Week 66 of our 78-week humanitarian mission to Slovakia and Poland is in the books.

“Beauty is not who you are on the outside, it is the wisdom and time you gave away to save another struggling soul like you.”

― Shannon L. Alder

Slovakia fact of the week . . . Kofola is by far the most popular soft drink in Slovakia. It was created as an alternative to Coca-Cola and Pepsi when Western goods were prohibitively expensive in the region. The young missionaries love it, Kelly and me, not so much.

Project updates for the week . . . . .

Project #1: After a few months working with and supporting refugees, Kelly felt inspired to make blankets for Ukraine refugee's babies. At first, she spent her free time crocheting blankets and then expanded the project and made it available to the young and senior missionaries we serve with. The project has taken off and we will have a car load to deliver to the Koala Family Maternity Center, the organization I highlighted in last week's blog.

Project #2: Sobrance Regional Hospital was founded in its current location and building in 1948. The town of Sobrance is in a rural area of Eastern Slovakia with an aged population, a high unemployment rate, and an average income 25% less than the national average.

The hospital was in desperate need of new electric hospital beds. The beds currently in use were donated by an organization in Switzerland more than 20 years ago. The beds were not new when they were donated with many now being more than 40 years old. The beds have been delivered and are providing the type of care and safety people in hospitals need.

Project #3: Špeciálna základná škola (Special Primary School) is an elementary age school for special needs children who are living at or below the poverty line. The school has 36 enrolled children with 31 being Roma. The Nadacia Mesta Zilina Foundation also supports 30 families living in poverty with a total of 45 children. Each of these families has a disabled child that requires full-time care.

The total number of children needing assistance is 81.

We are providing a six-months supply of hygiene items for the 36 students to use at school and for the 45 children to use at home. The goal is to teach the children proper hygiene techniques which will benefit them in many ways, including reducing the risk of becoming ill.

We will provide Liquid soap, toilet paper, hand towels, hygienic tissues, disinfectant/sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes, towels. shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hygienic handkerchiefs, and laundry detergent.

A late Fall allowed us to treat our local missionaries to a bike ride in the local foothills followed by lunch at one of our favorite restaurants. The scenery was beautiful and P-Days are always better when we can spend time with Elders Waisath, Aronsohn. Bayles, and DeLuca and Sisters Bartschi and Kemp.

We pray you are well and that you will have a wonderful week.