Maria’s History

💬”We were shocked and disoriented and didn’t understand what to do, but still I tried to gather some more important things and placed the luggage by the door of the apartment” Maria tells us with tears in her eyes, when she remembers how on the morning of February 24 2022 woke up to the sounds of bombing. On March 7, the bombings in the city of Nicolaev intensified and they realized that without heat, light, water, they could no longer stay here, and the damp and cold shelters were no longer safe. Maria’s parents and her special needs brother refused to leave the house. The road to Odessa was extremely dangerous, gunfire and explosions could be heard all around, the child was crying all the time and Maria could not calm him down. In Odessa, Maria and the child got on the bus and the husband stayed to defend the country, the separation was very painful and bitter. There was a tense atmosphere in the bus, many were crying, everything seemed like a nightmare. The journey took 12 hours, and it seemed to Maria that they would never make it. Crossing the border they were given first aid, but Maria, overwhelmed and confused, still did not feel safe. She and the other refugees were placed in a hostel, so that later she went on to her friends, who are still hosting her. Maria suffered from depression and with difficulty accepted the created situation. The guilt that she was safe, and those close to her remained there and were in danger, always tormented her. Now she and her child are fine, thanks to the hospitality and support of the Moldovan people. The child has fit in at school, he has friends who support him and Maria works at a tailor shop in the community. Both are trying to learn the Romanian language. Maria is also very satisfied with the psychological and legal support received from the Safe Space mobile team, UNFPA Moldova 💬 “With the help of donors and yours, refugee families can find comfort and safety. Thank you for being with them, in the most difficult moments”.