18/08/2026
My heart is so full after finally meeting the children from the church whom my Instagram friends and I have been supporting for the past two years. ❤️
I came away completely charged with emotion. Getting to meet each of them, to hear their little stories, see their personalities and simply spend time together made something that had existed through photographs and messages suddenly very real and very personal.
Some of their circumstances are incredibly difficult, and learning more about where some of them come from was heartbreaking. And yet what struck me most was how much happiness, playfulness and joy there still is in their childhood. Children have this extraordinary ability to find light even when life around them isn’t easy.
I realised during this visit that I have somehow become an important part of their lives - and they have certainly become an important part of mine. I don’t want this to be simply about helping from afar. I want to remain their friend, watch them grow, encourage them and be there for them in whatever ways I can.
And a huge thank you to every single one of you who has contributed over these past two years. Whether you donated, responded to my stories, sent something for the children or simply trusted me enough to take part - you helped make a real difference.
Their lives may not be easy, but that doesn’t mean their futures cannot be bright. I hope that with kindness, encouragement, opportunities and people who believe in them, some of those futures can become a little brighter. ❤️🇺🇦
