On the Way Home to Ukraine

They came rushing in, full of shallow breaths and relieved to make this train in time after already 10 hours of travel. They are Ukrainian and they are returning home. *Ruslana has been staying in Sweden with her sister’s family since the invasion turned her lifelong home of Lviv into a city under dangerous treat. Her husband remained behind, conscripted to fight if necessary along the other able-bodied men in accordance with the nation-wide emergency decree. I didn’t ask if he was safe.

Ruslana and her husband both have been working for the Lviv airport for over 10 years, an airport now closed due to the conflict. There are a lot of unknowns in her return home, but to do it or not isn’t even a fathomable choice on this sunny Wednesday afternoon. “Of course we’re going to come back!” she offers proudly to my non-asked question. “On the train platform earlier" she continues, "I could hear many Ukrainians talking. Just the sound of their voice, my own language, it was so sweet.” Her son stirs, exhausted, yet obviously safe and happy with his mother near.

Ruslana stares out the train window with bright yellow rapeseed flowers blooming in the fullness of spring. Her eyes are pensive and emotional. She breaks her gaze to ask “aren’t you afraid to go to Lviv?” I say no, explaining that we’re simply inspired by the Ukrainian spirit and strength. She smiles a painful smile and I wonder if my comment was the wrong choice of words, but then her posture straightens with pride again and she shares how beautiful her city really is, what coffee shops I should check out, and how she was so surprised and proud to read in the paper that many restaurants and theaters are open. “We have really good food in Lviv! You could eat at a different spot each meal and always be happy.” We chat a little more but her boy is hungry and needs a nap so we let the conversation drop. To see them both here quiet and cautiously hopeful is to know their rest and return home is well-deserved.

Ruslana is returning to an in-tact and loving family, but a family without a job and a husband waiting to see if he will be called upon to fight. They don't know what is in store for their future, but they are relieved to at least be facing it together.

According to the United Nations, more than 14 million people have fled their homes since the Russian invasion, with about 6 million of those taking refuge in other countries.  This means that two-thirds of Ukrainian children have had to leave their homes. However, around 1 million women and children have already returned to their beloved home of yellow and blue, ready to rebuild normalcy, even in the midst of an ongoing war. They are a strong people who carry  pain and hope with great dignity. How many of the millions did not have the fortune of family and safety in refuge cities? How many have instead ended up in the hands of traffickers who prey on the desperation of war? How many will see exploitation upon their return as they desperately seek emotional and economic stability? It’s too early to tell, but preliminary reports describe this new wave of exploration as only just beginning.

Now is the time to intervene, now is the time to empower, now is the time to ensure freedom. Join us in this journey.

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