A Mother of four

On the second day of the war (February 25, 2022), we saw military planes and rockets flying very low above our house. The next day, we heard a loud explosion and the military warehouse, along with one of the checkpoints near our home, was bombed. Explosions were heard everywhere and my children were screaming and terrified. It was then that I made the decision to abandon [flee] my country in order to keep my children safe. 

Three of my four children were with me, but my oldest daughter was away at college. The bridge had been destroyed between our hometown and my daughter’s college town and she was unable to meet us to make the journey out of Ukraine. 

It took us 30 minutes to pack up all of our things and make it to the transport organized by our church. The trek to the border was very tiring and we had to split into three groups in order to make it to our destination. By the grace of God, we were able to make it to a refugee camp in a neighboring country. 

This camp is a mercy from God—we have everything we could ever need and more. The people running this camp are so caring and compassionate; still, we cannot wait to go home. My elderly parents remain in Ukraine, as they were unable to leave, but I keep in contact with them every single day.

A YOUNG GIRL FROM ukraine

Planes were flying extremely low to our home and explosions could be heard in the distance. I was at home with my 76 year-old granny. She is deaf and could not understand what was going on. 

I quickly put my coat on, got my granny ready, and we left for the village. I was offered a chance to travel to Poland and help watch after some of the younger children who were also traveling without their parents. 

Our journey to the border was very similar to other stories—it was a very difficult, strenuous, and dangerous trek. Thankfully, we made it safely to a refugee camp at the Poland border. I am here with my two younger sisters and younger cousins; I am now responsible for myself and the four of them.

A STUDENT AND WIFE FROM ukraine

I am a wife and student from Ukraine. When we heard the planes and bombing start I was in a panicked state. I was hesitant to leave my home, but my husband insisted that I leave Ukraine and get to safety in a neighboring country. I did not want to leave him, but I was asked to help eight children (aged 6-15) from other families get out of the country. 

Since arriving at the refugee camp, we have had more than we need and I have found the peace I had been lacking since the war broke out. The children are safe and happy and are no longer scared. 

I was especially moved when the kids were able to choose some toys for themselves—it was amazing! Just the other day,  each child received their own pillow in the shape of a dolphin. Now, their sleep is not only peaceful, but soft as well. 

Just like most of the refugees here, I have a husband, parents, and friends back in Ukraine that I keep in touch with every day.

A MOTHER FROM ukraine

I am a mother of three kids. When the war started we had to move to a church building, as it was not safe for us to remain in our apartment. I fled Ukraine with my husband, three children, and a special needs orphan from the church who needed assistance making it to the border. The journey here was very long and tiring but also blessed. 

When we arrived at the refugee camp we were greeted with great love and compassion from the staff. They are taking care of our every need and taking every opportunity to make sure we feel safe and at home. My husband has since returned to Ukraine to help with humanitarian work. I pray for his safety and for the others who are still in Ukraine. 

We are so thankful for the work of the refugee camp workers. There are more than 100 kids here and every day they have something different for us to do to entertain them. I am really astonished by how powerfully God can act through others.

A 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL FROM ukraine

I came to the refugee camp with my mother. We were scared to stay in Ukraine and my mother was also worried about my mental health. We made the long, two-day trip to the refugee camp. Our journey was not calm, but we finally made it. 

My brother’s wife and their children are also here with us. We were unable to take everything that we needed when we left our home, but since arriving at this camp, we have not lacked anything. Hot meals, toiletries, warm showers, and so much more have been provided for us. We are also able to talk and get to know other refugees here, which I really enjoy. However, my brother and grandparents are still in Ukraine and I worry about their safety.