A Fresh Start for one Ukrainian Family at a time

After attacks on the Harbor of Odessa, buildings were destroyed, and supply chains cut off, the family Lewis-Konarevia decided to flee Ukraine for the protection of the children.

With the help of a Friend in Romania, whose concern, time and money we can never repay, today, on March 1, they crossed the Ukrainian Border and are currently in Romania; they crossed at 9.35 this morning.

Their next move is to cross the border into Hungary and thus begin the journey of rebuilding a life.

With the help of another friend, Czech, we will make the 10-hour drive tomorrow or Thursday to bring them to Prague.

We will give them shelter with my and other Czech friends until all papers are in order with the USA as end destination.

Just going through this experience with them makes me reflect on the thousands of immigrants that fled to Ellis Island in 1892, escaping from religious persecution, political oppression, and poverty. It is also reminiscent of those fleeing Germany during World War II because the Ukraine invasion has scary parallels to WWII. I can not imagine how it is to leave you home with only three bags.

Valentyna ( grandma ), Olga ( Mom ), Illia ( 7 years ) and Daniel (19 months ) have started their journey.

Although we are supporting them and guiding them, this will not be easy, and any help we can give them to help them get set up and established will be incredibly appreciated. I personally never thought about how much you need to start a new life.

Today we have social media and lots of support, and For 100 years, our ancestors also depended on networks but just a different kind.

Once settled, any help is appreciated; we have also vowed to help others.

Thank you, Family Lewis-Konarieva

We will also keep you updated on their progress.