The words of Maria: My name is Maria Ivanova.  I am 28 years old and I lived in Ostrov in the Rovne region.  I have a 4-year old daughter, Sofia.  When the war and bombing started, my daughter was very scared and cried all the time.  We moved to her grandmother’s house and we stayed in the cellar out of fear of the bombs.  We waited anxiously to be transported to the border with Poland.  Some selfless, courageous people started to assist helpless women and children, and they help us get to the border.  We packed only basic items that we could carry.  We stood in a 3-km line at the border all night and were finally able to cross the border around noon the next day.  Thank to the help we received, we were able to get food, clothes and shelter.  Without the help from the Hummingbird Effort Foundation in Poland, I have no idea what would have happened to us.  We are safe, we have a roof over our heads, and we are extremely grateful for all the help and assistance we received.