A trip to Poland with Mending Together brought Chris face to face with the dedication of refugee caregivers—and his own need for care.

In this honest reflection, he explores burnout, the challenge of making room for rest, and what it means to mend alongside the people we serve.

Mending Together is pleased to announce the appointment of Major Sandra Pawar to its Board of Directors.

As a board member, Pawar will draw on her expertise in strategic leadership, community engagement, and fundraising to advance Mending Together’s mission and growth.

From November 21–28, Mending Together will travel to four cities across Finland to support local parishes caring for refugees and displaced communities. As regional uncertainty brings new challenges closer to home, we will equip caregivers with practical tools to strengthen their well-being, resilience, and capacity to care for others.

What’s it like to join Mending Together in the field as a volunteer? In this article, Karsten shares his personal experience on a recent trip to Poland, reflecting on the people he met, the moments that stayed with him, and what the trip meant to him.