Day 5 & 6

Mihaela visited the township of Chiuiesti, population 2332, where 28 refugees are hosted at the cultural center. The mayor mobilized his team and the local community, including the local baptist and orthodox churches which resourced the project with a lot of financial donations and volunteers who helped set up 10 rooms to host the refugee families. The group agreed to be interviewed and we met in the library to share their stories. One of the refugees started by thanking the Romanian government for accepting them and for all the help they received by the local community. He went on to thank the mayor and cultural center leadership team for all the support and care they have been receiving there. Soon after that, he started tearing up and his hands began shaking when he told us his story about his son being killed in front of him. The pain and sadness were very hard to see on his face.

Another woman shared her story of having to leave her husband and son behind and leaving with her daughter. There were many tears and sobbing and the entire group was moved to tears, processing their own grief.

After that, Mihaela and the team visited a Ukrainian refugee family and heard their story which resembled the many other stories shared by others. They didn’t agree to be interviewed, but agreed to take photos.

The refugee crisis in Ukraine is far from over. There are many ways to help refugees in your neighborhood, from monetary support to volunteering your time. Support Ukrainian Refugees in Michigan.