https://hopenowusa.org/pages/blog-news-feed News 2023-09-06T03:23:01Z https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/happy-independence-day-ukraine 2023-09-06T03:23:01Z Cyndee Knight Today, August 24, is Ukrainian Independence Day! This national holiday honors the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people and remembers all who’ve given their lives for their country — including those still fighting now. On this day in 1991, Ukraine gained its independence and joined the world stage as a sovereign nation. This year’s Independence Day holds particular significance as the country continues its struggle against the ongoing Russian invasion. Here is the true story of one family who just arrived in America on Sunday, and how they have been spending the past 546 days of the war. Today, August 24, is Ukrainian Independence Day! This national holiday honors the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people and remembers all who’ve given their lives for their country — including those still fighting now. On this day in 1991, Ukraine gained its independence and joined the world stage as a sovereign nation. This year’s Independence Day holds particular significance as the country continues its struggle against the ongoing Russian invasion. Here is the true story of one family who just arrived in America on Sunday, and how they have been spending the past 546 days of the war.]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/last-school-bell-in-ukraine-has-rung 2023-06-12T10:01:17Z Cyndee Knight The Last Bell has been rung in Ukraine, and school is officially out for summer! That famous Alice Cooper song is not well known in the orphanage, but nonetheless, children all across the country of Ukraine, those that are now displaced in Europe and in the USA, and indeed those students who switched to online learning in the face of war, are celebrating that school is out for summer! Last week, our kids celebrated Last Bell, complete with 11th grade Graduation and our dedicated team made sure they had an audience! They brought flowers, chocolates, ice creams and most importantly themselves. I hated having to miss Last Bell and celebrating with the children and teachers. I traditionally give an end of year speech, and this year (as last year) Inna had to read my speech at the closing ceremony, in my stead. Here’s what I wrote, and here are some of the gorgeous photos taken that day… The Last Bell has been rung in Ukraine, and school is officially out for summer! That famous Alice Cooper song is not well known in the orphanage, but nonetheless, children all across the country of Ukraine, those that are now displaced in Europe and in the USA, and indeed those students who switched to online learning in the face of war, are celebrating that school is out for summer! Last week, our kids celebrated Last Bell, complete with 11^th grade Graduation and our dedicated team made sure they had an audience! They brought flowers, chocolates, ice creams and most importantly themselves. I hated having to miss Last Bell and celebrating with the children and teachers. I traditionally give an end of year speech, and this year (as last year) Inna had to read my speech at the closing ceremony, in my stead. Here’s what I wrote, and here are some of the gorgeous photos taken that day…]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/memorial-day-is-everyday-in-ukraine 2023-06-12T09:22:42Z Cyndee Knight Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor all military personnel who died in the service of our country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. This Monday, Americans all across our country will have the opportunity to do just that. Meanwhile, just in the past year, Ukraine has suffered 124,500-131,000 total casualties, including 15,500-17,500 killed in action and 109,000-113,500 wounded in action, according to the document entitled "Russia/Ukraine - Assessed Combat Sustainability and Attrition."  And not just on Monday, but on every day in Ukraine, people just like us remember and honor the loved ones who have died these past 457 days defending their country.  With your help, Hope Now does whatever we can to help protect Ukrainian lives – civilians and soldiers alike. Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor all military personnel who died in the service of our country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. This Monday, Americans all across our country will have the opportunity to do just that.
 
