Forever Goodbyes

By John Ross · Ukraine, Romania

Anastasia, a Ukrainian refugee who served as our team’s translator shared, “Every time I say goodbye to someone, I know it can be forever.”

One thing that loss and death does is bring us closer to the present.

There’s less planning of a future, less dreaming, less reminiscing of the past. What is in front of you, is in front of you. What matters, matters.

It’s not that life should always be lived in such a way but it does lend a unique perspective, a healthy perspective when times like that come your way.

Dreaming is magical, remembering is beautiful, but being present in a moment is everything.

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Back to Romania & Ukraine

501 is about people. And communities. And serving one another. And to do that, we must have sustainable, growing relationships. On that note, 501 is headed back to Romania and Ukraine for the holidays! Why is 501 Collective heading back to Romania & Ukraine? We’re heading back to spend Christmas with the Ukrainian orphans. They have incredible caretakers and they’re safe, warm and fed, but the days can be long so we’ll be purchasing gifts for each one and hope to bring a bit of joy throughout the week to everyone we can!

The Side of People

One of the things we love the most about our partners in Romania and Ukraine is that it does not matter your religion, nationality, race, gender… it’s just that you’re a person. Someone who deserves love, care, safety, and a future. Our partners in Romania told us that they have received concerns about how they operate due to their care for all people. And their response, ‘We don’t care if they are from Romania, Ukraine, Russia, or anywhere else… if they need help, we are there to help them. Our mission is simply to help others.’

Once in a Lifetime

One of the things heard often on trips with 501 Collective is, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!” Traveling to Romania to serve refugees who have fled their homeland. Going into Ukraine to bring food and supplies to those displaced withing their country. Shooting hoops with a wheelchair basketball team in Uganda. Building Aquaponic Farms across the globe in third world countries. Caring for disabled children in India.