Support Andriy's Family New Start in US

We are embarking on a journey that has been put into our lives and on our hearts.

We are sponsoring a Ukrainian family of three that we are hosting.

They arrived in the US (Tampa, FL), June 27th with just the clothes on their back.

We met the father (age 40) on a 15 day cruise in Europe 6 years ago. He (Andriy Kebap) was the wine Sommelier on our ship. We instantly connected with him. His wife (Olesia Kebap) was expecting at the time, back home in Ukraine. Andriy was giving us “maternity updates” throughout the cruise, until one meal he walked into the dining room with an ear to ear grin, and the news that his son (Illia) had been born.

Following the cruise we remained in contact with Andriy, and we have even gone on two subsequent cruises just to see/visit him. On a third cruise while at the Panama Canal, out of the blue we spotted the ship Andriy was working on headed in the other direction on the Canal. We quickly called Andriy and he went to the railing on the ship so we could wave to each other (while we simultaneously FaceTimed with him as he passed by).

Sue has become a "pen pal" with his mother in Ukraine and they write/communicate on a weekly if not daily basis.

Ever since the war broke out in Ukraine, we have been in contact with his wife (Olesia Kebap) to help keep her spirits up. (Even though we no longer hear news updates on the war, things had gotten much worse in their country.). Their son (Illia) has been sleeping in the bathtub and the wife (Olesia) would sleep on the floor of the bathroom in case their home was hit by a bomb in the night.

A few weeks ago the apartment building down the street from their home in Odessa was hit by a bomb and destroyed, and many were injured and killed.

Andriy works 6 - 8 month contracts on a ship. Then has 3 months off. Since the war began he has been unable to return home. If he returned home to Ukraine he would immediately be drafted into their service. He has now learned that even if he returns home after the war he will be imprisoned for evading the draft

When Andriy is off contract (not on the ship) his wife and son had been meeting him in Moldova and they rent a home there so they can be together. (They end up spending almost all he earns on contract during that time off). Sadly when the war started the Ukrainian Government froze their money from in their account.

When we were on a cruise with Andriy this past January, our discussions arrived at the realization that it is time he and his family consider building a new life in the United States.

So we began in earnest the process of sponsoring them thru the U.S. Government. The program is called "Uniting for Ukraine".

They are leaving everything behind them at their home in Odessa. We will be helping them get a fresh start. We are responsible for them for up to 2 years. They will initially be living with us in our home (and potentially could be with us up to the full two years). Their desire is to get jobs and get on their own as soon as possible.

I know it sounds crazy, but six years ago when we met Andriy we felt it was no coincidence that he was brought into our lives. Even then, we believed in time it would become clear where our friendship with him might lead.

This past year God has put it on both Sue's and my heart to open our home, hearts, and lives to Andriy and his family.

We have a busy few weeks ahead once they arrive! It means getting Andriy a drivers license, meeting any and all other legal requirements, Social Security Cards, supporting documentation, enrolling Illia in school, TB testing, and even a vehicle and insurance (just to name a few things). Fun times ahead.

It should be an interesting journey for all of us. We are asking that you please keep us in your thoughts and prayers in the coming days and weeks, and if you are so inclined, donate to this “go fund me” account.

Bart & Sue Rasmussen