Meanwhile, just in the past year, Ukraine has suffered 124,500-131,000 total casualties, including 15,500-17,500 killed in action and 109,000-113,500 wounded in action, according to the document entitled "Russia/Ukraine - Assessed Combat Sustainability and Attrition."  And not just on Monday, but on every day in Ukraine, people just like us remember and honor the loved ones who have died these past 457 days defending their country.  With your help, Hope Now does whatever we can to help protect Ukrainian lives – civilians and soldiers alike.]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/joy-comes-in-the-morning 2023-05-16T08:35:44Z Cyndee Knight Finally! After what seems like months, our volunteers were able to travel to visit the kids at the orphanage.  Our dream team of Inna, Lena, Simon, and Ruslana bravely packed up “Franko” (our trusty Volkswagen van) with goodies and useful things and set out for the 50-mile journey to Shpola. Of course, it takes longer to get there during wartime, as there are various checkpoints to pass, and having to stop to seek shelter when the air raid sirens go off. Finally! After what seems like months, our volunteers were able to travel to visit the kids at the orphanage.  Our dream team of Inna, Lena, Simon, and Ruslana bravely packed up “Franko” (our trusty Volkswagen van) with goodies and useful things and set out for the 50-mile journey to Shpola. Of course, it takes longer to get there during wartime, as there are various checkpoints to pass, and having to stop to seek shelter when the air raid sirens go off.]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/life-goes-on 2023-05-16T07:42:58Z Cyndee Knight “We cannot stop living our lives…that’s how the enemy wins!” In every country around the world, and especially in Ukraine, young people are the future of the nation. A year ago, many Ukrainians were simply unable to fathom the idea of making plans. The idea of “tomorrow” for many people was just too uncertain and too far away. Over the past several months, however, a new sentiment of “just living life” has got many young people bravely making plans for the next phase of their lives. “We cannot stop living our lives…that’s how the enemy wins!”
 
In every country around the world, and especially in Ukraine, young people are the future of the nation. A year ago, many Ukrainians were simply unable to fathom the idea of making plans. The idea of “tomorrow” for many people was just too uncertain and too far away. Over the past several months, however, a new sentiment of “just living life” has got many young people bravely making plans for the next phase of their lives.]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/another-day-another-death 2023-05-08T10:05:09Z Cyndee Knight Maybe you have already heard of Bakhmut.Maybe you are sick of hearing about Bakhmut.The battle of Bakhmut has already claimed 30,000 lives.Including two of our precious Ukrainian sons.And it has not been won yet. Maybe you have already heard of Bakhmut.
Maybe you are sick of hearing about Bakhmut.
The battle of Bakhmut has already claimed 30,000 lives.
Including two of our precious Ukrainian sons.
And it has not been won yet.]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/donations-on-the-front-lines 2023-04-03T09:04:14Z Cyndee Knight How do your donated items get to the front lines? And what about the financial gifts that are given? How does Hope Now get much needed funds over to Ukraine? Many of our donors are curious about this. Rest assured, the practical items that people like you purchase off our Amazon Wish List arrive in Atlanta, are sorted, repackaged, and packed up ready for Children and Soldiers. The boxes of hats, scarves, and warm gloves that American school kids send in are laundered, sorted, and divided up. The plastic bags of hotel shampoos, soaps, and lotions that our traveling donors drop off are made into sets and are tucked inside the winter boots that are designated for the orphanage. The First Aid Kits are opened up and supplemented with 10 additional essential items that we manage to stuff inside. Every flashlight is filled with batteries, and an extra set of batteries is taped to it. The coats and snow pants from Goodwill are examined, washed & dried and used to line the bottoms of all our duffle bags. Since Ukraine operates as a cash society, the funds that you donate online, are turned into crisp $100 bills, and are allocated to our projects and put directly into the hands of our trusted volunteers for distribution (with receipts provided!) How do your donated items get to the front lines? And what about the financial gifts that are given? How does Hope Now get much needed funds over to Ukraine? Many of our donors are curious about this.
 
