Humanitarian Caravan

Sunrise Waldorf School alumni and families are proud to be following the volunteer work of former SWS kindergarten teacher Filipa Santos and her partner Vítor Andrade who are part of a Portuguese civil society initiative called ‘Humanitarian Caravan’ on an urgent mission to transport much needed supplies to areas in Poland near the Ukrainian border. This first leg of the mission consists of over 3,000 km of road time across Europe through Spain, France, Belgium and Germany until they finally arrive to an unused office space in Poland where all the supplies are organized into kits for those in need. Each van is filled to the brim with food, water, baby formula, medication, clothing, diapers and anything else needed. These supplies are all collected and purchased in Portugal through donations and contributions. Upon arrival the caravan of 10-13 vans who

Filipa and Vítor on the road

On The Road... Tales From a Humanitarian Mission to help Ukrainian Refugees in Europe

Their van stuffed to the brim with donated and purchased supplies destined for Poland to distribute to Ukrainian refugees.

“Driving south in France, here’s what one truck in front of us decided to write on the back.” Filipa with a new 11 year old friend whose family they transporting to Portugal. travel together are met by Ukrainian volunteers and everyone helps each other unload the supplies they have brought to make room for the return journey with vans full of Ukranians seeking asylum in Portugal.

“Today we met a mother and 2 children, age 5 and 10 who flees the war in Ukraine. The mother told us that her children did not know there was a war going on. She did not allow them to watch the news, radio, etc. and sheltered them from anxiety and despair. She told them they were going on an adventure to Portugal (where they had never been before), and part of the adventure was that there were several people who would take them from point A to point

Two Ukrainian children, 10 and 5 who are on an adventure to Portugal with their mother.

B. Reminds me of a beautiful film - Life is Beautiful. Despite the situation, what fortunate children to have this mother!”shares Filipa.

On their second return journey to Portugal she shares this heartfelt story. “On our trip back, we had just stopped at a rest stop at the gas station and were back in our vehicles. A man we didn’t know came and knocked on the driver side window. “Are these Ukrainian people?” he asked. “Yes.” (Our vans are identified with the Portuguese and Ukrainian flags, saying humanitarian help) He then spoke what I thought was Ukrainian directly to the refugees with us. They responded “four” (in Ukrainian). He turns to them and hands 4x50€ bills, smiles and walks away. They explained to me that he had asked how many children they had, and offered 50 € (Euros) to each. I was then told that he wasn’t speaking with them in Ukrainian. He was speaking in Russian. My jaw dropped.”

Each return journey logs over 7,100 km of driving and takes approximately five days. Filipa and Vítor share the driving. One sleeps, while the other drives enabling them to arrive with supplies as soon as possible and turn around to ferry passengers back to Portugal. “We arrive exhausted, and yet completely moved by this life changing experience. The hugs we received as these families left, the gratitude and tears in their eyes, the hope they come with is very different than when we picked them up in Poland. We cannot help but respond to the demand of over 1000 refugees, duly identified, who are there waiting for us. A quick rest at home and then its time to do the mission again.”

Filipa and Vítor’s act of humanitarianism to help people fleeing from Russian military attacks on Ukraine one van load at a time is an inspiration to all.

The Humanitarian Caravan is a 100% voluntary effort and each van, between fuel, toll and food for the refugees on the return journey requires approximately 2000€. Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated to assist them to continue their work.

As of this issue’s print deadline Filipa and Vítor were getting ready to leave for another return journey with a new van load of supplies and a new set of Ukrainaian refugees to transport home with them to Portugal. The Cowichan Waldorf community are so grateful to them for stepping up and helping humanity with this important work.

Filipa and Vítor with their first van of Ukrainian passengers being transported to Portugal.

If you are interested in contributing to the efforts of Filipa and Vítor please contact us at info@ cowichanvalleyvoice.com for more information.

Grief is Love that has Nowhere to Go - Spirit Journaling Exercise

“Grief is love that has nowhere to go” what a powerful phrase! When one is grieving there is no words or emotions that can express what one is experiencing because we all grieve differently. This is unique to each individual and should never be judged by another.

When we lose somebody, we tend to experience this as a solo experience. We might feel isolated in our emotional, spiritual and mental capacities. Others will automatically go into the fear zone of survival, regret, or guilt. Grief has so many faces.

Understand that the feeling of grieving should never be anyone’s priority but your own. That sadness is the place of understanding your spiritual journey. Grief is just love that has nowhere to go.

This “Spirit Journaling” exercise is about finding ways to express the emotions of the grieving. To allow yourself permission to go through these emotions in sacred time, understanding that you have a love that just needs a place to go.

Journaling Prompt: Prep your sacred space for journaling - light a candle and play some music. Take a moment to ground your energy - close your eyes. With your eyes closed, breathe in the essence of yourself at this moment. Take a deep breath in through your nose. Focus on yourself at this moment and when you’re ready blow it out through your mouth. Do this 3 times, each time blowing out any fear-based thoughts about grieving.

First Step: Begin by writing a letter to the person that you are grieving. Be authentic and expressive. Process your feelings of sadness, guilt, regret, anger, or confusion. Write through these emotions. When you are done close your journal. Proceed to Step 2 when you are ready.

There is no timeline for this exercise. Grieving can take weeks, months or years. Repeat Step 1 as many times as you like and do Step 2 when you feel you are ready.

Second Step: Open your journal to a clean page. Write the word love at the top of the page. Connect with your soul and intuitive voice. Begin to write from this place of love and understanding. Write about all the ways you can give your love a healthy place to go. Go deep about how to share this love. What does this feel and look like?

Love is eternal. Love is meant to be shared and given freely. Do not let grieving rob you of the closest vibration you have to your God. This is your connection to your loved ones in spirit.

With Love and Gratitude - Happy Spirit Journaling

Angel Jury - Modern Day Oracle Spiritual Advisor * Intuitive Psychic * Spiritual Medium * Card Reader