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By Olga Janaszek - Serafin | Project Leader
Nina and her husband Vova fled Ukraine after two bombs hit their home and 13 fell on their land. They spent many days without light, in a cold basement that served as a shelter for them and their neighbors. They talk about the war all the time with trepidation, even though it has been going on for eight years in the region where they live. - It is impossible to get used to war," says Nina.
The story of their arrival in Poland is not at all easy. They have never traveled. Their whole life is their children, grandchildren, house and garden. A field with vegetables (everything goes into jars for winter every year), fruit trees (Nina makes great jams), a homestead with happy, free-range chickens, so their trip to Poland was a big challenge for them.
First they had to flee from falling bombs, and once they found a safe, peaceful roof over their heads in Poland, they had to move out suddenly. They are super-sympathetic, warm-hearted, hospitable people. They have been married for more than 40 years. They have never parted ways. They lived to have three children, but when asked about their family, they both start crying.
- We have three children, whom we love very much. We did not expect that in our old age my husband and I would have to leave our possessions. With us the war has actually been going on for eight years, we have already learned to live with it, although it is impossible to get used to it... When the bombs hit our house, we had to flee. We came to Poland to our daughter, who married a Pole here, has a beautiful house and we stayed with her. We were fine, we didn't hear the bombing, we didn't have to flee to the basement at night. Suddenly overnight we had to move out.... - Nina recounts crying.
Her husband sits on the edge of the neatly bedded and shakes his head every now and then saying, Nina prypyny (Nina stop).
- Over there in Ukraine "bach, bach" fell bomb after bomb, here there is no war, and still "bach, bach" other bombs fly - says Vova, his chin shakes, but not a single tear flies....
Nina is blind in one eye, and has been a homemaker all her life. Her husband worked as a train driver. Now he is in well-deserved retirement. Both of them are helped by Nina's niece Katya.
- My aunt is like a mother to me. She's a good, dear woman who has been through a lot, and I'm really glad that here in the hostel, thanks to the PAY IT FORWARD Foundation, she has found a roof over her head and peace of mind. They have really been through a lot ... - says Katya.
When asked if they need anything, they say they have everything.
- My God we have peace of mind, a roof over our heads, food, clean bedding everything we have. All my life I will pray for the people who helped us - adds Nina.
Vova a little confused suddenly adds:
- Foam shaving would be very useful I will ask, because I do not know where to buy ... - she adds quietly Vova. He can hardly be heard.
By Olga Janaszek - Serafin | Project Leader
By Olga Janaszek - Serafin | Project Leader
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