Rest assured, the practical items that people like you purchase off our Amazon Wish List arrive in Atlanta, are sorted, repackaged, and packed up ready for Children and Soldiers. The boxes of hats, scarves, and warm gloves that American school kids send in are laundered, sorted, and divided up. The plastic bags of hotel shampoos, soaps, and lotions that our traveling donors drop off are made into sets and are tucked inside the winter boots that are designated for the orphanage. The First Aid Kits are opened up and supplemented with 10 additional essential items that we manage to stuff inside. Every flashlight is filled with batteries, and an extra set of batteries is taped to it. The coats and snow pants from Goodwill are examined, washed & dried and used to line the bottoms of all our duffle bags. Since Ukraine operates as a cash society, the funds that you donate online, are turned into crisp $100 bills, and are allocated to our projects and put directly into the hands of our trusted volunteers for distribution (with receipts provided!)]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/women-and-children-first 2023-04-03T08:36:32Z Cyndee Knight March 8 was International Women’s Day! A whole day devoted to celebrating women and girls all around the world! Originally an American holiday – somehow, unfortunately, it did not catch on in the USA. However, in many countries around the globe, including Ukraine, March 8 is an official public holiday! The day is filled with words of friendship, flowers, chocolates, and small gifts for ladies of all ages. This time last year, it was the beginning of the unprovoked war in Ukraine, and all of our energy was focused on organizing and implementing evacuations of women and children. Last year, International Women’s Day was put on hold. So, this year, I wanted to do something special for the ladies I know personally, who stayed behind to serve at the orphanage and with our ministry in Ukraine. March 8 was International Women’s Day! A whole day devoted to celebrating women and girls all around the world! Originally an American holiday – somehow, unfortunately, it did not catch on in the USA. However, in many countries around the globe, including Ukraine, March 8 is an official public holiday! The day is filled with words of friendship, flowers, chocolates, and small gifts for ladies of all ages.
 
This time last year, it was the beginning of the unprovoked war in Ukraine, and all of our energy was focused on organizing and implementing evacuations of women and children. Last year, International Women’s Day was put on hold. So, this year, I wanted to do something special for the ladies I know personally, who stayed behind to serve at the orphanage and with our ministry in Ukraine.]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/365-days-of-war 2023-02-28T13:46:49Z Cyndee Knight This sign says, “For the next 24 hours, pray and fast for Victory and Peace for Ukraine.” One year ago today, on February 24, 2022, at around 5:00 am in Ukraine, the world as we know it changed. And it wasn’t for the better. Our volunteers and I, and the people we serve in Ukraine, all remember what we were doing when that first missile strike hit. At the beginning, no one really knew what to do – but God gave us ideas and soon we had a plan. This sign says, “For the next 24 hours, pray and fast for Victory and Peace for Ukraine.”
 
