Overflowing Hope

For 10-year-old Valeria Yezhova, the war in her hometown is no reason to hide at home in despair. Instead Valeria sits at a folding table near the sliding glass doors of a Kyiv shopping center with two camping chairs, a checkerboard, an empty shoebox, and a sign that reads, "We are helping the Ukranian army." 

Some drop a few hryvnia in her box to support the cause, and occasionally someone sits in the chair across from her to play a quick game of checkers. What passersby don't realize is that Yezhova rarely loses, instead typically beating her opponent in a matter of minutes.

Most of Ukraine is familiar with Yezhova and her checkerboard now, and the country is proud of its famous young phenomenon. Yezhova is both the European and the world champion for her age group, and she looks forward to returning to Turkey next month to play in the European youth championships again. 

"These children are a great example of how we can help each other, a good example that Russia can't beat us," 18-year-old Mykola Sorokin said after losing his match.

Yezhova spent the first week of the war hiding in a school basement as Russian forces descended on a neighborhood outside Kyiv near her grandparents' home. As Yezhova played one afternoon last week, a security guard emerged from the shopping center to tell her he was temporarily closing the doors for safety because of air raids elsewhere in the city, a continual reminder that the war continues.

"Of course I would like to live a normal life, but during the war it is difficult," she said. "This is an unpleasant feeling. There are a lot of negative emotions."

After just under two hours of play, Yezhova makes the equivalency of nearly $150, all of which will be donated to a foundation that supports the Ukranian war effort. For Yezhova, the checkerboard is one small way she can share her gifts with those in need.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

What will you do this week to share your gifts with those around you, stepping into a story that is far larger than your own?

God bless,

Jennie