We had to leave my husband and son behind

I decided to leave Ukraine with my daughter on March 15. I left my husband and son behind, and it was a hard decision...

One of my friends who had already arrived in Romania told me that assistance is provided and that we can live in centers once we arrive. Yes, that's how it was. During the next 10 days, we lived in this place and then moved to an office building that had been renovated for our needs. Afterwards, I heard about JRS through a friend and asked for help finding an apartment.

Because I was able to find a job just two weeks after arriving in Romania (I teach math to Ukrainian children), we live paycheck to paycheck, but we try not to deny ourselves small pleasures.

For example, if my daughter tells me she wants to go out for pizza, I don't refuse her, because these simple things make her smile.

My only problem is that I don't speak Romanian yet, but I understand when someone speaks to me. I am still shy, but I have Romanian friends who can practice with me.

Compared to Ukraine, the weather here is much warmer and the air is less humid.

In addition to making new friends, I have had the opportunity to learn a new language. I enjoy reading about Romanian culture and history and I think I am stronger now than I was before.

There is nothing I dislike about this place.

The last 7 months have been hard for me without seeing my husband and son...

Our apartment is in a new building, we have heat and everything we need, and we get along very well with the owner, who always asks if we need anything.

In a conversation with my daughter, I found myself saying, "I want to get home faster," referring to my rented apartment. So, this is my new home for the moment apparently.

Since everything is still so uncertain and changeable, I can't think of new plans, but I have one wish, to return home to my family in April of next year. If we were together, we might be able to stay in Romania for a long time, but in such a situation, we are unable to do so.

My colleague was telling me about this organization (JRS) and one day I decided to go with her, I talked to a counsellor who answered my questions, and then explained what we need to do, in order to be able to rent an apartment, but in that moment everything seemed extremely complicated. I remember that the first month when we received support, I told the counsellor assisting me that it was "magic", I cried and hugged her, I couldn't believe that someone would help us so much.

After we moved into the apartment, I felt that the ground stopped moving under my feet and that I could focus on other things, such as my daughter's education.

Thank you and I am very grateful for everything you do for us!

NATALIA H., Ukraine