Metro Voice News Celebrating Faith, Family & Community
A Springfield couple, who adopted a daughter from Ukraine eight years ago, have helped 30 children escape from the war-torn nation. The Farrells purchased a bus for an orphanage that they partner with in western Ukraine. Because of their gift, the children and their caregivers were able to escape to Poland.
“We are needing visas for 30 children and three caregivers,” Wendy Farrell told CBN News. “Our orphanage in western Ukraine, for the moment, remains intact. Overall, our children are doing remarkably well. They are safe and with caregivers who love them deeply. They are scared and worried but know we will take care of them and continue to keep them safe.”
The children are being housed in a dorm-like setting in Poland, but she said they are eager to be settled.
“We desperately need assistance in speeding up the visa process,” Farrell said. “The consulate in Krakow is low on staff and is expediting business visas only. We believe the United States needs to send reinforcements and prioritize visas for the most vulnerable first. We have been amazed at the Ukrainian consulate’s work ethic. They are working around the clock to process paper work for Ukrainians. Our consulate has no appointments available until July and is doing nothing to help the two million refugees here in Poland.”
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The Polish people have welcomed the children.
“They remember all too well the events of World War II here in Poland and are grieved to see what is happening in Ukraine,” she said. “But they are worried about the longevity of this crisis and the burden hosting this many refugees will cause. The United States has abundant resources and should take some of the burden off of Poland and other European countries. The support here in Poland is unsustainable.”
Donations to help the children can be made at Ukraine Relief – 1U Project (fivetwo.org).
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
