Karina needs help after fleeing the Ukraine

Hello. I have a co-worker who I feel deeply compelled to help. His name is Robert Houtman.

Karina is his host daughter. In 2011, Karina and her mother were hit by a car in Kyiv, Ukraine. Her mother passed, and she landed in an orphanage. Robert hosted her and saw her through all of her schooling, marriage, and now to a family of her own. Weeks ago, he flew to Poland and was able to assist in getting her and her daughter, Alicia, out of Ukraine and safely to a refugee camp in Poland. Karina also has her 11-year-old brother in law, Kiril, with her. Karina’s husband is still in Ukraine, stationed at a checkpoint outside of Kyiv, fighting for the country’s freedom.  While there, Robert contacted a lawyer and Karina’s paperwork is in process for her to come to the USA. He is hoping that by May, she will be here. Karina, Alicia, and Kiril will be welcomed, loved, cared for, and live with Robert and his wife.

I am so incredibly moved by his acts of courage to ensure that Karina and her family are safe. She is faced with immense challenges ahead as she has to rebuild a life and care for her daughter and brother in law. My goal is to raise funds for airfare to get them to the US, plus a little extra as their needs will be significant once they arrive. This will help with the financial burden Robert has already had and will have in the future as he continues to fight for the welfare of Karina and her child. I know that so many of us are so disturbed by what we have seen happen in Ukraine, and want to help but don’t know how. Please donate and help this young girl get to Kalamazoo, where she can begin a new life in safety with her child. Please keep her husband in your prayers, specifically that he will remain safe and one day be able to be reunited with his family. Please pray that Karina will have strength and peace as she navigates change and acceptance of the life changes that have been forced upon this young Mom.

All money raised will go directly to Robert as he coordinates her trip to the US and her care while here.