Our Family’s Meaningful Journey

    I am a recent arrival in Orinda, and while my children have moved beyond high school age and I’m not actively involved in the day-to-day affairs of Orinda, I feel compelled to recount our family’s meaningful journey of service to Ukraine and Spain over the past two 
years.
    In the spring of 2021, my husband received a call from our Spanish friend Gabi. Their mission was to aid in the relocation of Ukrainians to western Europe. Collaborating closely with our church’s pastor, they extended a warm welcome to 13 Ukrainian orphans, embracing them into their extended family.
    Under the nurturing care of Gabi’s family, these children now find solace and protection. Gabi embarked on a profound process of assimilation, warmly embracing these 13 newcomers into their midst. Initially, many of them grappled with malnutrition, illness and various medical complexities. They exhibited signs of withdrawal, detachment and guardedness.
    Fast-forwarding to the recent month of June, nearly two years later, my family and I returned to Gabi’s home. Gabi adopted an additional four children. The remarkable changes in the kids were strikingly apparent – they are now fluent in Spanish, socially active and in robust health, flourishing in every aspect imaginable. They attend the local school, some have already completed high school and are currently employed, setting aside resources for their future pursuits.
    Gabi nurtures a captivating hobby of raising wild creatures, including wolves, lambs, sheep, wild cats, ostriches and a variety of other species. Part of the children’s daily routine involves tending to these animals, an experience that has bestowed upon them a significant measure of responsibility.
    Since the year 2016, our church has established a biennial tradition of hosting an English Camp. This particular year held a profound significance, as we welcomed the Ukrainian children into our fold. Accompanied by 21 volunteers from local high schools and colleges, along with 12 dedicated adults, we devotedly dedicated our time to meticulously curate the entire English Camp experience.
    The trip spanned from June 21 to July 6. Our volunteers wholeheartedly engaged in serving the local community, yet an enchanting revelation unfolded – they became recipients of heartwarming blessings, gifted by the genuine warmth and openness of the local youth. This encounter forged a deep bond, a friendship that will forever be etched in their memories, a camaraderie that will forever remain imprinted in their recollections.
    The encounter left an indelible mark on my son, who had recently graduated from high school. He observed a child-like happiness, an endless exuberance radiating from the youth unfazed by their humble material possessions and the lack of parental presence. This encounter profoundly etched into his consciousness, the understanding that genuine contentment in life transcends mere societal or financial standing. A certain spark ignited within them caught his attention, a spark that he himself lacked, despite possessing much more. This ignited a desire within him to evolve, transform and blossom as well.
    Across the vast expanse of the Atlantic, they have now nurtured a circle of companions, eagerly poised to be embraced, as if they were brothers and sisters. This stands as a testament to the enduring bonds formed during this transformative journey.

Grace Paik can be reached at grace.paik@gmail.com.