Alina

Hi all! I want to share my story with you, my name is Alina. I have lived all my life in a small town in Ukraine, which is located in the Donetsk region. I was married there and have two beautiful children, my daughter is six years old and my son is three. I always dreamed of having a happy family, a wonderful husband and I had it. My husband worked at the factory as an economist, and I sang on weekends in a small cafe. My daughter began first grade in 2021 and our son went to kindergarten.

 

Our life was getting better, we bought the house that we had been dreaming of for so long and a cute cat, who became another member of our family. Everything in life is fine, you say to yourselves.

 

Then on February 24, 2022, our old life stopped. In the morning, I woke up, answered the phone and goosebumps ran through my body, and tears appeared in my eyes…War?? I couldn’t believe this was actually happening. My husband and I contacted a friend and first of all tried to pull ourselves together. Our children are nearby and we must ensure their safety.

 

The decision to go abroad did not come immediately. Firstly, parting with my husband means something unrealistic for me, because we have always been together. Second, where would we go? Until we heard shots and explosions in our city, we were in no hurry to even discuss it. The shelter was equipped from the first day of the war, and the children slept only there. Then on March 1 or 2, these terrible sounds began to reach us, getting closer and closer. Then we made a decision, I would leave with our children. The choice fell on the Czech Republic, because my friend arrived in Prague from Kharkov.

 

We traveled to Prague by train for 4 days. My friend, her mother and her daughter, who is twelve years old, were also traveling with me. The personal road here is another story, stress, nerves, tears, and quarrels throughout the journey.

 

We arrived in Prague on 9 March 2022. My friend met a wonderful woman who was able to shelter her and also helped us all. We had accommodation for a week. What’s next??

 

The first week we were engaged in paperwork, visa and other required registrations for living in the Czech Republic. Then one day, when we were going to the social assistance center, we met a family who said that a woman from America was helping them. We took her phone number. It took me a long time to decide to call, I’m accustomed to asking for help, but here there is no time for pride when you are with children and you need to live somewhere. And no one will do anything for you, you have to do it yourselves. The advantage was that I speak a little English and, of course, I will call. I dialed and heard a cute voice, it was Kimberly. She told me to send her information about how many of us and our age. The next day she called me back and said that in three days we can move into the apartment. What, I couldn’t believe it, will it happen? Kimberly sent the address and on day three with our things in hand we arrived at the offered address.

 

I arrived first with the children, and while I waited, many different thoughts went through my head. Kimberly called and said she would be there in 5 minutes. Then, I see a fragile blonde lady walking and smiling at me. Instantly, I became a little calmer. She took us to the apartment and asked us to wait. Well, I think we have a home. Then I saw that she was climbing the stairs and dragging huge bags, any doubts were dispelled. At the same time, my friends came who referred us to Kimberly and then we were able to learn more about each other and Kim said that we could live in this apartment. When she left, we were all in shock and did not believe that it was all true. She ordered food for us, brought everything we needed for life, but the most important thing is that we have a place to live. This was our first acquaintance with Kimberly.

 

As I found out later, Kimberly created the Amity community. The Amity team provides Ukrainians, who were forced to leave their country, a comfortable apartment and support to each of us. At this difficult time, they give us, people from Ukraine, not only food, housing, help with finding work, children go to kindergartens or schools. They gave us more. Faith! I could not believe that there are people in the world who are ready to help free of charge, sincerely and wholeheartedly! To all those who help Amity in some way, thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! For the fact that we can live anew, enjoy life, raise our children and feel comfortable in another country. Yes, I am very sad that the children and I cannot be near my husband and their dad. But for now, the important thing is that they are safe!

 

Kimberly, thank you for your kind heart! Thank you for Amity. I love you.