Episode 3 - Lyudmila
Lyudmila is a 72-year-old lady forced to flee the war. Her precarious physical condition and age have made it more difficult to overcome such a great trauma, but through meeting volunteers from the Tzu Chi Foundation she has found a safe place and new hope.


What are your earliest memories related to your arrival in Poland?
I am Lyudmila. I’m from the Eastern part of Ukraine. I am 72 years old, my hometown is Zaporozhye. I have lived there for more than 50 years.
Before the war, there was an opportunity and I loved to travel. Poland is one of the countries whose residents have provided invaluable assistance to Ukrainians.
What were the biggest difficulties and how were they overcome (or not)?
The biggest difficulty I faced was related to the place of residence. I was very lucky. I met the volunteers of the Tzu Chi Foundation in Warsaw. They helped me with the placement in the Camillian house in Lomianki. Father Roman and the guests warmly welcomed me. Unfortunately, my health and physical condition do not allow me to get a job.
How do you spend your time in Lomianki?
I teach mathematics with some children in the house. I participate in the projects carried out by Tzu Chi Foundation volunteers: helping those in need, there were visits, a theater project, etc.
How do you look at your future?
In the future, I would like to return home and live out my old age among relatives and friends, but so far "without hope, I hope."
Can you tell us an episode or story that particularly touched you?
During a visit, I met an 11-year-old boy who, after an injury, was learning to walk on his knees. His thirst for life and desire to overcome the disease amazed me and instilled faith in the future of Ukraine.
You can find the previous episode HERE.
