The Voices of Ukrainians

How war and propaganda have been affecting families across Ukraine, Russia and the world. On February 24 th , 2022, Anya, like millions of Ukrainians, was woken up at 5 o’clock in the morning by the sounds and reverberations of missiles striking in and around Kyiv (where she lived) and all over the country.  She spent that morning rounding up her very large family, including a 13 year old son who was at a sleepover more 30 minutes from their home.  Imagine being separated from one of your children in a situation like that.  They did get all of their family (18 people) together, but it was a lot of work and stress.  While getting everyone together Anya and her family had to pack up not knowing how long they would be gone.   Then, they joined millions of people on the road who were heading West.  It took them 3 days to make a trip that would typically take 7-9 hours.   As Anya sat in the car, she started thinking about her parents.  ...

  Both of the girls were more … squeaky … than normal.  They are both 19, but they sounded a few years younger.   I was taking Inna and Nastia into Ukraine.  Not just to visit, but to stay.  To live in Safe Haven, their home, and to go to their schools this year, not just just take an occasional course online in between work.   It had been a year and half since Inna had been in Ukraine.   As we approached the checkpoint on the Ukrainian side, Nastia took a picture of the sign that said “Ukraine”.  A few minutes later, I felt the car start to shake, and it took me a minute of looking around before I realized that she was just bouncing her leg in anticipation of actually being back in Ukraine.   After we crossed the border, we pulled in to a gas station, and as we were leaving, Inna said dreamily, “Everyone spoke Ukrainian.”  Nastia added, “And they were SO nice.”  She just sighed contentedly.   It was very in...