Thanks to our wonderful hosts and in particular Inessa’s daughter we had a fabulous tour of the sights and sounds of central Minsk. Too many photos so these just a few. Stunning.
Victory Square and the eternal flame.
The Chapel on the Island of Tears, built by women to remember the fallen Belarusian soldiers who died far away from their homeland.
Inside the Chapel. So beautiful
One of many fountains. She is vair proud of this photo 😀
The National Academic Grand Opera and Ballet Theatre of the Republic of Belarus
Inessa and Alesya leading the way
Our Lillet Spritzes (arf)
And back to Osipovichi by train a two hour journey, no one mention the loo!
And our time in Belarus had come to an end as it was an early start to the airport on Sunday Morning. Which was the Orthodox Easter Day. We’d been given these Easter biscuits as a gift. Beautiful.
This has been an extraordinary trip for us and it’s often been hard to find the words to express our emotions. We’ve met the nicest people going through the most challenging circumstances. Always so warm and friendly, generously welcoming us into their homes and work places. The love and care we have felt is truly something else.
We’ve come away inspired to do the best we can to do more. Seeing the children and families with our blankets, much loved and treasured in their homes was beyond wonderful for us. We hope that together the woolly crew can reach even more children. We are on for an increase this year already!
We’ve been inspired too by the love and devotion at Yasen, the childrens’ centre and at the Baby Home in Minsk where in both settings they maximise what they have in terms of resources, which are very little, but do so with such love, pride and dignity. Very humbling. Very inspiring. We want to help and are thinking on how and where, please watch this space!
We must thank Inessa, Irina, Aleysa and their families for looking after us so well. We’ve met Inessa and Irina before and it was lovely to see them again and meet the others. Valentina too. It was a privilege to meet Alexey, such a wonderful individual. And thanks to Nikolai for getting us around. Thanks too to Andy, Charlie and Our Tel for letting us crash their Bristol CLL visit to Belarus. They are all fabulous people and now great friends too!
So with hearts and minds full and totally exhausted it was time to leave. Check out the crocheted Osipovichi flag we were given at Number 3 school. Real treasure.
Good bye Belarus. We’ll be back!
Little bit worried they’d put us in the wrong row…
Taken of us coming in to Gatwick!
Thank you Belavia!
And lastly, welcome home, this taken by fond family waiting, their peace about to be shattered!
Thank you to everyone who has followed our Blog and for all your wonderful comments, support and enthusiasm. It has all meant the world to us. Thank you so much. xxx
конец
Woolly Hugs 2019.