Editor’s Note: ‘That time when’ is a new feature by the Kyiv Post which invites its readers to share their experiences of living in Ukraine.
That time when I found myself traveling thousands of miles from America to Ukraine, when I had never even left the country. “We were going to teach English to students in Lviv,” they said, but it turned into so much more.
Ukraine was beautiful, yet intimidating. Soldiers greeted us at the airport with intense curiosity. “Why would Americans come to Ukraine, when everyone wants to go to America?” we were asked every day.
The skies were blue and the fields were golden. The rain daily surprised us, but the comforting words of “It’s Lviv” provided laughter over frustration. Behind the thick walls of distrust and skepticism, were genuine hearts of kindness and friendship. Beyond the distressed roads and old buildings, were cities with a secret hope for a better future. It was different, it was ironic, but I was captivated.
From Lviv to Lutsk, from Kyiv to Odesa, Ukraine eventually became more than just a 9-day trip for me, it became my home.
After traveling back and forth for several years, getting married in-between, and much concern from those around us, my husband and I chose to sell everything and move to Ukraine. Yes, to Ukraine. To a country whose people consider their future hopeless and fearful. To a country whose people feel stuck and unheard. To a country whose people show deep sadness, but are truly longing for genuine love and hope. To a country that feels they are in war every day…and are. But most importantly, to a country where I feel I have the most peace in my heart. To a country where I want to be a part of the change that is to come. A country with a bright future, talented people, incredible wisdom, immaculate architecture, and the most genuine souls. A place that has eternally changed my life.
Why leave when you can stay and be a part of something bigger than yourself? A country forever changed for the better and for those to come. Ukraine. A country that is an honor to call our home.
…and let’s be real. Are the crammed buses, disobeyed traffic laws, feisty grandmas, and fierce guard dogs pretty scary most days? Absolutely! But, every day is an adventure, and it’s worth it!
