Chapter 230

The time in Kyiv seemed to fly by for the Americans as they were warmly welcomed everywhere they went. Saturday found them at the hospital early to greet and mingle with those that came to tour the new facility. Gwen, Jordan, Lisa, Kate, and their friends made extra efforts to make those guests that obviously had less material wealth feel welcome.

They were often seen hugging ragged children and their parents, taking them on tours, and always ending up in the cafeteria where an ice cream bar was set up. They were sending a message to the staff that every child was important and would be treated with love and respect. By late afternoon, the hospital staff had seen enough to know that it was no act. Most of them felt relief to be able to give care to patients without concern for social or financial status.

Kate and Chip had disappeared for an hour before noon. When they returned they had dozens of gift cards for a local department store. They delighted in handing them out