Our Ukraine Guests

Since my wife and I have four daughters, we have had many young adults, who were friends of our girls, stay as guests at our home. We also had the unique experience of hosting a French high school senior at our home for 3 months as part of a Rotary program when we lived in upstate New York. It is always wonderful to see and meet vibrant young people who bring new perspectives and energy on life by having them as guests in our home.

Yuriy, Kiro, and Max, however, were the first Ukrainian young adults that we have hosted, and they are incredibly impressive young men. Not only are they multi-lingual and deep in their thoughts, but they are disciplined, respectful, and reverent in their faith. There are many believers in this world, but these three young men are more than just believers; they have responded to a religious calling in their lives to dedicate themselves to God and God’s work, and their faith beams through every part of their being.

Mark & Michiko Turegano, and their daughters.

 But these are not one-dimensional young men either. They have a serious grasp on the fragility and vulnerability of our world and our lives because they live in Ukraine, which is now facing Russian aggression. They do not have the luxury of saying, ‘I don’t care about politics’ because the geopolitical realities that they face are demanding and real. And to ignore them could mean the loss of freedom and even one’s life. These young men are keenly aware of the threat their country faces and the historical background and precedents that are shaping the present realities.

Yet even in the midst of the serious challenges they face in their country, their attitudes and mindsets are upbeat and positive. They don’t lament their national challenges, nor do they complain or fret about the day to day difficulties we all face. No, these young men take them as the natural course of our lives and resolve to overcome them.

My wife and I are blessed to know and to have spent time with them. Indeed, not only are these young men the pride and the best of Ukraine, they are the pride and the best of our world.

Mark and Michiko Turegano

Dear Yuri, Kiro, and Max

Just wanted to thank you for the very nice gift (key chains in the shape of an egg) and Easter note and for the cleanup around the house that you did. It was very kind and thoughtful of you!

All three of you are special sons of God, and my wife and I feel blessed to know you and to have had you stay with us at our home.

Our heartfelt prayers are with you as you complete your time in America and for your wives and families back home in Ukraine.

The Ukraine will always be a special country to us now. We will pray for God’s protection to cover the Ukraine. We know God truly lives there through you and your families!

Warm wishes,

Mark and Michiko