Amazing Epicerie sociale

Yesterday morning, we finally opened Luba's bank account. The French government dealt with two French banks (La Poste and Credit Agricole) where any Ukrainian could open their bank account at no charge. I was able to start the process of moving the money from the GoFundMe account to her bank account - we have currently raised 3,980 euros

We are just waiting for her to receive her debit card next week

Yesterday afternoon, Luba had her first French class in Bourges. As she lives a few minutes away from the train station in Mehun and does not have to pay anything for the train (as Ukrainian refugees, trains are free all over Europe), we decided it was the best way to go to her class.

I decided that I would go with Luba to show her how to go to her class using the train. I went with her to the train station. We still had to register Luba by showing her Ukrainian passport and get her 'free' ticket.' The train ride from Mehun to Bourges was 11 min. Once in Bourges, we walked for 15 min to her class. As we arrived one hour earlier, we went to the closest bakery, and we both had some sandwiches,

Luba attended her first class with two other Ukrainians. Her class lastest 2 hours which she felt went very fast. We walked back to the train station and caught the next train for Mehun. In total, we were gone from 12.40 to 17.20. Next week, Luba will be doing the same trip on her own :)

Today, we went shopping at Actions, Carrefour, and Leroy Merlin for all the missing items (Garbage bins, windows shades, bed sheets, etc.) - I am happy to announce that her house is now fully furnished and ready for happiness!

This afternoon, Luba and my sister Lydia went to the "Epicerie sociale" (food bank). Luba qualifies to go to the food bank once a week and leave with up to four bags. To everyone's surprise, the food and choices were terrific. From meats to vegetables (all bioproducts), she left with 350 euros worth of items for free. The fridge and freezer are full!

After the food bank, Luba went to apply for a job. The process was not very well done and a little bit archaic. Luba will need to go back again next week. The city hopes to be able to find her a job (office cleaning, school cafeteria, etc.)

In the meantime, she registered for another free French class, which will take place every Monday from 9 am to 11 am in Mehun.

Luba is now set for 4 hours of French per week, lives in a fully furnished cozy home, is starting to have a network of Ukrainian friends, and will always have a full fridge with high-quality products! Not a lousy progress in only three weeks! 😊