My name is Tatiana; I am 46 years old and live in Kyiv. On February 24, 2022, I woke up at 04.45 to terrible explosions, after which a heavy military plane flew over my house. When I opened Facebook, I heard that Russia was bombing Ukraine, then I turned on the TV and I heard that I needed to flee to the bomb shelter immediately.
Panic and despair began. I didn't know what to do.
When my neighbours and I ran to the shelter, it became clear that the living conditions there were unbearable: a basement without ventilation, sand underfoot, low ceilings, no toilet and no chairs. And in this shelter were people of all ages, children, the disabled, pets.
After staying there until the morning of the next day, I decided I had to go to Rivne to find my Mother who is 73. But there was no public transport and I did not know what to do. When my Mother heard about the invasion, she panicked and turned to her friend Nina, who offered to help her find shelter in the church. I then learned from my mother that a church minibus was leaving Kyiv and I could be picked up, but I had to leave immediately.
I had to take a risk: the journey was very difficult. On the way, my mother called me and said that I should go to Pastor Victor's church right away, because she was already there (my mother would not be able to run to the bomb shelter after surgery to replace two hip joints with a cane).
A large church family was already waiting for me in the church, where there were many grandmothers, women & children who were frightened.
I was happy to be in a safe place.
With this terrible war, I lost my job and earnings and cannot return to Kyiv. But I have everything I need to live in the church and I have the opportunity to serve other people that I can take care of (older people, giving injections, measuring blood pressure, doing morning exercises).
Being here in church, I became calmer and began to trust God more. I understand that it is He who is taking care of us, through other people. I began to pray more and read the Bible and my faith received great support and motivation.
