A Small Part in a Beautiful Story
One of the greatest blessings of serving in Ukraine is watching God bring together different ministries, churches, foundations, and generous friends to accomplish things that none of us could do alone.
One beautiful example is Blossom Cottage, a group home being built by our friends at Shade for Children, a valued member of the Transform Uzhhorod Alliance. When completed, Blossom Cottage will become a loving home for eight special-need orphans, providing not only safety and professional care, but the stability and unconditional love every child deserves.
While Shade for Children has faithfully led this vision and raised the overwhelming majority of the funding—including significant support from the Kimon Foundation—we have been grateful for the opportunity to play a small supporting role alongside them.
One way One Collective has been able to help is through a generous gift from the Urbieta Family Foundation. Their donation has helped fund the insulation and interior walls that are now transforming the building from an empty structure into a warm, welcoming home. Walking through the rooms today, it is exciting to imagine the laughter, friendships, and healing that will one day fill these halls.
Our own construction company, STUD Frame Homes, also had the privilege of receiving the contract to build the frame and roof for the cottage before turning the project back over to Shade for Children as they continue leading the construction.
These photographs show some of the recent progress. The first looks from the future dining room, where children will gather each day for meals and fellowship, with the office to the right and the hallway leading to the bedrooms. The second offers a glimpse into one of those bedrooms—rooms that will soon become places of security, rest, and belonging for children who have experienced far too much uncertainty.
We are deeply thankful to the Urbieta Family Foundation for allowing Transform Ukraine to participate in this wonderful ministry. More importantly, we praise God for the faithful work of Shade for Children and everyone who has invested in making Blossom Cottage a reality.
Please continue praying:
- That construction will continue smoothly and safely.
- That God will provide every remaining need.
- For Clinton and Lena White and the entire Shade for Children team as they lead this ministry.
- Most of all, for the precious children who will one day call Blossom Cottage home—that they would experience not only loving care, but the transforming love of Jesus Christ.
Sometimes our role is to lead. Sometimes our role is simply to come alongside those whom God has called. We count it a privilege to do the latter, and we look forward to celebrating the day when the doors of Blossom Cottage open to welcome its first children.