It is extremely hard and frightening to wake up one morning and understand that a war has started in your home country. You immediately understand that from this moment on your life is going to change dramatically, and that the plans you laid out for the future are ruined. At that one moment, you have no job, no income, and at any time, you might loose your home, your family, your life… Every time you hug a loved one, you are wondering if you are going to see them again, or is it the final hug…

I have seen so many war movies, but I have never dreamed that I would ever experience the reality of war, and it is absolutely terrifying.

The first time our city was under a missile attack around 6 am, the entire city shook. The city of Gole was filled with the sound of sirens. Panicked people were packing desperately to leave their homes, their city and their country.

But at that point, I decided to stay and help with whatever I could. From the first days of the war, the people of Ukraine became united-everyone was helping in any way they were able to. Men and young boys joined the territorial defense forces to defend their cities. People started to volunteer with various organizations. Theatres and government institutions organized humanitarian aid checkpoints. The city started to host refugees from other Ukrainian cities, which were continuously and brutally attacked by the Russian army.

I volunteered in a couple of organizations: I was sorting humanitarian aid and making camouflage nets for our soldiers. Over the course of the next few days, the attacks intensified. The warning sirens could be heard nonstop signaling imminent air missiles. We had to run and hide in bomb shelters or other secure locations. We had to sit in cellars for hours at a time. At the point, I made a difficult decision to leave Ukraine in spite of the fact that it is not easy to leave your home not knowing if you would ever be able to return.

I am very grateful to my friend, Ludmila, who has lived in Poland for a few years and became a volunteer with the Hummingbird Effort Foundation. The Foundation has arranged my transfer from Ukraine to the Polish city of Gdynia. People in Ukraine are very dedicated to each other at this difficult time. Friends brought me to the border-we had to pass through multiple checkpoints. When I was crossing the border to Poland with the help of Polish volunteers, I could hear the sounds of shooting.

Soon after I arrived on the Polish side, there was a huge explosion somewhere nearby. On the Polish side, there are many volunteers, who assist with transportation, communication, temporary housing and any coordination necessary. There are refugee checkpoints where you can rest, eat and get necessities.

I am so grateful to every Polish person and the Polish government who opened their hearts and are helping Ukrainians in this extremely difficult time. I am also grateful to the Hummingbird Foundation, who found housing for me in the home of Mrs. Barbara and Mr. Wojtek, two wonderful people who took in a stranger into their home. They assist me with absolutely everything and help me adapt to the new circumstances. I also appreciate the help of my friend Ludmila, who is always there for me, always ready to help. Thanks to all these amazing people, I am safe now.

I believe in our Ukrainian Army, I believe in Justice, I believe that God is on the side of the oppressed and I believe we will prevail!