DENTAL MISSION TO UKRAINE

by Suzan Johns and Nancy Stephens

September 18, 1997

Date: Thu, 18 Sep 97 14:15:40 +0400
From: "Mission Nazareth Hust"
Organization: Nazareth
To: vic@kubik.org

Dear Vic & Bev,

Thursday, Sept. 18.

This morning we had breakfast at Turbaza. We then came to the Mission and found that Victor had arranged for us to go to the Administration Office and meet with the vice mayor. He previously had been the mayor. He was the first mayor when they won their independence. He was very gracious, and we talked for awhile about the problems facing Ukraine. He asked us if there are any businessmen who would like to begin businesses in Ukraine, particularly here in Khust. He said they will appreciate any help we can give them. He gave us an autographed book that was written by one of Victor's teachers. We took a picture there with the Vice Mayor.

We came back to the Mission and Victor asked us if we want to go see the hospital. So off we went. We could not believe such poor conditions could exist. Nothing seemed clean, shortages of everything. Such poor equipment, no supplies, just a sad place to be.

We saw one room that houses the abandoned children -- there were two there while we were there -- we got a picture. They will go from there to the orphanage where Brenda said the conditions are much worse. They are in need particularly for cephalosporin and oxygen tanks and masks.

We went to the opthamology department. We met the doctor there, she told us they need new examining equipment, hers looked ancient. We took a picture there as well. That one ancient machine was all they had. Everywhere we look here there is great need.

We went to lunch at Victor's again and now are back at the Mission- it was great to talk to you on the phone!!

Tomorrow will be our last working day. May get some things done then. We are going to repackage the supplies and tell Victor to keep them together and not to open them until the office is ready to operate.

Till tomorrow,

Love,
Sue & Nancy