Every Friday, you can follow a special series: Children’s Diary – In War and on the Run. In the first part, 17-year-old Alyona shares her story and experiences.
Hi!
I’ll tell you a little about my experiences in Sweden. The summer camp was just fantastic for me and my friends!Each and every day was great. We visited a zoo, looking at the animals and riding on the attractions. Events were new day by day! We enjoyed sauna and pools and had loads of delicious food. We admired the nature, rode beach buggies, and some lovely people took us for a ride in their retro cars. In a church, we were met by warm-hearted people. It was lovely!
We had much fun at the camp. We laughed, sang, danced, read the Bible, played games and painted. And we took lots of photos. We even went fishing one day. In the evenings, we grilled sausages and marshmallows or ran around with Ukrainian and Swedish flags.
But then it was time to return home. The good-bye hugs were full of tears and smiles. We arrived in Ukraine happy.
But at home, drones and missiles met us. The sounds of our air defence and the alert sirens filled the air.
It was hard to adjust to all of this again, as we had been enjoying peace. War rages in my country. Every day and every night, the russians pester us with missiles, drones and bombs.
Everyone is strained and terribly tired. Our soldiers fight for our freedom, and the losses are heavy. Mothers cry over their sons who died too early… But we believe in victory.
It’s hard to handle this pain. Our parents met us with tears in their eyes, as we had missed each other very much.
I’m looking forward to start my studies. I need a good training, at first in management. After that, I’m going to do the military service and I want to help my parents.
Alyona, 17
If you are willing and able, please consider supporting the work of the Children’s Embassy for the children of Ukraine amidst the war.
Wishing you a peaceful weekend.
Mirjam Adolphi
