As I prepare for my upcoming wedding, I am mindful that amidst all my excitement and happiness, there is a part of my heart that is sad

and wishes I was already back up in Vladivostok with my team and kids.

The reason for  this is that Olga, one of the girls I met in my first year in Russia, who we have helped over the years, has a daughter Eonna, now aged six. Eonna is one of my ‘grand children’ and I have had a close relationship with both her and her mother.

Recently Eonna suddenly became blind and was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She is now waiting to see if they will send her to Moscow for surgery –but for some reason there is a delay in accepting her.

I am sad because this has happened but also sad that I not there at this time to support Olga and help her and the team through this. And I am also sad that I am not there to hug Eonna and tell her how much I love her and to pray for her. And I am also afraid that I might never get that opportunity to hug her again if things don’t go well.