One year ago today, on February 24, 2022, at around 5:00 am in Ukraine, the world as we know it changed. And it wasn’t for the better. Our volunteers and I, and the people we serve in Ukraine, all remember what we were doing when that first missile strike hit. At the beginning, no one really knew what to do – but God gave us ideas and soon we had a plan.]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/a-tragic-goodbye 2023-02-28T13:21:59Z Cyndee Knight The name “Bohdan” means “given by God.”  Twenty-one years ago, in Ukraine, God gave a mother, a twin sister and countless friends a much-loved gift – and his name was Bohdan. Sadly, for all of us left behind, this past week, Bohdan was taken from this earth by way of a Russian land mine that exploded. Shrapnel imbedded into Bohdanchik’s temple, leaving him in a coma for 3 days before going home to the Lord. During his short time on earth, he was a bright light shining in a dark place. The name “Bohdan” means “given by God.”  Twenty-one years ago, in Ukraine, God gave a mother, a twin sister and countless friends a much-loved gift – and his name was Bohdan. Sadly, for all of us left behind, this past week, Bohdan was taken from this earth by way of a Russian land mine that exploded. Shrapnel imbedded into Bohdanchik’s temple, leaving him in a coma for 3 days before going home to the Lord. During his short time on earth, he was a bright light shining in a dark place.]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/taras-reports-for-duty-on-the-frontline 2023-02-20T07:16:35Z Cyndee Knight Bought in 2015 by our dear friend, Daniel, his shiny black Mitsubishi Pajero was the perfect car for him to carry his motorcycle to various competitions. The entire back seat and 2 lift seats could be removed, providing plenty of space to place his motorcycle inside. I remember one time, Daniel picked me up to give me a ride some place, and I was momentarily surprised to see an entire motorcycle in the back seat. I thought – wow, I could fit a lot of children and stuff in this car! Four years later, I bought it from Daniel and suddenly I had my own handy, dandy 4 x 4, which was perfect for me to drive on extreme pothole filled roads to the orphanage. I decided to name my new car, “Taras” after Ukraine’s poet laureate and political figure, Taras Shevchenko. Bought in 2015 by our dear friend, Daniel, his shiny black Mitsubishi Pajero was the perfect car for him to carry his motorcycle to various competitions. The entire back seat and 2 lift seats could be removed, providing plenty of space to place his motorcycle inside. I remember one time, Daniel picked me up to give me a ride some place, and I was momentarily surprised to see an entire motorcycle in the back seat. I thought – wow, I could fit a lot of children and stuff in this car! Four years later, I bought it from Daniel and suddenly I had my own handy, dandy 4 x 4, which was perfect for me to drive on extreme pothole filled roads to the orphanage. I decided to name my new car, “Taras” after Ukraine’s poet laureate and political figure, Taras Shevchenko.]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/saying-goodbye-to-our-hero 2023-01-31T09:58:04Z Cyndee Knight Since February 24, 2022, when the unprovoked attack on Ukraine began, it has tragically been reported that over 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers and 34,000 civilians have been killed. This heartbreaking data on the wages of war, has now hit home with the death of one our own, Andrei Boyko. However, Andrei was much more than a statistic. He was our much-loved exuberant friend, a devoted husband and father, a staunch patriot and most importantly, our fellow brother-in-Christ.  Since February 24, 2022, when the unprovoked attack on Ukraine began, it has tragically been reported that over 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers and 34,000 civilians have been killed. This heartbreaking data on the wages of war, has now hit home with the death of one our own, Andrei Boyko. However, Andrei was much more than a statistic. He was our much-loved exuberant friend, a devoted husband and father, a staunch patriot and most importantly, our fellow brother-in-Christ. ]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/ukrainian-soldiers-christmas-list 2023-01-11T10:07:01Z Cyndee Knight All I want for Christmas is _____________.  Your 2 front teeth? A curly head doll that cuddles and coos?  Elephants, boats, and kiddy cars too? Or maybe an Xbox, Apple Watch 8 or personalized wine chiller was at the top of your list? Last month, the brave soldiers in Ukraine had a much different Christmas list than in previous years. The hottest gift items included drones, tablets, generators, binoculars, heat sensors, solar charged power banks and thermal underwear. Thanks to God and your generous donations, Hope Now was able to “play Santa Claus” and provide many of these items to Ukrainian soldiers defending their country. All I want for Christmas is _____________. 
 
Your 2 front teeth? A curly head doll that cuddles and coos?  Elephants, boats, and kiddy cars too? Or maybe an Xbox, Apple Watch 8 or personalized wine chiller was at the top of your list?
 
