The hospitable Polish brothers invited many more from Ukraine to visit them the following year. So in 1989, thousands discreetly attended three international conventions in Poland and brought more literature back into Ukraine.

When they took us to Siberia, they told us that we would be there forever. We never imagined that there would be freedom. When we read in The Watchtower about the conventions taking place in other countries, we prayed to Jehovah that just once in our lives, we might have the opportunity to attend a convention such as they have in other countries. Sure enough, Jehovah blessed us. In 1989 we were able to attend the international convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Poland. It is impossible to describe the utter delight, the joy, of being there.

The brothers in Poland welcomed us wholeheartedly. We were there four days. We attended a convention! It was sheer delight to learn more about Jehovah and to receive instruction from God’s Word. We were so happy. We shared our experiences with everyone. Even though there were so many nationalities, they were our brothers! As we walked around the stadium, there was a beautiful feeling of peace. After everything​—having been under ban for so long—​it seemed to us that we were already in the new world. We didn’t hear any cursing, and everything was clean and beautiful. We spent time together after the program. We did not leave right away; we associated with the brothers, talking together. There were also interpreters if we did not understand the language. Even when we didn’t understand, we kissed one another. We were happy.