Hello dear friends,
Happy belated Mother's Day to all Moms and Grandmas! I hope you had a beautiful day. I spent it with my family in a gorgeous Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden which is home to the largest collection of rhody species in the world! If you're happen to be in the Seattle area, I highly recommend visiting it in May or early June (bonus: free bonsai museum).
I thought I'd give you a quick update on my friend Irina's fundraiser
After successfully raising $10,000, Irina continued with a new goal of $20,000 and as of now is at $16,650. She reports that the money goes directly to the families helping refugees with their rent and food, as well as directly to hospitals and purchasing medication kits. And the exciting news is that Irina and her family are going to fly from the US to Poland to help refugees personally!
Thank you to all and each of you who are able to help in any possible way to save lives and wellbeing of families and children who are in the most heart-wrenching situation since February 24.
And despite popular opinion, my heart also goes to the Russian citizens who are against this horrible unjust regime, but cannot leave the country. Some of them still protest risking their life and freedom. All of them live in great grief and fear over the two tragedies: war with Ukraine and destroying our own beloved country. Some fled the country and now are considered enemies by Russian government. And the actions of the most of the world are against them. Somehow, to most of the world, they aren't victims like Ukrainians, but supporters of the criminal regime which is a horrible misjudgment. Just like not all Germans supported Nazi and not every Nazi was German, not every Russian supports Putin. Do not believe that 80% of population support him - the officials in Russia are professionals liars! I doubt there is even 30% of those who actually believe in Putin.
I don't know whether I will be back regularly blogging any time soon, but f you'd like to stay in touch, you can always find me at Facebook or Instagram. I will be happy if you do so.
Слава Украине!
Жыве Беларусь!
Россия будет счастливой!
Sincerely,
Natalia
