresses not all these things
But honestly, I would prefer spend some money on something more pleasant of course.
We'd all rather spend our money on something more pleasant, but I'm really glad we have an opportunity to put it where we know it is really helping people who genuinely need it.
I am a long way from expert in emergency preparedness, but we try to be reasonably well prepared for power outages, wildfires, and earthquakes. Those are the big dangers around here. Here is a very rough outline of what we try to keep on hand at the house for two adults and one small child:
Each of us also has a small bag, loaded with some basic supplies, that we keep in the car:
In addition to that, we each have backpacks loaded up with some essentials in case we have to leave in a hurry. We also carry at least one of these in the car when we drive out of town. This sounds like a lot, but there's still plenty of room in the backpacks for clothes, blankets, etc.
I'm forgetting some things, and there are things I need to add, like a good survival radio, but it's a pretty good start. I try to add something every other month or so rather than buying everything all at once. We did not build these overnight.
There are also some recommendations here that might help:
https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20210318/how-build-kit-emergencies
Also, what AClockworkGarage said applies to me as well. We're not wealthy, either, but we want to help, so please let us know if you or your family or neighbors need something. And thank you for taking the time to post these updates. It really means a lot to us.
The Wave
The next morning after the meeting day
9.37 my phone is ringing… wooowww! – first package has already received!!!
During the next few days I received calls from parents of chldren, someone sent photos and texed me.
It was the huge flow of thanks and kind words. These all filled my heart with warmth and the knowledge that we were going in the right direction. In my mind, I was thinking of all of you and those people who made this possible. So you all got all these thanks through me too!!!
On Monday, I got a call from Dr.Max. He asked me again if any report was needed, I answered – no, these all for the hospital, for children who needs help without any papers and reports. He was very surprised and was very thankful.
Some later he sent me the photos of the kids – you all have seen them.
You’ve seen happiness and joy in kid’s eyes, their smiles.
I want to say all of you – it worth it!!! All that we do – it worth it!!! Bring some joy for someone – it worth it!!!
Kindness and good things start with each of us - from hand to hand, from touch to touch, from heart to heart - this is the wave! This wave starts from me, from you, from every one of us… and I think this wave is the way to stop bad things.
So keep it up! Never give up! Stay strong and stay together!
Just read it…
Is this the end? No, it's the beginning... the wave is infinite!!!
Thanks everyone
Hey everyone, I'm back!!
Of course, I have lot's to share but right now I'm still lickin' wounds. The truck survived the ordeal but only barely. I've already got parts on order, and should have no issues having her ready and on the road for the next run.
Unfortunately, due to technical issues, we could not get the transfer made to Kisgorbo at the end of last month. But we were able to alert Mayor Kozma ahead of time, and he is 100% ok with receiving both October's and November's donations at the end of this month.
I havent had a chance to check paypal yet, but will do tomorrow, and will post the updated spreadsheet then.
And of course, our new drive has just gone live!!!
Please get word out about that any way you can. I feel like we've got a lot of work to do with this one and not a lot of time to do it in. I'm hoping our first purchase will be the EKG machine, and of course there is a shipping wait involved with its purchase. After that, I really want to get hot and heavy on the kids' gifts.
Most importantly: thank you all for keeping this going in my absence. You guys are absolutely wonderful and none of this would be possible without you.
Alrighty! As promised:
Again, you guys are absolutely amazing for keeping this going while I was gone!! I was SUPER happy to see that our donations to our shelter had continued, and that we were right on track to reach our goals for the past two months! We're sitting pretty at just under 900k forint, and I'm poised and ready to send that off on the 30th as promised.
Also in my absence, we got our first shipment of baby blankets! These are hand made and come from a military spouse currently stationed in Sicily. They were originally made for refugees coming to her area, but could not be distributed as they did not receive as many people as they were originally expecting. Instead of going to waste, she reached out to us and is now using our trip to send the blankets directly refugees in Dnipro! We've received our first box and are expecting one more before we go.
As mentioned in our previous post, our drive has gone live: https://gofund.me/691c24f1
VikkiDp and I are chatting on whatsapp and she is currently working with parents to put a list together of gift ideas for children in her area. We're going to start with about 30 children and work our way up from there. Right now we're going to ask for two ideas for each child that total about $40 for each gift. If we're able to get the EKG and both gifts for each kid, then we'll add more children until everyone gets something! I have high hopes for this one.
Anyhoo, I still owe you guys an update from Africa. I plan on writing everything from the trip in the adventure section of the forum, but there's one bit that needs to go here. Without that one piece of the story, this whole operation would be absolutely dead in the water.
In reply to Hungary Bill (Forum Supporter) :
Thanksgiving donation incoming. I'll hit you again for Christmas.
AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) said:In reply to Hungary Bill (Forum Supporter) :
Thanksgiving donation incoming. I'll hit you again for Christmas.
Got it, sir! Thank you very much!!
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