Last month, the brave soldiers in Ukraine had a much different Christmas list than in previous years. The hottest gift items included drones, tablets, generators, binoculars, heat sensors, solar charged power banks and thermal underwear. Thanks to God and your generous donations, Hope Now was able to “play Santa Claus” and provide many of these items to Ukrainian soldiers defending their country.]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/a-merry-christmas-for-our-orphans-in-ukraine 2023-01-11T09:11:02Z Cyndee Knight Thanks to so many of you, our orphans in Ukraine had a very Merry Christmas! Remember all of those “Bags of Blessings” that you sent in?  We assigned one to each child at the orphanage, packed them up and brought them to Ukraine!  Meanwhile, our dedicated team was busy practicing a play which told the story of Jesus’ Birth! After the Christmas presents arrived, it was time to head out to the orphanage… Thanks to so many of you, our orphans in Ukraine had a very Merry Christmas! Remember all of those “Bags of Blessings” that you sent in?  We assigned one to each child at the orphanage, packed them up and brought them to Ukraine!  Meanwhile, our dedicated team was busy practicing a play which told the story of Jesus’ Birth! After the Christmas presents arrived, it was time to head out to the orphanage…]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/ukraine-s-power-grid-under-attack 2022-12-19T10:06:15Z Cyndee Knight Yuliia, who escaped the capital of Kyiv and is now residing in the USA, writes about how her Ukrainian friends and relatives cope with no electricity in her war-torn homeland. Yuliia, who escaped the capital of Kyiv and is now residing in the USA, writes about how her Ukrainian friends and relatives cope with no electricity in her war-torn homeland.]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/doing-your-bit 2022-12-07T10:26:58Z Cyndee Knight “I’ve done my bit.”  Having been married to a Brit for more than 30 years, I have heard this British phrase many times throughout my adult life. The quintessential “Stiff Upper Lip, Jolly good show, Bob’s your uncle” crowd also loves “Doing One’s bit.” “I’ve done my bit.”  Having been married to a Brit for more than 30 years, I have heard this British phrase many times throughout my adult life. The quintessential “Stiff Upper Lip, Jolly good show, Bob’s your uncle” crowd also loves “Doing One’s bit.”]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/kherson-after-liberation 2022-12-07T10:10:50Z Cyndee Knight We’ve said it before. A picture is worth a thousand words. And according to Google, an average reader will read 1,000 words in 3.3 minutes when reading at a speed of 300 words per minute. But during Thanksgiving week, who has even 3.3 minutes to spare? We’ve said it before. A picture is worth a thousand words. And according to Google, an average reader will read 1,000 words in 3.3 minutes when reading at a speed of 300 words per minute. But during Thanksgiving week, who has even 3.3 minutes to spare?]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/mondays-are-stressful 2022-11-24T09:56:49Z Cyndee Knight A lot can be said about Mondays… “Mondays offer new beginnings 52 times a year!” “Mondays set the tone for your whole week.” “Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.”  “Mondays have always been tough. But now they are hell.”  For the past 3 Mondays in a row, Ukraine has endured horrific and steady barrages of air attacks. Ukrainians, trying to find humor in the depths of despair, have created several memes and expressions to depict their new, daily existence. A lot can be said about Mondays…
 
“Mondays offer new beginnings 52 times a year!” “Mondays set the tone for your whole week.” “Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.” 
 
“Mondays have always been tough. But now they are hell.” 
 
For the past 3 Mondays in a row, Ukraine has endured horrific and steady barrages of air attacks. Ukrainians, trying to find humor in the depths of despair, have created several memes and expressions to depict their new, daily existence.]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/come-get-your-blessings 2022-11-07T10:23:48Z Cyndee Knight As you probably already know by now, Ukrainians are very strong and resilient – especially our volunteer team who relies on the Armor of God for their protection. And God has continually proven to all of us at Hope Now, that He protects His children of all ages. Young and old alike. As you probably already know by now, Ukrainians are very strong and resilient – especially our volunteer team who relies on the Armor of God for their protection. And God has continually proven to all of us at Hope Now, that He protects His children of all ages. Young and old alike.]]> https://hopenowusa.org//blogs/news/no-bomb-shelter-no-school 2022-11-07T09:03:06Z Cyndee Knight This fall, it was “back to school” for our orphanage children despite the ongoing horrific war in Ukraine. Surprisingly enough, the orphanage was returned (from the government) on September 1, which means the military who were using the place as their barracks packed up and left. However, in order for the orphanage school to reopen, the Administration asked us for help. There was one condition they had to achieve in order to reopen. They needed a bomb shelter for the children. This fall, it was “back to school” for our orphanage children despite the ongoing horrific war in Ukraine. Surprisingly enough, the orphanage was returned (from the government) on September 1, which means the military who were using the place as their barracks packed up and left. However, in order for the orphanage school to reopen, the Administration asked us for help. There was one condition they had to achieve in order to reopen. They needed a bomb shelter for the children.]]>