From Ukraine with Love: Family grateful for British welcome
A UKRAINIAN family has thanked the community for welcoming them to the UK with open arms.
Denis and Alyona Sobolev, with their children, have spent the past two months in Spencers Wood, a far cry from their hometown of Kharkiv.
The city is located in the northeast of Ukraine and shares a border with Russia. The damage to its homes and infrastructure during the conflict has been extensive.
“From the very first day of the war, there were bombings, missiles and a lack of information,” Alyona said. “We were not even aware of what was going on in the streets.”
The family sought refuge in the basement of their apartment block for six days, before deciding to flee the country.
“We didn’t have a choice,” the mother of three explained. “We were just thinking about our kids. If it weren’t for the kids, we would have stayed there.”
The next three days saw the family driving and waiting in lines at borders between cities. They woke up each morning without knowing where they would spend the night.
“It was mostly actions under adrenaline,” said Denis, who was only able to leave the country with his family by virtue of having three young children.
The Sobolevs eventually made it through the Romanian border and waited two weeks to receive their visas. They then made their way to the UK, where Alyona’s sister has lived for 18 years.
Despite the trying nature of their arrival, the pair were full of praise for the British people’s hospitality and goodwill.
“As Ukrainians, we are very thankful,” Alyona said. “We are very appreciative of this opportunity and we’re very thankful to all the families who have come forward and opened up their homes. That has really touched our hearts.”
“I think the British people are very brave to just share their houses with families from Ukraine,” Denis said.
“It’s a brave thing to do. The fact that you have unknown people coming to your house, but you’re ready to share. That’s so nice.”
The parents were particularly grateful to the Spencers Wood and Shinfield communities, who helped enrol their children into school and nursery.
Regaining a routine has helped the children adjust to life in the UK.
“The oldest one is 11. His English was good before we came because he had been studying it in Ukraine,” Alyona explained.
“Our middle one is eight, she’d only been studying English in Ukraine for a year and a half so it’s a little bit harder for her, but thankfully there is another Ukrainian girl in her class.”
“The teachers have been very helpful and the school environment is very friendly, so we’re really happy about that.”
“For our little one, when we first came, they said they didn’t have any places but would do what they could. The next day, they called us and said they had found a place for her.”
“All of the kids are settled and I’m very happy about that.”
Alyona and Denis both credited their faith in helping them endure the trials of the past three months.
“We believe in God and if it weren’t for that emotional and spiritual support, it would be even harder,” Alyona said.
“We still connect with our church members and friends online to pray together and share news.”